"Yeah, okay.”
Amid our banter, I hadn’t realized we were gliding across the floor like professional dancers. My legs moved as if I had performed this waltz every day of my life. "I can’t believe I’m doing this.”
“I had a feeling you’d be a good dancer.”
My eyebrows knitted together. “Why?”
"You have a great partner.”
"Partner, teacher, friend. You seem to fit in quite a few categories.”
"I don’t have friends.”
"What about Marcus?”
For a brief moment, his lips pressed together in a thin line, then returned to his standard serious face. "He’s the only one.”
The words stung a little. “If we’re not friends, then what are we?”
As he leaned closer to my ear, his breath made me shiver. "Wouldn’t you love to know?”
When the last note of the song played, Ariel appeared right next to me. Before I could say another word, I was torn away from Rowan and heading toward the farthest corner of the room. She finally stopped behind a bronze statue of two dancing elementals. Ariel peeked around the side of the sculpture.
"Who are you hiding from?”
"Aiden,” she stated as if I was supposed to know already who that was.
I tapped her several times on her shoulder until she turned around. "Okay, I’m going to need a bit more information. Spill it.”
"He’s my betrothed.”
My eyes widened with shock. "Wait. What?”
“Here is the short version.” She stared at the dancing couples. "His father is a high-ranking knight in the air court, which is why my father chose him. My parents hope our union will elevate their status within the court.”
"Okay, this isn’t the middle ages. Why is this necessary?”
"Elementals have existed since the beginning of time,” she reminded me. “The traditions have been around for centuries, and they rarely change. It might surprise you to hear this, but most high-ranking elementals have arranged marriages.”
I took a peek at the crowded dance floor. A tuxedoed male with a mask matching Ariel’s scanned the area all around us. That had to be Aiden. When he took off his mask, he had the same beautifully chiseled looks as the bulk of the air court males. His white-blond hair was pulled back into a low ponytail; he had a very muscular build. For a moment, I wondered why she was complaining. He was pretty hot. I curled back around, noticing Ariel’s gaze pointed toward the floor. There had to be something more to her story.
"I’m having a hard time feeling sorry for you while I stare at the sexy-as-all-hell dude searching for you. Am I missing something here?”
"There is, but it can never happen.”
There could be only one possible reason for her sadness. "There’s another guy.”
Her cheeks reddened.
“The plot thickens,” I raised my eyebrows. “Who is this guy?”
"He’s a halfling, like you.”
Nice to know I wasn’t the only one. "I think you should tell your parents. There’s no way they would want you to marry Aiden if you’re in love with someone else.”
"It’s not that simple. I can’t refuse an order from the court. I could get exiled.” She leaned to the side, watching Aiden weave through the crowd. "We can never happen.”
An order from the court? Was she implying that my father had arranged their marriage? "Regardless, I still think you should try to tell your parents how you feel.”
"This is a big opportunity for my family. My younger brothers want to be knights, and Aiden’s family could make that happen.” She wiped away a tear with the back of her hand. "There’s no getting out of this. Eventually, I will have to marry him.”
I tucked a few of her stray hairs behind her ear. "We’ll find a way out of this, Ariel. I promise.” I winked. "Let’s not forget I’m a big deal around here.”
She ran her fingers under her eyelids, wiping away her smeared make-up as she chuckled. "Oh, I must look like a total disaster. I’m going to go clean myself up.” She hesitated for a moment. "Will you be okay by yourself?”
“I’ll be fine,” I assured her.
Ariel darted for the bathroom.
I was about to make my way toward the dance floor when Jarrod approached. He handed me a wine glass filled with an amber liquid. "You look like you could use a drink.”
"What’s in it?” I asked. I had to be cautious, even with someone who had been loyal to my father for centuries. “I haven’t had the best experience with wine around here.”
"It’s mortal wine from Tuscany, I believe.”
"Thanks again.” I took a small sip of the wine. Nothing happened, so I assumed it was okay. "If you’ll excuse me, I should go mingle with the other council members. It would be rude otherwise.”
"Of course, Princess,” he bowed.
I made my way toward the dance floor while I thought about this whole betrothed thing. If most high-ranking elementals had arranged marriages, does that include a certain halfling princess from the air court? Was I already engaged to someone? It wouldn’t be the first time my father had kept something from me. Could my betrothed be somewhere in this room? The thought sent my anxiety soaring.
I was about to chase after Ariel for clarification when a musician strummed his guitar, and I lost my whole train of thought. The lights dimmed until the entire room was lit only by pink candlelight. A drummer joined the guitarist rhythm. It was hypnotizing. The mass of dancers swayed slowly along with the thumping beat. Following the seductive sounds, I pushed my way through the crowd, hoping to get closer to the orchestra.
Without much thought, I finished my wine, setting the glass on a nearby table. A hand clasped mine. I twisted around, discovering Rowan standing there. He stepped back and took a bow in front of me. When he rose, I stared at the shape of his perfect lips. The bottom one was slightly fuller than the top. Kissable. I licked my lips.
Dancers circled all around us while we stood. Some of them danced alone, while others took partners. They moved together in an erotic dance I had never seen. As I swayed along with the music, I felt a desperate longing for Rowan. A feral desire to crush my body into his and dance into exhaustion. When our bodies collided, several female elementals let out a long, moaning sigh. Heat rose from every spot our bodies touched. His hand slid dangerously low on my backside. My free hand slithered around his neck, fingers tickling at the bottom of his hairline. With no space left between us, we glided across the dance floor captured by the enchanting song. The tension between us grew the longer we danced. His fingers dug into my back, letting me know he felt it too. Our motions reduced to barely a sway as his hand skated up and down my exposed spine.
The music continued, but we stood still. My arms remained around his neck. I was desperate to feel his kiss. I traced his lips with the tip of my finger, and his body stiffened. His hesitation surprised me. "All I can think about is kissing you.”
“You can’t,” he replied firmly. "You don’t understand what’s happening to you.”
"Can you tell me after you kiss me?” I giggled like a schoolgirl. I hardly recognized myself, but I felt too good to question the reasoning. Another song had begun, but we stood motionless on the dance floor. “I want to dance.”
He touched my face as he searched my eyes. “Did you have anything to eat?”
I stood still, but the room continued to move around me. “No silly, I’m dancing with you.”
Rowan held me by my biceps. “You have to think, Kalin. Did you drink anything?”
The dancers around us contorted into impossible positions. I couldn’t watch them anymore. Instead, I focused on Rowan. His mouth kept moving, but I couldn’t comprehend what he was saying. I felt like I was drunk, but how could that be? I had only one glass of wine. Then it all made sense.
That wasn’t mortal wine. Fear rippled through me in waves. "It was Jarrod. He lied.” Every word came out stifled. "That wine was enchanted.”
"I have to get you out of here.” Rowan
clasped my hand in his, leading me toward the exit.
The music stopped, and the sound of trumpets followed. All eyes traveled to the top of the stairwell. The fire queen stood ceremoniously in a skin-tight red dress with her hands clasped behind her.
It was time for the power display.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Kalin
This situation wasn’t going to end well.
Even with blurred vision, the fire court queen was impossible to miss. Liana’s blood-red dress wrapped snug around her voluptuous curves. She had her long blond hair styled into a high bun. The three gabriel hounds I remembered from the council meeting stood on either side of her in their mortal form. They each scanned the ballroom. With their tuxedos, dark glasses, and roach-sized earpieces, they looked like they belonged in the Secret Service or the CIA.
Jarrod, my father’s betrayer, greeted the fire queen.
He bowed and kissed her hand like the gentlemen he wasn’t. Anger burned in my chest like lava. When the room stopped spinning, I had every intention of grabbing the nearest sharp object and slitting both of their throats. I had no doubt I was looking at the kidnappers. She wasn’t in the castle basement last night, but she likely sent someone from her court in her place. I clenched my fists so hard I broke through the skin of my palm.
Jarrod waved his hands to silence the crowd. "It is customary for King Taron to preside over these ceremonies, but due to current circumstances, I am honored to stand in his place.”
His fake sympathy made me want to vomit. The crowd let out a heavy sigh, and Jarrod lowered his head. Liana put her hand on his shoulder to comfort him. Rowan was right all along; I couldn’t trust the fire court. The only question I had was why did Liana help him? There had to be something in it for her. I’d have to remember to ask Jarrod before I had him executed for treason.
Rowan must have noticed my reaction. He put his arm around me, leaning into my ear. "I know what you’re thinking, and it’s not going to work. We can’t accuse either of them without proof.”
"He gave me the enchanted wine,” I said, with frustration in my tone.
“Do you have any proof that he gave it to you? Did anyone see him hand the glass to you?”
Ariel had left to fix her makeup in the bathroom before Jarrod handed the wine to me. “No.”
“We also need to take other options into consideration.” Rowan crouched down lower to make sure no one heard what we were discussing. "There are at least a half dozen servers walking around with trays filled with wine. Jarrod could’ve unknowingly handed the enchanted wine to you. He could be that stupid. And from my personal experience, I can promise you that stupidity is a strong possibility.”
There were many potential scenarios, but my version made the most sense. “It’s Jarrod. I know it is.”
“Do you still have the glass he gave you?”
I browsed the area where I might’ve set it down. As I searched, I noticed kitchen staff hanging around the tables picking up anything left unattended. Wherever it was, it’s gone now. "No.”
He lowered his head. "Then we have nothing.”
Great. I had a chance to prove his guilt, and now it’s gone. The air court council would never believe me without evidence. Liana was a member of the high court and a queen. I was just a halfling in their eyes. Jarrod and Liana appeared pretty friendly up there. I was sure she conspired with him against my father. I needed solid proof, but how?
Jarrod addressed the crowd once more. "The court of air is honored to host the Midwinter’s Ball. As the season's change, so does control of the elements. We have come here tonight to celebrate the shift of power. As fire wanes, air rises to take its place. To signify this change, the air court will demonstrate its power over the fire court.”
I had to roll my eyes—what a pompous ass.
Jarrod pointed in my direction. "Princess Kalin, please join us on the center floor.”
A drum thumped a slow, rhythmic beat. The crowd separated until a large space opened in the middle of the ballroom. I took a few wobbly steps forward, but then Rowan blocked my path. "You can’t do this now. You can barely walk in a straight line.”
"What choice do I have? Either I follow through, or I relinquish my throne.” Without a sibling, the throne goes to the lead knight, which in this case, was Jarrod. “I would rather be burned alive than stand by and allow that to happen.”
"But, you can be burned alive. You’re not in the right frame of mind to control your power. You―”
"It’s dangerous. I get it, but I have no other options.” I pushed him aside, concentrating on my steps as I headed toward Liana. She stood about thirty feet in front of me. A blue fireball the size of a basketball floated above her open palms. With each passing second, it appeared to grow in size.
I swallowed hard.
This was it.
There was no turning back now.
I shook my arms at my sides, taking in a deep breath. Ariel stood at the edge of the crowd with her eyes wide and hands over her mouth. She looked terrified, which was exactly how I felt. Okay, I needed to concentrate. Panicking wasn’t an option. I had to find my yellow aura before Liana barbequed me with her ever-growing fireball.
I closed my eyes. My heart jumped into my throat when all I saw was pumpkin orange. Not good, super-duper not good. Using my power when I wasn’t calm had proven to be hazardous to my health. I wanted to scream and cry and run away as fast as I could, but I refused to hand Jarrod the air court on a silver platter. My father needed me to do this, and I wasn’t going to fail him. I garnered strength from this single thought.
Energy surged through my veins, pouring down into the tips of my fingers. It was stronger than I’d ever felt. My eyes flashed open. It all happened so fast—no time to think.
Liana pulled back and sent the raging inferno barreling right toward my head. I flexed my fingers, stretching my arms out toward her. Nothing happened. I thrust my arms outward again. The power released like an explosion, creating a cloudy mist. Was that supposed to happen? Completely confused and drained of energy, I fell to my knees.
The crowd cheered.
Did it work?
“You did it,” Ariel screamed, running toward me. "I knew you could.”
"I can’t believe I did it.” She helped me stand. My legs were about as sturdy as an elephant on a tightrope, but I managed to stay on my feet.
A weight lifted off my chest. With this challenge out of the way, I could focus solely on finding my father. For the first time, I was confident. I was able to do this by myself. I―
Beyond the crowd, I saw Liana yelling something I couldn’t hear over the noise. Several council members were with her. What was going on? I glanced over at Rowan. Smoke simmered from his two fists.
Oh, no!
He did it.
Rowan put out her flame.
The crowd continued to applaud, but Liana knew it didn’t happen. The ceremony didn’t count unless I was the one who extinguished her flame, right? Or was all of this nothing more than a performance? Then it hit me. If the four elements were in balance, the shift of power had to be automatic. The ball and all of the training were nothing more than a show. Some dumb ritual they made up to entertain the audience.
Rowan came to my side. "We have to get you out of here.”
"What did you do?”
He took a glance around. "Not here.”
"Fine, follow me.” I tried to walk, tripping over my own feet. He caught me before I nose-dived into the floor. "I think I’m going to need a minute.”
"I have a better idea.” He swooped me into his arms like some old-school Prince Charming, carrying me out of the ballroom.
"Dramatic much?”
Rowan raised his pierced eyebrow. "Quit pretending you do not love every second of this.”
As soon as my bedroom door shut behind us, he put me down. I was sturdy on my feet once again. The power display wiped out the effects of the elixir. I scanned my bedroom to make s
ure we were alone. Under the dimmed light, the room held a pinkish hue. The candles had been snuffed out by the cool breeze coming from the open window. I closed the curtains.
Rowan leaned against the wall with his arms folded in front of him. His silence was another reminder of his secrecy. I went into full interrogation mode. "Tell me what happened back there.”
He watched one of the dancing flames flicker across the wall. "I interfered because I figured it out. The two voices you heard in the basement mentioned that something was happening during the ball.” He lowered his voice to barely a whisper. “I don’t think Jarrod gave you the wine because he wanted you to lose. He wanted Liana to kill you.”
That’s why Jarrod had insisted that the Midwinter’s Ball continue as planned. If I had died during the ceremony, it would’ve been declared an accident. Liana would never get charged, and Jarrod would ascend to the throne. I came to stand directly in front of him. "Does the power shift happen with or without the display of power?”
“You’re not going to like the answer.”
My narrowed eyes bore into his. "Tell me.”
As if he were reading from a book, he replied, “The shift will happen automatically as long as the four elements are in balance.”
I had gone through all of that for nothing. “You trained with me for days, and you never thought about mentioning that part? I’ve been twisting myself into knots, terrified that I would fail and lose everything. How can you be so cruel?”
His hands fisted at his sides. “You don’t understand.”
“Make me understand.”
“The power shift does happen on its own, but if the ruling family isn’t strong enough to complete the test, they’re considered unfit to rule.”
If that was true, I failed. “Liana knows you extinguished the fireball. She’s going to report me to the council.”
“Liana has no proof,” he argued. “Even if Jarrod wanted to support her claim, he won’t go against the princess of his court. In public, at least.”
A cold chill raced up my spine. I wasn’t safe in the castle. How would I find my father when I was running for my life? “What am I supposed to do now? Wait for Jarrod to try to kill me in my sleep? Or maybe another poisoned dress? Who even knows what’s possible at this point?”
Mortal Enchantment Complete Box Set Page 20
