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At last, the lake was quiet. Stone’s hidden retreat was no longer hidden, though eventually, and with the right fae spells, it could be returned to a completely private, unknowable location. But not for a while.
Stone at last flew in her direction.
She rose from her chair, wanting to be fully present for him. Ferrenden Peace didn’t have a Vampire Guard, so in that sense tonight’s battle hadn’t touched her personally, not in the way it had for Stone and his fellow mastyrs.
She knew his Vampire Guard had moved in once Margetta’s mist had disappeared. “How did the Tannisford Guard fare?”
He touched down and nodded solemnly. “We lost one of our own, but it was nothing compared to the other Guards. There will be mourning in each of the Realms tonight. But the end must near now.”
“Do you think the Gala should be postponed?”
“I discussed it with the ruling mastyrs. Though we lost good men here tonight, none of us wants to set aside our event because of Margetta’s attack. We’ve built a federation and tonight we’ve proved that we can work together against the Ancient Fae.”
She didn’t care that he was battle-stained. She could feel his
need as though it was her own. Without giving it too much thought, she went to him and slid her arms around his waist, settling her head on his shoulder. It was amazing tonight, start to finish. Men died here tonight and I don’t want to diminish the loss this is to the Nine Realms. But Stone, we took Margetta out at the knees. You and me.
He held her tight. We did that together, didn’t we?
I would have been crippled to have had that much power flowing through me. But it was so easy because of you. She drew back. “Did you see how the power we built stood up to hers?”
His lips curved slightly. “It was a thrill.”
She smiled. “It was. When the battle first started and I saw her golden light, I was taken back to being a child of nine and an awareness that the same light had killed my mother. Tonight has made up for a lot of the anger I’ve felt toward Margetta. We may not have ended her takeover attempt for good, but I’m sure we’re on our way.”
Some of the drawn look left his face. “We are. I know we are. It’s only a matter of time now.”
When he kissed her again, and she felt his urgency, she knew how this would end. But she had another idea so she drew back. “I want to be with you, but not until the gala is over. I hope that’s all right with you. Wait. Why are you smiling?”
“I was thinking about something Delia suggested. She thought I should take Aralynn to the ball, but I think I’d rather have the Queen of Ferrenden Peace beside me. Will you be my date?”
She couldn’t help herself. She landed on his chest and hugged him hard. She laughed at herself and how silly she felt.
“What is it?”
When she pulled back she shook her head. “I don’t know. I just haven’t felt this way in so long, like a girl. It’s nice. You have no idea.” She’d always planned on attending the gala, of course. She’d even had a gown made for the occasion. But she’d never thought she’d go with Stone. It all seemed so miraculous.
“How about I pick you up at the castle in about an hour.”
“That would be perfect.” She kissed him again on the lips then without another word, teleported back to the castle.
Once in her bedroom, she unlocked the doors and summoned her maids, grateful for the full hour to get ready. She wanted to look her best for Stone.
But as she pulled out the silk gown that she’d had made for the occasion weeks ago, she realized to her surprise that the fabric was a beautiful mossy-green and very nearly the color of Stone’s eyes.
She fingered the fabric gently. How far they’d come in just three short nights.
A decision came to her suddenly. There were still two large roadblocks to continuing her relationship with Stone, and she wanted at least one of them resolved tonight.
She pathed Vojalie and asked her and Davido to come to her private living room for cocktails before the gala. When Vojalie agreed readily, Rosamunde added that the time had come for Davido to give up his secret because she wasn’t keeping it a moment longer.
You’ve changed. Vojalie sounded awestruck. At least she didn’t try to argue with Rosamunde. Never fear, I’ll tell Davido and we’ll both be there. It’s time that Davido made his confession. I feel it as well.
With this next hurdle ready to be crossed, she called down to her butler and ordered drinks and appetizers to be served in her private parlor. She didn’t want a breath of what would be said tonight anywhere near her staff.
She hopped in the shower and gave herself to the pleasure of getting clean and having hot water beat into her muscles.
~ ~ ~
