“We’ll take it,” he said, passing the man several gold coins. I didn’t fight him this time, knowing his stubbornness, and allowed him to buy me the boat. Mid bought his boat next. He chose a burgundy red one with streaks of gold on the sails. Liony and Shar were last to purchase, and then we made our way to the pond.
“Ladies first,” Mid said, a glint in his eye.
Liony and I walked up to the edge of the pond, and I observed those around us making their wishes. Children and adults sent their boats down the current. The little ones closed their eyes as they thought intently on what they were going to wish for. The hope on their faces was unmistakable as they pushed the boats across the water.
I began thinking of all the things I could wish for: to be home with my family again, or for my mother to come back to me. I could wish to be Stone-Hearted, or to be like Jasper—confident and graceful. I could wish to be free of princess life, to live commonly as an Aveladon civilian. I could wish to stay here, in Ethydon, with Mid.
As all these thoughts crossed my mind, a wave of melancholy washed over me. I knew these were things I had already wished for. Most of them were either far away or completely out of reach. As much as I wished the little wooden boat could bring me such things, I knew it would be childish to assume they would ever come true, especially the one that at that moment I seemed to want the most.
I settled for something less impractical and decided I would wish to have one last night with Mid, one that would be memorable and special. It didn’t seem like too much to ask. I looked over at the others, hesitating for a moment and noticed Mid was watching me, his expression unreadable. I couldn’t look away for a moment, his penetrating emerald-scarlet eyes were assessing me, and it was as if he knew what I was thinking. A brief flicker in his emotions made me believe he was pleading for me to make the wish.
Unable to handle the heat of his gaze, I turned back to the pond and tossed the boat into the current. I watched it totter for a moment, before it settled and raced along with the others toward the pond. Liony gave me a reassuring grin and then released her boat into the water after mine. Mid and Shar went next, neither of them hesitating as they made their wishes. Once everyone was finished, Liony let out another excited giggle.
“Now that we’ve made our wishes, it’s time to dance!” Liony said excitedly.
I looked at her nervously as she began pulling me away from the Wish Pond. She led me down the cobblestone streets nearly starting into a run. We pushed through the throngs of people, and I almost tripped when a rowdy group of children ran by. They were holding wood swords in their hands and were mercilessly poking each other. Liony quickly helped to steady me before I could fall.
“Are you all right?” Liony asked, and when I nodded she didn't even wait a beat to begin running again.
My heart was pounding in my chest as we traveled through the Ethydon streets. And though my body was sore, it felt good to stretch and stir my tender muscles.
The crowd thinned slightly, and a dance floor was suddenly spread out before us. People of all shapes and sizes danced and skipped to a band of musicians playing on a stage. Fiddlers, singers, and piano players joined together and played lively music I’d never heard before.
Liony paused for a moment and watched the people jumping around in the dance circle. When Shar and Mid finally caught up, she grabbed Shar’s arm and pulled him into the crowd with the other dancers. I was still trying to catch my breath when Mid stepped up to my side and took my hand. The feeling of his fingers threading through mine was one I can’t quite explain. I blushed as he gave my fingers a reassuring squeeze.
“Shall we?” Mid asked, and it was at that moment I knew I had no doubts. I was ready to continue with the wonderful feeling that was pulsing inside of me.
We jumped in and immediately we were in flight with all the other dancers. I’d been dancing ever since I was young; I knew all the steps to every traditional dance ever made, thanks to my tutors. So as Mid began dancing with me, I fell into the beat instantaneously, and our bodies were set into fluent motion.
The upbeat cheery song continued to play, so I skipped a little and even jumped a couple of times, twirling in large circles with the other couples. Back and forth the world spun in the corners of my vision, and we didn’t stop for a very long time. The music sang to the melody in my heart, and it just got louder and louder with every step I took.
Mid was good on the dance floor; he didn't miss a single beat. He had a huge smile on his lips as we spun in circles alongside the other dancers, and I couldn't help the smile on my face as I looked back at him. Then skillfully and rather abruptly, Mid lifted me into the air and spun us into a graceful twirl. As my feet left the ground, I reached my hands up toward the sky, my fingers appearing to touch the tips of the stars.
The music slowed, and Mid gently set me back down. We stood still, my hands pressed against his chest, and his arms wrapped around my waist. He leaned his head gently against mine as we both tried to remedy our ragged breathing.
“How do you feel?” Mid asked, a small smile on his lips.
“Amazing,” I replied honestly.
A different song came on, soft and slow. The violins began to play a sad romantic melody, and Mid began humming. Tenderly he pulled me in close to him again and we drifted. With my head pressed against his chest, my heart rate slowed, and the jubilant feelings from the previous dance diminished. I was left with a peaceful warm feeling that resonated through my entire body.
“Thank you,” I whispered, feeling suddenly indebted.
“For what?” Mid asked. His lips were close to my ear, and his breath fell across my neck, making me shiver.
“For rescuing me and taking me to the festival.”
“There is no need to thank me. I also kept you hostage, remember?” His tone was teasing.
“Yes, I suppose that’s true, but I’ve never done anything like this before. You’ve given me something I’ll never forget. So I feel I still need to thank you.” I refused to let him brush my thank you aside. I stopped our dancing and pulled away to look up at him.
His eyes flitted away from my gaze, seeming unwilling to accept my compliments.
“I’m glad I was able to give you something to remember,” Mid said, his voice unexpectedly dismal. The same bereaved feelings fell heavy on my heart and I went silent. I didn’t want to think about leaving Mid or about our time together becoming just a memory.
“Can we go somewhere?” he asked suddenly.
“Lead the way,” I granted, not ready for our time to end. Taking my hand again, he guided me away from the dance floor and back toward the people-filled streets.
We weaved through the crowds, Mid tugging me along after him. He was headed toward some unknown destination. The entire way my skin prickling with excitement at where it might be.
We turned a corner, away from the festival booths, and were suddenly journeying down a different road. It was empty of festivities and the roar of people quickly faded away. As we walked it was nearly silent; it seemed to just be the two of us. It was not long after that we came upon the back of a brick house. A stairwell protruded from the brick slab and winded upwards toward the roof. Mid started up the stairwell, gesturing for me to follow after him.
“Are you sure we're allowed up there?” I asked nervously, but his pace didn’t slow.
“Just trust me, Ehren.”
“You say that like it’s easy,” I mumbled under my breath.
We emerged from the stairs, and Mid held out a hand to me. He gently helped me climb up over the edge and safely onto the roof.
It was a flat rectangular gable and had thick brick trim which were perfect to perch on and look at the city below. Mid took a seat on the edge, and I carefully settled in beside him. Our feet dangled over the side of the house and a small thread of adrenaline filled me. “How do you know about this place?”
“This is where I like to go to think,” he said quietly. “The view is beautiful,” I replied in aw
e.
We could see the entire city square from where we sat. The sun had gone down, and the moon and stars were high in the sky now. There were so many lights and people, moving about the colorful booths and tents dotting the streets. I found myself falling in love with the small cityscape, hidden in the thick forest surrounding it. It felt safe and intimate somehow. I was so far away from my reality back in Aveladon, and I was reveling in the distance.
“Beautiful indeed.”
When I turned toward him I realized he wasn't looking out at the city. He was looking directly at me. I felt my cheeks heat with redness and was immediately grateful for the darkness.
“You haven’t told me much about you, Mid. What is life like here in Ethydon?” I changed the subject, hoping to divert his attention.
“I’m sort of a lone wolf,” he explained. “I hunt most of the time and spend a lot of my days with Shar. It’s quiet in Ethydon, nothing really exciting happens here.” He didn’t continue, so I pressed a little further.
“Do you have a family?” I asked, and he smiled, turning to look out at the city with a fond smile on his face.
“I have two loving parents, an older sister, and a beautiful niece who is the pride and joy of our family.”
“It sounds like you love them.”
“They’re everything to me.” He spoke with an adoration that was unmistakable.
I was about to ask him another question when an unexpected sound rang out from the town below. The city square had a bell tower atop one of the east facing buildings, and its loud chime reverberated loudly through the streets.
“The firework show is about to start,” Mid said excitedly, and my brow furrowed in confusion. As if noticing my puzzlement he added, “Just wait. You’re going to like it, I promise.”
For several long minutes, we sat waiting for the fireworks. I was unsure what to look for, so I just set my eyes on the booths below and waited curiously. It was hard to focus with him so close to me. I kept having a nagging itch to grab his hand and hold it. I remembered the way it made my stomach tingle, and I wanted to experience the feeling again. But due to my fear of rejection and lack of experience, I held my hands in my lap and looked straight forward. When the show began, it wasn't hard to see, and I heard myself gasp in surprise.
Colors, bright and sparkling, dashed into the night sky. Rocketing unbelievably fast into the air, the streaks of colorful light instantaneously exploded into twinkling clouds. There was a booming sound every time they erupted, causing an echo to cross the sky.
I sat up straighter, my eyes wide, trying to take it all in. Blues, reds, yellows, and bright purples streaked back and forth like colorful stars. Over and over the beautiful booming bursts were set off from the middle of the city. I’d never seen anything like it, and it was magical.
"Ehren. . ." over the loud noise of the firework show I somehow heard the quiet whisper spoken into my ear. Breaking the spell the show had me under, I turned my head and was met with Mid's emerald-scarlet eyes. I didn't get to say anything before his lips were on mine.
THIRTEEN
I was instantly paralyzed, completely disarmed by his touch. His lips, soft and warm, parted against mine, causing my entire body to still and another explosive firework show to erupt inside my head. His earthy pine scent overwhelmed me, and I felt his hand reach up to cup the side of my cheek. I could feel myself hesitating, but it was only for a second before I surrendered and kissed him back. His mouth moved on mine so gently. It was like he was afraid I might break. A warm tingling sensation spread through me like wildfire, causing my skin to heat and my body to feel flushed all over. I lifted my hands and rested them on his chest, letting out a small sigh of pleasure.
The kiss ended before I could even begin to form a coherent thought. He pulled away slowly, his emerald-scarlet eyes opening.
“I’m sorry,” Mid said, his voice breathless.
I didn’t have words to reply. I forgot how to speak. I didn’t even remember what language I spoke. I continued to stare at him, trying to grasp onto reality.
“Wh. . .” I was just about to ask him why he kissed me when someone unexpectedly interrupted us.
“There you guys are! We’ve been looking everywhere for you two!”
Liony’s bright voice caused us to pull apart so quickly you’d think we’d been caught doing some awful crime. I pulled my hands into my lap, and Mid sat back casually like he hadn’t been doing anything but sitting and watching the firework show.
Liony and Shar noisily climbed up the stairwell and onto the roof. Liony easily skipped across the gable and took a seat in between us on the edge. My heart pounded in my chest fearfully, and I could feel the adrenaline pumping through my veins.
“Wasn’t that amazing!” Liony exclaimed.
I let myself laugh, hoping to release some of the tension that was coiling my muscles.
“Yeah, I’ve never seen anything like it.” I glanced over at Mid who looked so completely calm. If it wasn’t for the lingering feeling of his lips on mine, I almost wouldn’t have believed we’d been doing anything either.
“I think we should head back,” Shar said grumpily, as he refused to take a seat on the edge of the roof with the rest of us.
“I think you're right. It's getting late and I have to take Ehren home tomorrow,” Mid said.
A pit immediately built in my stomach at the thought of leaving.
“I hope you enjoyed it,” Liony said, jumping into stride beside me. We descended from the roof and began walking back toward the town square. I smiled at her, my cheeks flushing as I started thinking about the kiss Mid had given me minutes before.
“It was wonderful. Thank you for inviting me, Liony.”
Liony giggled and skipped ahead to catch up with Shar who was already several steps ahead. Mid fell back into his spot beside me and together we walked behind the others, letting them take the lead like before.
Mid reached out to put his hand at the small of my back, keeping me steady, and I couldn't stop the audible hitch in my breath at his unexpected touch.
We walked in silence as we journeyed back to the cottage, the city lights and festivities fading behind us as we wandered deep into the trees. Shar and Liony seemed to know exactly where to go, despite every direction looking the same to me. The entire journey I was thinking about Mid and the kiss we’d shared. My emotions still hadn’t managed to untangle themselves by the time we returned.
The flickering lights of the cottage came into sight, and it was a comfortable silence as we all ambled inside. Liony winked at Mid and took me from his side and began helping me back toward the guest room.
“Start a fire you two. It's cold in here,” Liony ordered, and the two men immediately headed for the freshly chopped wood by the hearth.
It took some time for Liony to undo the corset of the dress she tied me into, but she somehow unraveled the strands and got the dress loose. I laid the beautiful gown across the small chair in the guest bedroom and stepped into a fresh shirt and pants she handed to me.
“Thank you,” I said.
She nodded, reaching out to pull me into a hug. “Get some sleep. I’ll see you in the morning.”
She left the room, and I took my time washing my hands and face in the water basin. I dried off with a freshly folded towel on the vanity and then took a seat in the small chair in front of the mirror. For several minutes I just stared at my reflection.
I stroked my freshly washed nose and ears. Then my cheeks and lips. I closed my eyes, vivid colors and feelings overwhelming my thoughts as I began thinking about the kiss Mid and I had shared. I’d never kissed someone before, and it had turned out to be rather wonderful. Quickly before I could get carried away, I opened my eyes and forced the memory to stop stirring inside my head. I stood from the chair and reluctantly climbed into bed.
I gazed at the flickering candles around the room, trying to distract my mind by watching the flames. I even tried counting the stars, hoping I would
feel tired and finally be able to shut off my mind–but it was useless. My thoughts were still spinning and running restlessly around inside my head. Eventually I couldn’t take it anymore and I left the bedroom.
I tiptoed down the hall to the living room and peeked my head around the corner, checking to see if anyone was still awake. The couch was vacant and the only movement in the room was the tame flickering of the fire in the hearth. When the living room proved to be empty, I started for the front door, slipped on my moccasins, and stepped out into the night.
The hypnotic chirping of the crickets and the crisp smell of nature quickly settled my countenance. I walked a little ways from the cottage, always making sure I could see the soft yellow porch lights. I hugged my arms across my chest, trying to keep warm while I strolled.
The air soon changed from bitterly cold to slightly warm, and it wasn’t until I saw the billowing steam that I realized where I had traveled too. The hot spring where we’d previously picnicked came into view, and I curiously walked up to the water's edge. The spring was eerily beautiful that night, the glassy black surface glistening in the silver light of the moon. I let the steam wash across my cold cheeks and felt a smile rise to my lips.
“It's a lot warmer inside the water you know.” The glassy surface suddenly broke and Mid’s undeniable curly head popped above the water.
“Mid, you really need to stop doing that!” I scolded him, while instinctively reaching up to press a hand against my now wildly beating heart.
He chuckled, flipping his soaking wet head back and forth, ridding it of the excess droplets.
“Care to join me?” he asked boldly.
“You’re crazy if you think I’m jumping in there,” I scoffed. My eyes wandered to his bare chest, and I couldn’t help the attraction I felt for him. He was recklessly good looking. And the memory of our kiss on the rooftop made the idea of jumping in seem that much more inviting.
“You scared?” he taunted and with a flick of his hand sent a splash of water in my direction. Water squirted onto my hair and clothes and I gasped, appalled.
Granted (Granted Series Book 1) Page 10
