A Dance of Silver and Shadow (Beyond the Four Kingdoms, #1)

by Melanie Cellier

I groaned, but he just laughed and tugged on my hand again, reeling me in toward him. He pulled me in gradually, his eyes on my face, and a delicious tingle shot through me. When he finally pressed me against his chest and lowered his face slowly toward mine, I didn’t even think of resisting.

“Do you think, just for a few hours, we could pretend that there is no Tourney and no coup. That the Emissary just sailed into the harbor one bright Spring morning and brought me my heart’s desire, no strings attached.”

“It’s what makes me such an excellent catch. I can assure you that not even tears are enough to dismay me. I’ve won over many a lady, old and young, with my handy handkerchief and complete lack of terror.”

“Is there some reason I don’t know about why we can’t be seen?” He looked down at me and grinned. “None at all. I just wanted an excuse to do this.” And before I could realize what he meant to do, he pressed his lips down over mine.

“Don’t you want to be with me?” I opened my mouth to tell him no, but I couldn’t speak the lie. “More than anything,” I admitted, my voice a soft whisper.

but the love I saw shining on his face now made it pale in comparison.

“Today I also have the joy of announcing the betrothal of my son, Prince Jonathan, to Princess Liliana of Arcadia.” A choking sound beside the duke made my eyes fly to Jon. A small smile flashed across my face. So he hadn’t known then. His father must have decided to surprise him.

Despite every barrier that had stood in our way, I was binding myself to the man I loved.

he devoured my face with his gaze. I smiled at him and it cracked his last restraint. Scooping me into his arms, he carried me behind the throne and kicked open a door with his boot. I put my arms around his neck, a small thrill racing through me. He carried me as easily as if I weighed nothing, and I had no desire to be put back on my own feet.

“I thought they might be shocked if I did this, but I couldn’t wait a second longer.” His lips came down over mine, and I met them eagerly, twining my arms around his neck again.

He smiled. “Happy, my beautiful wife-to-be?” “Blissfully.” I sighed again. “Well you deserve it.

“Shocking, my prince, shocking.” The warm light came back into his eyes, and he leaned down to put his lips against my ear. “That’s right. Yours and yours alone.”

he put his arm around me, tucking me into his side. I felt small and delicate. Cherished.

Perhaps that had been the lesson, after all. Not that I could stand alone, but that I could be more than one person. Sophie’s twin. Jon’s fiancée. Myself.

I’m here, Sophie. I put all the love of seventeen years of sisterhood into my projection. I will always be here for you.

I’ll be coming back. But not until I can bring the light with me.