A Thief of Nightshade(74)

So with more enthusiasm than she’d thought she could muster, she ignored the danger and threw herself into the sway of the strange music. Ian could barely keep up and eventually relinquished his hold on her to another Fae who’d kindly asked to step in.

He was taller than Ian and matched her pacing beautifully and when she felt he would take her lead, she began a more complicated series of spins and jumps that ended with him hoisting her into the air and turning her gracefully as he set her back down. As the song ended, everyone clapped and cheered for them. Several Fae stepped up to vie for the next dance, but as the music momentarily faded, she realized how

intently

Jullian

was

watching her—and how close she’d come to the Queen. Dread flooded her.

What have I done?

Jullian rose to his feet and stepped down to the dance floor, all Fae moving out of his way as he walked up to Aubrey.

He bowed his upper body as he held out his hand. “May I have this dance?”

She wanted to throw her arms around him, but held her emotions at bay as he reached for her and wondered if she shouldn’t turn away now, before Saralia took notice of her. Despite the chill in the air, his skin was warm as he closed his hand around hers and swept her to his side.

No, this is the only way.

They moved away from the Queen to the center of the room, for which Aubrey was grateful. The music, as soothing as a lullaby, slowly began to ease her fears.

Jullian

took

the

hand

he’d

held

outstretched and moved it to his shoulder, then pulled her closer to him with one arm fast about her waist. With the other, he traced the outline of her mask, and then brushed her jaw with the back of his hand.

She closed her eyes, relishing his touch and the feel of his heart beating against her.

Jullian cupped her chin in his hand and leaned to whisper in her ear, “Such warmth in your eyes. Don’t close them.

Please.”

She opened her eyes and after a long pause he continued, “But there is something else there, too. This is a night for celebration, not mourning. Why do I sense such sorrow?” The innocence in his voice, the compassion in his expression, even the amusement on his lips as he tentatively smiled all made her feel weak and yet, the small flame of hope that had begun to smolder earlier now licked hotly at her soul. This was Jullian. This was her love. The Prince who had unknowingly rescued her now looked with those luminous eyes through the bars of a gilded cage. And she’d be damned, her own life forfeit, before she would let him lose his light to Saralia.

“Because the one I love, with everything that I am, is wounded and he doesn’t even know it.” Tears finally welled in her eyes.

Jullian tilted his head. “You’ve far too sweet a face—”

“To ruin it with such a sour pout,”

she whispered.

His hand stopped its gentle caress of her back and his lips stilled in question.

Remember

me,

remember

me,

remember me ... please wake up!

She placed a hand on his cheek and smiled, all the while silently sobbing.

With the other she removed her mask. It wasn’t recognition she saw in his eyes then, but it was emotion and that was enough for her.

He took her face in both of his hands.

“Who are you?”

She leaned up to catch his mouth and softly brushed her lips against his. Then, when he didn’t pull away, she wrapped both arms around his neck and deepened the kiss. Her crying grew desperate then, as she heard the voice of the Queen and felt the swell of the court’s dismay.

Jullian suddenly dropped his hands from her face and pushed her away from him. She clung to his arms and reeled against the rejection.

“Jullian look at me, it’s Aubrey.

Remember me. Please, you have to remember me!” She fought hard as several male Sidhe grabbed a hold of her.

“Jullian!”

“I’m sorry.” He stepped out of her reach, whispering, “I don’t know you.”

Saralia laughed behind them, “Oh, Ian! You didn’t tell me how easy this would be for you. I was under the impression there would be some level of difficulty involved. Seems hardly fair. I assume you have the Oran?”

Aubrey struggled against the Sidhe, to no avail. A gag was placed over her mouth and her hands were tied behind her back. Her gaze remained fixed on Jullian.

But as she heard Saralia address Ian, she watched in horror as he pulled from his coat pocket the Dragonfly Oran. Ian refused to look at Aubrey.

Jullian watched in silence.

Saralia smiled, motioning for two tall male Sidhe who stood nearby to approach her. Then she pointed to her left.

“There, in the blue. And bring her companion along as well. It appears Ellohim isn’t punishment enough.”

Ian’s once-brave face turned white the moment the mask was removed from the Fae in the blue dress. It was Given, along with a very human Aislinn. Their wings dissolved

as

they

were

apprehended.

“You swore,” Ian said. “I did as we agreed and you promised that she would be safe. This wasn’t—”

Saralia laughed. “Save your pleas, Ian. I said I’d never let anyone hurt her ever again and I intend to keep my promise.” Saralia sauntered to Given, her smile fading for just a moment as she looked over the Shade. After a tense moment of silence between the mother and daughter, Saralia tore the leather bracelet off her arm. “There won’t be anything left of her to hurt when I’m done with her.”