Enchanter (26 page)

“You know I—” He swung me into his arms and dropped me across the pillows. “—did.”

One serious expression darkened his eyes as he crawled in overtop. “You must be careful with what you say at this dinner. The entire leading eight will be there.”

“Okay, why don’t you prepare me?” I wrapped my arms around his neck.

“If anyone asks you a sensitive question, direct it back at me.”

“I can do that.”

“Don’t burn any of them.” He kissed me, nipping softly at my lips. “No matter if you want to.”

“No fair.”

“Let’s hang your clothes before we run out of time.” He swept me onto my feet. “We have a dressing room.” Scooping an armful, he inclined his head toward one of the two side rooms. “It’s not much, but it’s more than I’ve ever had before.”

“I had no problem with your last room. You and I being together is what matters.”

He led the way and added my clothes to the rail opposite his. The space was small, but just perfect. I snuggled against his back. “I like our new quarters.”

“We need to get moving.” He backed out then returned with another armful of clothing and speedily hung each piece.

“There’s still enough time, and slow down. Did you bring all my clothes?”

“Half. I didn’t want anyone to question you lived here. I’m going to take a shower while you finish putting your things away.” He raced off to the bathroom.

What was his rush? I knocked on the bathroom door. “Guy, there’s moving, and then there’s moving. Is there something you’re not telling me? What’s wrong?”

“I’m nervous about tonight.”

“Faith would have told us if there’s a problem.”

“Sometimes her forewarning gives next to no time. I don’t want anything to go wrong.”

Well, he had a point there. Faith rarely gave much notice, but that’s because people had free will, and our futures were always in flux. I trudged to the bed and sorted the last of the clothes. I pulled out a slinky white dress and nude-colored heels to wear for the night.

I shimmied into the tight number and smoothed it into place. With a little adjustment to the side-split, the fit was perfect.

The bathroom door opened and a rush of steam escaped. Guy stood in the doorway, a fleecy blue towel slung low on his hips. Water dripped from his dark locks onto his wide shoulders and trickled down his chest.

I adored his chest. “Okay, you better get dressed before I take a bite out of you.”

“That dress—” He gripped the edge of the doorjamb. “You have to change.”

“Because…” I glanced down. It was an evening gown, one I’d worn to formal dinners at the castle. I liked it.

“I’ll never keep my hands off you in that.” He stumbled to his dressing room and shut the door with a loud clunk.

“Well, that’s really not an issue for me.” I knocked on his dressing room door. “Are you all right? Your nervousness is going rub off on me if you’re not careful.”

“The bathroom’s all yours,” he yelled back.

“Well, that’s obvious.” Hah, men. I headed there and searched the vanity drawers for his brush. Instead I found mine and my favorite gold hair clasps. He’d also brought various bits and pieces of my makeup, enough to do an admirable job for the night.

Using a hand towel, I rubbed the steamy mirror clear and eyed my reflection. My cheeks were too pink, so I dabbed foundation on and covered the freckles. I tidied my hair and secured a clasp at each side. Some lippy, and I was done.

“Are you ready?” Guy, dressed in pressed black pants and a starched, white-collared shirt, looked deliciously edible. The golden tie around his neck sizzled with color.

Oh, I wanted my mate. Advancing on him, I grinned. “I am now.”

“You didn’t change.” His gaze roamed my body as he backed out of the room. “You should change.”

“I like the way you look at me in this. I’m keeping it on.” I sashayed toward him and lifted my arms, only, he grabbed them and kept a firm foot between us.

“Silvie, without my father, you’re my only family, no matter it’s an act before Donaldo. Having you here, and your things...” He looked deep into my eyes. “I can’t lose you, not now, not ever.” Lowering to one knee, he clasped my right hand tightly.

“Whoa. What are you doing?” I tried to yank him up. He wouldn’t budge.

 
“Her man will bow down, and shall never go hungry before her.”

“The last part of your father’s spell.”

“Yes.” He dug into his pocket and pulled out a red velvet box.

“What are you—” No, he couldn’t be doing that.

He flicked open the lid and turned the box toward me. Cocooned within was an impressive square-cut diamond, glittering bright.

“This can’t be happening.”

“I love you, Silvie.” His gaze, so focused, drained the remaining air from my lungs. “With my heart and soul. Finally I’m living again, because of you. Don’t make me hunger. I want you as my wife.”

My legs wobbled and I gripped his shoulders to keep from slithering to the floor. “I love you too. So much, it hurts when we’re not together.”

“Is that a yes?” He rose to his feet and lifted me off mine. “Please, tell me that’s a yes.”

“If it is, we’re going to have a very long engagement.”

“What about a week?” His smiling lips came down on mine. He kissed me, long and deeply, until my legs went to mush.

“A year sounds better,” I finally got out.

“I could do a month.” He grinned and slipped the ring over my knuckle to join his mother’s gold band.

“Holy moly. I can’t believe I’m agreeing to this.” I turned my hand side to side. The diamond dazzled with its brightness. “Silas is going to freak when he sees this. You better make sure you remain armed for some time to come. This is the last thing he’ll expect.”

“I’ll speak to him.”

“Nooo.” I patted his chest, still staring at the ring. “Let me do that.”

“Silvie, where love and destiny meet, where two hearts beat, so shall the giver adore. Where sacrifice is made, where fire and magic are laid, only one shall be restored. Her name shall be Moyer, with golden fingers and a heart so pure. Her man will bow down, and shall never go hungry before her.” He pulled me into his arms. “I wish I could see my father, and thank him for his spell. It’s one now etched on my heart.”

“One day you will.” I held onto him for dear life. “I love you, Guy, and I’ll never be parted from you as your father has been.”

“I’ll never allow it, either. I promise you that.” Then he sealed his promise with the deepest kiss, one that stole the last thought from my mind.

13

Guy ’ported us into the formal dining room. My sheer happiness gave way to thumping panic in a blink. Four staff members moved around the grand table, aligning stemware and cutlery, making last little changes. “Where is everyone?”

“We’re a couple of minutes early.” A waiter in black tie stepped forward with a tray and Guy accepted two fluted glasses. Once the man moved away, Guy leaned in, whispering, “I love you.”

“I love you too.” I rolled my shoulders in an attempt to relax then took one of the glasses Guy offered. The sparkling fruity concoction tingled against my tongue as I sipped. “I can do this.”

“Your heart is pure. Of course you can.” He led me farther away, where we wouldn’t be overheard.

“Wincrest’s heart isn’t though, Guy. It’s as black as can be, and he’s a loose cannon waiting to fire.”

“I’m here.” Faith raced through the engraved oak double doors in a one-shoulder amethyst lace gown. Her lips were pinched, her anxiety clear as she skidded to a stop before us. “Mum’s right behind me. She knows everything. Dad doesn’t keep secrets from her, not anymore.”

“Everything, everything? Kate must hate me then.” The secrets I’d kept from both Faith and her. Argh, mind-blowing.

“Silvie.” Kate burst into the room then swamped me in layers of fine, pale blue chiffon, her hug fierce. “I’ve missed you.”

“You have?” Okay, maybe she didn’t hate me.

“Yes,” she murmured, “I felt deceived at first, but then I came to understand. Nothing’s ever come in the way of yours and Faith’s friendship, and that’s the most important part of all. Even now you stand by her side. I love you for it.”

“I’ve missed you too.” I hugged her back, my relief enormous. Kate was as easy to love as Faith, and had mothered me as wonderfully my own mum had.

“Tomorrow we’ll talk more.” Her brown eyes sparkled, and her long chestnut-brown hair streaked with blond swayed as she nodded. “Come riding with the girls and me. We’re still trying to get Faith on a horse, although having you there might help.”

Faith groaned. “Or not. I don’t like those thingies.”

“They’re not thingies.” I tweaked her nose. “And you’re coming since your mother asked so nicely. We stick together.”

“We need to set some boundaries on this sticking together deal. Horse riding shouldn’t be on it, not when teleportation eliminates my need for them.”

“Did someone mention horse riding? I’m up for that.” Hope hurried across wearing a figure-hugging gown of royal blue. Another well-dressed young woman followed close behind her. Hope tugged the blond haired woman to her side. “Silvie, meet my aunt, Goldwyn Wincrest. Goldie, Silvie.”

Goldie sighed and shook my hand, mumbling, “Another Carver. I can’t believe there’re two of you. Silas is bad enough on his own.”

“She’s a Moyer now.” Hope nudged Goldie’s shoulder. “Be good, okay?”

“I’m just about a saint with how good I’ve been lately.” Goldie extended her hand to me and I shook it. “Alexo has foreseen you’re of no immediate harm to us. Although, look after Guy and steer clear of Dralion business, and we’ll get along just fine.”

“I can’t guarantee a thing.” There wasn’t a chance I’d steer clear of Dralion business, not now it was mine too.

She snorted. “Yep, you’re clearly related to Silas. What is this world coming to?”

“Ladies.” Maslin, impressively decked in a navy suit, joined us.

Hope linked her arm through his. “Hey you. What do you think about putting Faith into the mustering team? Then she’d really learn how to ride a horse.”

“What?” Faith flicked Hope’s arm. “Don’t try and turn this conversation back toward me.”

“I have to distract Goldie somehow.”

Maslin stroked Hope’s hand. “Mustering is a great idea. Faith would surely learn to ride if she joined one of the teams. If that’s what you’d like, I’ll organize it.”

Oh, his adoring act was good.

“Enough about the horses.” Faith darted a look at the door. “Dad’s coming.”

“Kate, I’ve never seen you move so fast.” Dralion’s Prince Alexo Wincrest, crossed the gleaming black and white diagonal tiles. He strode toward us in inky dress pants, shirt and tailored jacket. Even his tie was as dark as the rest of his clothing. He wrapped an arm around Kate’s waist. “You didn’t wait for me.”

She smiled at him. “Faith said Silvie was here. I haven’t seen her in so long.”

His penetrating violet gaze clashed with mine. “I watched you and Faith as children through my forethought. Remain as loyal to my daughter as you always have, and we’ll never have an issue.”

I leaned against Guy, his solid support unwavering. “I’ll remain loyal to both your daughters, as they have with me. And as I now do with my mate.” I wouldn’t let Alexo Wincrest get to me. I had to remain strong tonight. Faith and Hope were depending on me.

“Your enchanter will keep an eye on you.” Alexo tipped his blond head toward Guy. “Correct?”

“She’ll go nowhere without me.” Guy tightened his hand on my hip. “She holds my heart as deeply as she holds the other half of my soul.”

“Yes, Guy. We live for our mated one.” Alexo brushed a kiss against Kate’s cheek. “I fully agree.” He glanced over his shoulder. “Nicolas comes.”

The healer, suited in black, walked through the doors toward Faith. He lifted her hand and kissed it with a flourish. “Hello, my beauty.”

“Are you still sure? I understand if you want to back—”