AllFreeNovel
Share Us
After the tune has ended and the flames have been successfully extinguished by one large puff, the crowd cheers.
At first, the clapping is so loud that it almost drowns out the thunder.
Almost.
Puzzled by the deep rumble, the guests look at each other before their eyes go to the windows. Tilting their heads, they search the night sky for signs of a storm.
There are some flashes like lightning, but from their bewilderment, I’m guessing bad weather isn’t in the forecast.
Immediately, King Kirian and his father meet by one of the open doors to the patio and peer outside. Their whispered exchange is slightly tense.
They both have the same power to control nature, and that includes weather. If a storm were brewing, they’d feel it.
They’d also be able to stop it, which they would definitely do on a princess’s birthday.
Queen Quinn and Queen Zella join them to ask what’s going on, and although they’re being exceptionally quiet, I’m at the right angle to read the king’s lips.
Relaying the message to Ro, I murmur, “King Kirian said the moon is sparkling in some places and there’s a crack of brighter light running through a portion of it.”
“Is that normal? I wouldn’t know since I’ve never seen the Night Realm moons before today.”
Troubled, I reply, “Not at all.”
Suddenly, there’s commotion from the foyer. On the other side of the closed ballroom doors, there are a few bangs, followed by voices.
“This is a private event, sir,” Alosi states firmly. “You can’t come in here.”
“I must speak with the royals.” The claim is frantic.
“You’re not on the guest list.”
“Then send someone out to me. I’m the palace astronomer from the Dream Realm. This is an emergency, you striking idiots! Get King Damon at once.”
Hearing his name, King Damon gets up from the table and strides away from the gathering. Queen Whitley follows him. On his way to the door, he reaches behind him, confidently extending his hand without even looking, as if he knows his mate will link her fingers with his.
And she does.
There’s something about the connection between fated mates that’s touching, even for a hardened warrior like myself.
When I look at Ro, I can’t imagine feeling anything stronger for someone than I do for her. In a short amount of time, she’s become my heart, my soul, and she’s responsible for my greatest memories. She’s given me the best days of my life, and I can’t picture a future without her at my side.
Some nosy partygoers start to vacate their spots at the table to go eavesdrop, but King Kirian shuts it down. “Everyone stay where you are.”
His order doesn’t apply to Ro and me.
The door has been left slightly ajar, just enough to peek through the crack, and we creep forward until we have a view of the foyer.
I spy Oriantus, the astronomer. I’ve met the man a few times. He’s elderly, probably past twenty-thousand years, which means he’s wise, experienced, and doesn’t take crap from anyone.
Tall and thin, with long gray hair, he’s obviously frazzled because his beige button-up shirt is misaligned and halfway tucked into his black leather pants. His boots are untied, and the loot he carries with him—a bag of scrolls and a long case for his telescope—shakes from his own trembling.
“Oriantus,” King Damon greets his employee.
With the utmost respect, Oriantus bows and says, “My king, I apologize for intruding, but it couldn’t be avoided.”
King Damon is known for his charming arrogance and his devil-may-care attitude, but when he flips his blond hair away from his face, he’s serious and wary. “What’s going on?”
The astronomer doesn’t mince words, and in one breath he exclaims, “I can hardly believe I’m saying this, but the sky is falling.”
