Page 36 of The Broken Elf King
Maker help me. I hated crowds. I just wanted to go home and curl up with a good book.
As if sensing my desire to bolt, Raife tucked me closer to his side and brought his hand up to wave at the now clapping masses of people.
Everyone was dressed in their finest silks; live music was playing, and two large buffet tables lined the edges of the walls. There were even decorations of silver silk streamers and purple flowers. I was amazed the castle staff was able to put on such a grand event with such short notice.
People rushed to form a line and greet the king and I. They spoke with excitement about the upcoming wedding and wished us happiness and many children. Raife handled all the talking and smiling like a champion. He was born for this. I, however, leaned into him, smiling shyly and thanking people with as few words as possible.
The entire time, Raife had slowly been leading us to the middle of the dance floor, and once we got there the band stopped mid-song and started up again. This time it was a slower tune, something very romantic.
The crowed took the hint and backed away, forming a large circle around us. Raife clasped my hips and then leaned forward into my ear. “Dance with me,” he whispered.
My body melted at his touch. Without a word, I draped my arms behind his neck and pulled back to look into his gray-blue eyes, letting him lead the dance.
He was peering at me with an intensity I couldn’t decipher. I could feel the emotions stirring within him. The most predominant one… was fear. I wanted to ask what he was afraid of, but now wasn’t the time.
He leaned forward then and whispered against my neck. “Promise me something, Lani,” he huffed.
“Anything,” I said quickly. I was like clay in his hands, under a spell that I hadn’t even realized he’d cast. Everything was blurring. Fake or real, I didn’t know. I just wanted to stay like this forever.
“Promise me you won’t fall in love with me,” he breathed, and I stiffened as he pulled back to look into my eyes.
Fake. This was allfake. I needed to remember that. He was warning me of that.
I nodded, and then rested my head on his shoulder so he wouldn’t see my eyes tearing up.
Thinking I could be fake-married to Raife Lightstone without getting hurt was starting to look less and less likely.
Oh Maker, what had I gotten myself into?
