As I make my way through the forest to the cottage and the veil up ahead, I am eager to see Ryvan. Although it was not very long ago that we met, it feels as if I’ve known him forever. Every night we’ve been practicing magic, but he insists that we must also practice dancing soon.
He says it’s imperative that I learn it well, since I’ve agreed to monopolize his time the entire night of the Silver Moon Ball so that no other women will be able to dance with him.
I huff out a laugh as I remember him mentioning the “swarm” of women he expects will be there to seek his hand. While I do not disagree that he is handsome, it’s amusing to know he thinks so highly of himself. Then again, I’ve heard that most men are this way.
When I reach the cottage, I notice Mirna already waiting outside. She lifts her head in greeting as I make my way toward her. Resting a hand atop her neck, I gently run my fingers through her soft mane. I smile and hold out the apple I’ve brought her from the garden.
“Hello, Mirna. It’s lovely to see you again.”
She leans her head against me, neighing softly before taking the fruit from my hand.
“Stop trying to bribe Mirna into liking you more than me,” Ryvan teases as he walks up beside me.
I laugh softly. “I do not have to bribe her. I am much more likeable than you.” I glance at the horse. “Don’t you agree, Mirna?”
Mirna neighs and lifts her head in an approximation of a nod.
Ryvan narrows his eyes at her, but he cannot hide the slight grin that tilts his lips. “I’ll remember this, Mirna.”
He gestures to the cottage. “Shall we?”
I grin, and follow him inside.
Thoughtful as ever, Ryvan already has a fire lit in the hearth. Despite the fact that this place is abandoned, it does hold the heat from the fireplace rather well.
Ryvan opens his satchel on the seat beside him and pulls out the spellbook, a bottle, two glasses, and a folded cloth with cheese and crackers. “I’ve brought something new.”
“What is it?”
“Here,” he says as he pours me a glass of red liquid instead of our usual water. “I believe you will like this.”
I lift it to my nose, sniffing. It smells of fresh berries with a hint of citrus. “This smells wonderful. What is it?”
“It is a drink made from kali fruit. It is in season now and quite delicious.”
I bring the cup to my lips and take a tentative sip. A low moan of pleasure escapes me as the sweet, citrusy flavor rolls across my tongue. When I’m finished with the first glass, I pour myself another.
As we go through the spells, Ryvan praises me when I lift the bottle using magic to pour myself another glass. When he turns to me and smiles, my gaze travels over his face and his perfect, full lips.
My mind floats in a bliss-filled haze, and I lean closer, completely transfixed as I study his features intently.
He arches a brow. “What are you doing?”
I reach out and touch his face, tracing my fingers lightly over his mouth. His lips are soft and warm, just as I imagined. “Your lips are… perfect,” I whisper.
His cheeks and the tips of his ears turn a light shade of green. “What are you—”
“You’re changing colors, Ryvan.” I laugh softly. “I didn’t know you could do that.”
His skin turns an even darker shade.
I raise both hands and cup his face, awestruck as I stare deep into his glowing green eyes. “You are so beautiful.”
He frowns. “Not exactly the words a male wants to hear from a female.”
“Handsome, then?” I ask. Softly biting my lower lip, I trail my hands down his neck to his broad, muscular shoulders. “You’re so strong, too.”
His brow furrows deeply. “Are you all right?”
His question confuses me. I’ve never felt better. I smile brightly at him. “Why wouldn’t I be?”
I slide my hands further down his body, tracing my fingers over the hard planes of muscle that line his chest and abdomen. I lean in, breathing deeply of his warm, masculine scent of earth and cinnamon.
