Total pages in book: 147
Estimated words: 139662 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 698(@200wpm)___ 559(@250wpm)___ 466(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 139662 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 698(@200wpm)___ 559(@250wpm)___ 466(@300wpm)
The clear skies remain through the evening, and when the sun sets, every star looks like a precious jewel glittering in the moonlight. The Lunastal celebration weaves between tents and around the bonfire, even down the side of the mountain.
Musicians play all around us, dancing and singing as their fingers fly over the strings and keys of their instruments. There’s food and laughter and so much dancing. These people are so excited to welcome their prince that my heart aches for the role I played—even unintentionally—in keeping the crown from him.
“Are you having fun?” a deep voice asks beside me.
I turn to see Misha’s smile, his big brown eyes scanning my face as if he’s trying to read my mind through my shield. “Sure.”
He huffs. “You seem awfully sad tonight, Princess. This is supposed to be a party.”
“I guess I’m just lost in my thoughts.” My throat goes tight. “I heard about what happened to these people during Mordeus’s rule, how they had to abandon their homes and their lives here to hide from him.”
Nodding, Misha scans the crowd. “I imagine that’s why they already love you.”
“They don’t love me.”
He chuckles softly. “Everyone does, Abriella. Everyone here at least.” His gaze scans the faces of the happy, dancing people around us before landing on Finn. The shadow prince is leaning against the side of a tent and has a hand tangled in his own dark curls as he smiles down at Juliana, who’s gesticulating wildly, telling some exciting story, no doubt.
“They love him,” I tell Misha. “They accept me because they think we’re a package deal.”
“You realize what he did this morning, don’t you?” he asks.
I frown at him. “What do you mean?”
“When the shadow king—and do not be fooled, that’s what Finn is to these people—when he kneels before his partner and washes her feet, it’s a very powerful symbol. He’s declaring that you are worth serving, and if he will kneel before you, then they must too.”
I shake my head. “It was just a ritual. It didn’t mean anything.”
“It is a ritual. One that means everything to these people. If you hadn’t been here, he wouldn’t have been kneeling before another female. He chose to show his deference to you as a sign to these people that you are valuable and are to be honored from here forward.”
My stomach flips. “Why would he do that?”
Misha huffs. “I can think of a few reasons, though maybe you should talk to Finn about that. But they would’ve honored you anyway. You killed Mordeus. You’re responsible for breaking the curse.”
As if I need to be reminded. “And for destroying their throne.”
He nudges my side. “Quit thinking about such matters. This is a celebration.” He grabs a glass of sparkling pink wine from a passing servant and hands it to me. “Drink.”
I frown. The last time I drank faerie wine at a party, I ended up drugged and in a shower with Finn.
“Oh really?” Misha says, eyes bright and lips curving.
I glare at him and fortify my mental shield. “Would you stay out of my mind?”
“I like your mind,” he says. “It’s so sweet and charming, and sometimes . . . deliciously devious.” He takes the wine from my hand, sniffing and sipping it before handing it back to me. “It’s safe to drink, but I promise to take care of you myself if you end up drugged tonight.”
I narrow my eyes. “You’d like that, wouldn’t you?”
The corner of his mouth hitches up in a grin. “Let’s just say I’d be more accommodating than your shadow prince.”
I throw a ball of shadow at his chest, and he stumbles back, still chucking. My cheeks burn. “You are so bad,” I growl.
Misha comes close again, undeterred. “I’ve been told,” he says, “that I’m actually quite good.”
Rolling my eyes, I take a big drink from my wine. Bubbly and subtly sweet, it tastes like crisp summer apples with a hint of sour plum.
“Finish it quickly so we can dance,” he says, watching me tilt the glass to my lips.
I swallow and relish the warmth in my chest. “You want me to dance with you after that?”
“Trust me. I know my place,” he says. “In truth, I value your friendship too much to ruin it with a night in your bed. However enjoyable that might be. Anyway, I’ve had my fill of chasing emotionally unavailable females.”
My jaw goes slack. Chasing? Did he pursue Amira once? “Do you mean—”
“Don’t.” Misha’s face hardens, revealing nothing. “I don’t want to talk about it tonight. I just want to dance with the prettiest girl at the party.” I melt a little at his flattery, and he sighs. “But since she’s not available, I’d settle for a dance with you.”
I cackle. “What a pest!” I take another sip, if only because Finn is still grinning at Juliana like she’s the most amusing creature he’s ever encountered. My undeniable jealousy makes me question every decision I’ve made since arriving in this realm, and as that’s not a very productive way to spend my evening, I might as well get drunk on Faerie wine and enjoy the dance.