Total pages in book: 129
Estimated words: 120029 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 600(@200wpm)___ 480(@250wpm)___ 400(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 120029 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 600(@200wpm)___ 480(@250wpm)___ 400(@300wpm)
He exhales, leaning against me as I nudge Stone with my heels, making him turn back toward the castle. Its silhouette is so stark against the moon, as if it’s been cut out of black paper, and I wonder if we’re both watching it now.
For a while, we ride in silence, but Nate finally breaks it with a soft sigh. “Thank you for helping me. And for taking me out. I think I really needed… this reassurance that I’m still myself. That I’m not useless.”
“Why would you be useless?” I’m alarmed and snake my arm around his waist under the pretense of keeping him steady. If he tells me to pull away, so be it, but until then, we can both act as if it’s a perfectly casual gesture between friends.
I sense him going limp against me. “Because… from the moment I came to the Nightmare Realm, I felt unable to influence anything. I couldn’t make decisions. I was weak, and injured, and even today I couldn’t cope with a simple conversation with Kurt. But helping those cows… it really changed something.”
I hug him tighter, so happy that he’s regaining the confidence he deserves to possess. “As you settle in, get to know people at court, and the animals that live in our realm, it’ll be much easier for you to make choices. And speaking of those… I know you said you don’t feel like coming to the ball, but I assure you it wouldn’t have to mean anything, and you’d get to meet more of the royals and their extended families. I will tell you in secret that the Lord has planned a presentation of bats from all corners of the realm for his husband. Would you not like to see those creatures?”
I know the answer the moment Nate’s shoulders hunch, and I’m angry at myself for bringing the ball up for a second time. “Maybe I can… see them before or after the party? After all, the surprise isn’t for me.”
“That’s a fantastic idea! I will inquire,” I say too enthusiastically, which only seems to make my blunder worse. Why did I have to push? Can I ever do anything right?
I will never be able to make up for leaving him with Gloombane, and a dark cloud settles over me at the thought. I keep it far away from Nate though. That’s not his problem. He’s suffered enough.
Every time I’m reminded of that dungeon in the tower, of his haunted eyes, bleeding wounds, and ribs poking at his skin, guilt rises in my throat like nausea. What right do I have to torment him further? If he prefers to be kept a secret, to stay hidden away from the elves at court, to never admit he is my promised, then so be it.
Chapter 28
Nate
Ididn’t expect the lush gardens around the palace to become the ballroom, but as I squeeze the cold iron railing, the terraces that two days ago lay under a cover of snow are revealed in a multitude of colors.
The servants have set up a constellation of bubble-shaped tents. Their translucent walls reveal a flurry of activity. The largest of the outdoor rooms houses most of the dancing, the others provide refreshments, a space for conversation and gambling, and even the bat exhibition Tristan told me about.
A cloud of vapor leaves my mouth, soon dispersing somewhere between myself and the joyous scene full of music and fun. Perhaps I can ask Tristan to escort me down there when the party is over, so I can see the animals and the ice sculptures arranged between the tents in more detail? There’s only so much I can spot with my spyglass, but beneath my feet is a romantic fantasy brought to life.
Every time I read about humans spirited away into a world of intrigue and fae princes, this was what I pictured. Glass-like walls warding off the cold while the garden remains covered in snow. Dancers in elaborate gowns and suits spinning together under crystal chandeliers as music rises, making it all reminiscent of a clockwork-powered snow globe.
And I just watch.
Distant.
Apart.
A lone figure in a woolen cloak, unnecessary and forgotten while dreams come true below.
I can see Tristan so clearly.
As the dress code for the ball is supposed to be winter-themed without it being a costume party, all the elves are dressed in blues, black, silver, and everything in between. Even Tristan is in a shade of navy. His coat has a trim of black fur, and he's wearing silver jewelry, but his blood red hair makes him stand out.
It floats through the air as he dances, perfect like a porcelain figurine that’s too precious for someone like me to handle. He’s a wild dream I should have never allowed myself, yet here I am, yearning every time he smiles at someone else.