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As Bayleon and Bastian escorted me into the ballroom with Aidan alongside us, I marveled at the presence of so many elves in one space; their energy felt pure and light, like nature’s presence was everywhere. I smiled, remembering when my parents brought me to the elvish kingdom when I was younger. The elves didn’t have elemental magic, but their presence was magical all the same. The Land of the Fae worked in mysterious ways; I could feel that connection to nature all around me.
It didn’t take long for Aidan, Bayleon, and Bastian to draw the ladies’ attention in the room. It seemed like Cathlyne, Aelfric and Rhoswen’s niece, was going to ask Aidan to dance with her but instead chose Bastian—I suspected it was to make him jealous, though she had no way of knowing if it would work. Her friend Livi asked Bayleon to join her on the dance floor, and although he didn’t want to, he eventually obliged. Aelfric’s mead had loosened him and Bastian up a little.
Aidan held out his hand. “Want to dance, cousin?”
Taking his hand, I let him lead me onto the dance floor. Bayleon glanced over at me and even though his eyes were hidden behind his silver mask, I could tell he was disinterested in what Livi was saying to him. As long as I’ve known him, he’s never enjoyed parties or balls. There was always the fear of death looming over him. The stipulation for living in the Spring Court was that he couldn’t use his powers of seduction on anyone. Nevertheless, Bayleon was careful and precise in everything he did.
“What are you thinking about?” Aidan asked.
I looked up into his smiling face and then over at Bayleon. “I was remembering a night about ten years ago at our Equinox Ball. Bayleon was alone on the terrace, and I asked him what was wrong.” When I focused back on Aidan, he cocked his head to the side, curious to hear more. “He had said being around so many people terrified him and that it was a huge risk.” I continued. “All it would take was his mask falling off for his magic to enthrall someone.”
Aidan nodded in understanding. “And your father was adamant on his orders. If Bayleon and Bastian used their powers, they’d be sentenced to death.”
“Exactly,” I said, sighing.
Aidan glanced around the room, and I followed his line of sight to Rhoswen who looked beautiful in a shining white dress. She stopped at the drinks table to get a glass of berry wine.
“Do you think we should bring up the curse while Bayleon and Bastian are busy dancing?” he asked. “It’s probably better to do it while they’re not around.”
His thought did make sense.
“I guess we should go over there then. I could really use a drink right now anyway.” We made our way over to Rhoswen, who smiled as soon as she saw us.
“The food should be served soon,” Rhoswen said as she handed me a glass of berry wine.
My stomach grumbled, but I pushed the hunger aside for now. The sweet hint of strawberry lingered on my tongue as I took a sip.
She gave Aidan his glass and smiled. “How is your new court treating you?”
Aidan gulped down his entire drink in one go. “Good. I’m enjoying it. The Summer Solstice Ball will be at my court this year. Are you planning on attending? I can give you and Aelfric the grand tour.”
Rhoswen nodded her head in response. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Her gaze shifted to the dance floor and landed on Bayleon with Cathlyne. She looked over at me curiously. “How’s it going with Bayleon and Bastian?” she asked.
I sipped my wine and smiled, knowing that Rhoswen had suspected something between us for quite some time, just like so many others in the realm. Aidan smirked at me, knowing I was about to take advantage of the opportunity. Rhoswen opened herself up to my questions without me having to find a way in. “Well,” I began, “I guess it won’t stay a secret for too much longer.” I felt my heart swell as I looked back at Bayleon and Bastian and knew I had to tell Rhoswen the truth. I wanted to tell her the truth, just like I wanted the whole world to know. Bayleon and Bastian were mine.
“They’re both mine, Rhoswen,” I confessed. Her eyes widened in surprise, and I laughed before continuing. “Yes, you heard that right. I love them both and they love me.”
Rhoswen’s jaw dropped. “You mean to tell me that neither Bayleon nor Bastian are asking you to choose between them?”
I held her gaze steadfastly. “That’s right,” I said, “they both have my heart.”
A disbelieving chuckle tumbled from her lips. “You are quite the courageous woman, Lia,” she said, her eyes narrowed in admiration. “I can barely manage Aelfric and his needs. I can’t even fathom the idea of two men.” I leaned in and murmured so Aidan couldn’t hear. “Believe me, it’s an exceptional experience.”
Her features lit up with a small smirk as she tried to muffle her snort of amusement. “It certainly sounds interesting.” Quickly, the smile faded from her face, replaced with a look of worry. “But what of your court? Any children you have with them will be cursed. Surely, you don’t want that, do you?”
My shoulders slumped at the thought, and I shook my head solemnly. “No, I don’t.” When I looked over at Aidan, he nodded for me to keep going. It was my opportunity to see how Rhoswen would react. I took another sip of the berry wine, my heart thumping in my chest. I wanted to know the truth. “Would you like to hear what I heard recently?” I asked her, looking into her eyes. She had a puzzled expression on her face as she waited for me to continue. Taking a deep breath, I knew I was about to say something that could go one of two ways. “I heard that the Tyvar curse started because of the elves.”
Rhoswen’s face went ashen, her eyes wide and her lips pulled back into a thin line. I saw the flicker of terror that crossed her features for only a moment before she quickly composed herself. I could hear the apprehension in her voice when she forced out a laugh.
“Not that I’m aware of,” she said quickly. “My people don’t use that kind of magic.”
I felt Aidan’s arm brush against mine, but I didn’t turn to look at him, my gaze still glued to Rhoswen’s face. She grabbed another glass of berry wine and nodded toward Aelfric, who was chatting with a group of men across the room.
“If you’ll excuse me, I think it’s time I grab my husband for a dance.” She hurried away, and finally, I turned to Aidan, my stomach churning with anxiety. The tenseness of his expression told me all I needed to know.
“She lied,” he said quietly. “She definitely knows something.”
The song playing in the background ended and Bayleon and Bastian wandered over to us, their eyes widening when they saw the look on our faces.
