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I pull back to look at her. Thinking over all the stories I have been reading about Umbra traditions, I don’t recall one about a festival.
“What is that? I’ve never heard of it.”
“It’s a celebration of the autumnal equinox. Under the full moon, we thank and honor the gods for their many blessings through music, dance, and feasts. They decorate the village with lights and beautiful colors.”
I smile down at the queen as she describes what sounds like a lovely evening.
She fidgets with a curl as if overtaken by nerves. I don’t know why she would be nervous, though. I doubt I can say no to her, even if I wanted to. She has captured all of me. I look into those gemstone eyes that take my breath away. Reaching out, I take her hand in mine, rubbing slow circles along the back of it.
“I would love to go with you.” I bring her lips to mine for a brief kiss as her other hand rests on my chest. Her beaming smile nearly causes my heart to burst.
Hiram steps into view from the other side of the iron bars. The queen looks at him and with a simple nod, I know our time together is over. She stands from my lap, and I join her. Sliding her delicate hand into mine, I walk her to the door.
“What does one wear to this festival?”
She halts at the threshold, turning back to me. I don’t let go of her hand and briefly think about yanking her back into this cell with me.
“Don’t worry about that. Your outfit will arrive the day of the festival.”
I arch an eyebrow, wondering how she has already arranged clothing for me.
“I will wear clothes, right? This isn’t one of those dances-in-the-moonlight-naked type of festivals?” The queen bites her bottom lip, and I squeeze her hand at the thought of being naked with her again.
“Clothing is always optional with you, Theo.” Pushing up on her tiptoes, she kisses me again, and I slide my hands down her back, savoring the feel of her body.
I pull her closer, deepening our kiss. It may be days before we get to be alone together again, and I greedily want to soak up every piece of her I can.
The need within me grows with each passing day. Thoughts of her consume my mind even in dreams. She pulls out of our kiss and steps back. I reluctantly release her and stare at her bright smile as she walks backward out of the cell.
“Goodnight, Theo.”
She exits, and I glimpse Hiram with a huge smirk on his face. The queen nudges him playfully, and he rolls with her push. I watch as he wiggles his eyebrows at the queen, walking backward down the hall. She shoos him away, and I see a faint hint of pink warming her cheeks as she strides out of sight.
Chapter 35
Lily
Igroan in frustration as my fingers get tangled in my curls again. Why can’t I make more than a simple braid? Nyx can create beautiful braids in my hair with minimal effort while I’ve spent half my time getting ready, trying to get something to work.
As if I summoned him, the clicking of his boots resounds in my quarters. He enters my bathing chamber, and his eyebrows furrow with concern.
“What’s wrong? Why are you not ready yet?” Nyx asks.
I let my hands fall to my lap in defeat.
