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I laughed. “Somehow, I don’t think your grandmother would have minded too much.”
“No,” he said, his eyes twinkling. “I don’t think she would have either.”
I chuckled. “Grandmother must be disappointed in us.”
A meal and jewelry were tame gifts in comparison.
“On the contrary,” he said. “I think she’s quite pleased. A tame start to what promises to be a very wild ride.” He leaned closer, his breath brushing my ear. “After all, she did give me the book of love poetry.”
I shivered, feeling his warm breath against my skin. “And what are you going to do with it?” I asked.
“Read it, of course,” he replied. “To you.”
I swallowed hard, my heart racing. I could just imagine it. Him, reading Elvish, love poetry to me in that deep, honeyed voice of his. It would be my undoing.
“I think that can be arranged,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
“Good,” he said. “Because I’m looking forward to it.” His eyes met mine and I felt myself melt under his gaze.
Darith coughed loudly again, breaking the spell. “Shall we go in?” she asked pointedly.
I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. Prince Maedras offered me his arm and I took it, feeling a little lightheaded.
“He would have liked you,” he said quietly, leading me up the stairs to the manor. “I think you would have liked him, too. Unlike most Elves, he was open-minded and accepted people for who they were, not what they were. A human wife was not something that he would have balked at.”
“That’s refreshing to hear,” I said, welcoming the distraction from the thoughts of Elvish love poetry. “I’m tired of all the political maneuvering.”
“As am I,” he agreed. “But it’s a necessary evil, I’m afraid.”
We reached the top of the stairs and he kneeled, pressing a kiss to my hand. “Until tonight, my lady.”
“Until tonight,” I echoed, watching him walk away.
Part of the ritual was complete. The groom escorted his bride to the fitting of the dress and then left her in the care of her attendants. It was an old tradition, but one important to the Elves. It signified the trust between the two and the beginning of their lives together.
My lips felt wet, and I placed my finger on them, surprised to find blood. I must have bitten them without realizing it. I sighed, feeling a little dazed. This was going to be a long day.
“Thimsal?” Darith’s worried voice called out to me. “Are you alright?”
I turned to her, seeing the concern in her eyes. “I’m fine,” I assured her. “Just a little overwhelmed, I think.”
“It’s to be expected,” she said. “This is a big day.”
“I know,” I sighed. “I don’t want to mess this up.”
“You won’t,” she said confidently. “I have faith in you.”
I swallowed hard, feeling a lump form in my throat. Dots of light danced in my vision and I swayed on my feet.
Prince Maedras turned to me, his brow furrowed in concern. “Thimsal, what’s wrong?”
My throat constricted, and I couldn’t breathe.
“Thimsal!” His voice sounded far away, and I felt myself falling.
Strong arms caught me before I hit the ground and I blinked, trying to clear my vision.
“Thimsal, can you hear me?” His voice was full of worry and I nodded, my throat still too constricted to speak. It felt like hands were choking me and I clutched at my neck, trying to pry them off.
