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Theodor’s father was there applauding and beaming up at him with pride while Dustin waved and whooped at his side.
Theodor locked eyes on his love, unable to look away. Boraleashe gave him a sexy quarter bow in respect of his title. Theodor lifted one of Boraleashe’s wrists with care, rubbing his thumb over his knuckles before he lowered his head and placed a lingering kiss on the back of his hand. The crowd clapped and cheered even louder for their titan’s second chance at love.
Theodor would make fucking sure that they got it right this time.
Adresin was given the privilege of announcing their engagement and their miraculous combined winds before they were supposed to descend the stairs together. But after the clapping and cheers calmed, Boraleashe and Theodor didn’t move, making the crowd fall silent.
“You take my breath away, my lord,” Boraleashe whispered against Theodor’s ear. “I don’t want to be around all these people. I just want you… alone.”
Theodor hummed in agreement, tucking his nose in Boraleashe’s hair to inhale that special scent of winter pine, his skin fragranced with warm mahogany. “I will be all yours for the rest of our lives.”
“Now,” Boraleashe demanded, cutting his eyes toward the many people waiting to congratulate them. “Let’s just say thank you for coming and retire back to our chambers.”
Theodor chuckled. He understood Boraleashe was used to isolation and silence, but he was going to have to get used to the public again. “That would be considered rude, and I don’t think Adresin would appreciate you doing that. Not after his grand announcement that sounded like he’d rehearsed quite a few times.”
“Promise me we’ll have a moment away from prying eyes before we have to separate for the evening?” Boraleashe’s gaze was lustful and so full of craving Theodor was unable to say no, and he probably always would be. “Which I don’t understand why we must be apart the night before the ceremony in the first place. I am not a bride at risk of being deflowered before her vows.”
Theodor smiled again. His consort was humorous and didn’t even know it. “Because it’s tradition.”
“Anytime now, son!” his father hollered, pulling Theodor’s attention away from Boraleashe’s face and drawing several laughs from the crowd. “I fear the food may be getting cold.”
Theodor linked their fingers together and walked them down the flight of stairs and through the crowd. On the way to the dining hall, he said a silent prayer to the goddess Eleos for her compassion and mercy to help his betrothed through this night without him freezing everyone in the room into ice sculptures and casually walking away.
Boraleashe
I Just Want Some Goddamn Privacy!
Boraleashe was fine with allowing Theodor to lead him toward the dining hall. The room’s protective canvas had been removed from the glass roof. The illuminating winter moon and blazing stars—visible for the first time in a century—created their own romantic lighting that shone across the long dining table. Boraleashe could still hear the celebration going on in the valley, and he was sure it’d be several weeks before they thought of stopping.
Boraleashe nodded in approval at the house lords standing along the wall and waiting to serve them. He was proud of their exceptional service. They’d outdone themselves; by the looks of the hall, one wouldn’t know his home had ever been cursed.
Silk ivory linens were draped across the tall columns and from the crystal chandeliers. The largest floral arrangements Boraleashe had ever seen contained dozens of blooming white roses with vibrant colors of fall accents added to them. His home had been so monochromatic he realized now that the orange, reds, and chestnut browns mingled exquisitely with the ivory.
His king, his love, his Theodor’s fall heritage was being represented in his home. It made Boraleashe’s chest ache with gratitude and relief so strong he stopped walking. His breathing stuttered and turned shallow until Theodor gripped his hand tighter and drew his eyes to his, and the world righted itself again.
“Lord.” Adresin appeared at his side, but Boraleashe was quick to wave him off.
“I’m fine,” he answered.
White rose petals and gold maple leaves lined the way to their two high-back chairs positioned side by side at the head of the table. Their men pulled out their seats and waited until everyone was assembled in front of their chairs before Boraleashe gave a stiff nod for their guests to sit.
Notalus and Dustin were at the other end of the table while Boraleashe’s heirs sat to his right in their flowing white and silver gowns.
The footmen brought out the first course while the head butlers in long white overcoats filled their water goblets and crystal wineglasses with redberry wine.
Their guests voiced their admiration for the floating candles in painted glass bowls and twelve-inch ivory pillar candles that made the various ice sculptures in the center of the table shimmer like gemstones.
