Felling Kingdoms (Book 5) Read Online Free PDF Page A

enough.”
    She beamed and took his elbow. “Perhaps for now. Ask me later,” she breathed.
    “A drink for now?” He gestured to a table out of the main dancing area, and she nodded. He swept her off the floor and cut through the swath of revilers all in their finery. He had changed into a long coat of blanched yellow trimmed in gold with a fine gray vest. His shirt tucked into tight-fitting gray trousers and high black boots. It was his best to emulate the Head Mage’s style.
    They left the cacophony of music and voices in exchange for the quiet evening and grabbed two goblets of warm wine. The city hummed with celebration and danced with lights. A parade passed beyond the wall, but Virgil took her out into the gardens where it was quieter. A few lovers milled and tried to find quiet benches, but Virgil had access to the private section in the center. He stepped her into a gazebo shaded by white trees bare of their leaves. The lamps had not been lit, leaving the crescent moon the only light peeking through the wood.
    “I am so pleased you joined us,” he said and took a seat on a bench that lined the walls.
    She sat beside him. “I am sorry it took so long for Anatoly to attend.”
    “Your mother and father attended a few times. I barely remember them.”
    “They were here?” Robyn breathed, the familiar longing for family pinged her heart.
    “As was Prince Balien. He was only two years old, so naturally we did not get along since I was five years at the time.”
    She laughed, but he knew her mirth was a farce by the dullness in her eyes. He wrapped an arm around her shoulder and pulled her close. “I am sorry life has been so cruel to you. It is not right of me to make light of your loss.”
    She patted his knee and made him shiver. “I appreciate your concern, but I am fine. I cannot dwell on those I have lost, or I will become like them yet rooted in this plane.”
    He extended his palm and she placed hers in it for him to squeeze. “Let us talk of happier things. I would like to take you down the coast for a ride day after tomorrow. My family has an estate there, and I would like to treat you to a seaside lunch. I will have you back by evening unless you wish to stay there a few nights.”
    “That sounds delightful.”
    “It will give you a good chance to see more of Arconia,” he added.
    “Can we travel by horseback?”
    “Not carriage?” He raised his brow.
    “I would like to see more of your horsemanship.”
    “If it pleases my lady, we will travel a-horseback.” A sudden explosion of voices sounded from the grand palace. “Must be midnight.” He stood swiftly. “Would you join me in a dance to celebrate spring?”
    She kept her hand in his, and he raised her to her feet. “I have recovered.”
    He pulled her close, wrapping his free hand around her slender waist, and she in turn twined her hand around his shoulder. He took her through basic paces, never being one for elaborate dances. Sword fighting was like dancing, but he lacked the grace needed to sweep a girl over the floor. He was compact and powerful but could soften just enough to dance. If she noticed, she said nothing, relaxing into him with a sigh while faint celebratory music played in the background.
    Oh, how he wanted to kiss her, but it would undo all he worked for. Perhaps she could still be his if he did not push her too forcefully. She rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. ‘What does this mean? Women are so bloody hard to read.’
    He slowed their paces to a simple circle and managed not to step on her. He held her so tightly, he was sure he half-lifted her off the ground.
    “Thank you for coming to Eventide,” he said quietly to not disturb her fair face. She opened her eyes and looked up at him with a smile. Oh, she was so beautiful. One way or another he would have her for the rest of his life. It made his heart race.
    “I am glad I could,” she replied quietly.
    He was nearly a head taller than she,