Mortal Enchantment (15 page)

A pudgy gnome in a tuxedo announced, ‟Presenting the king and queen of the House of Gheb.” Rousing applause filled the room as the couple walked down the steps and into the middle of the marble dance floor.

Okay Kalin, this will be over in a minute. Just relax and let him lead you.

The small gnome cleared his throat. ‟Presenting Princess Kalin of the House of Paralda and her escort.” The applause started again and I met my mystery guy in the middle. I locked my arm inside his and he leaned toward my ear. ‟You clean up nice, Jelly Bean.”

Rowan.

The tension in my shoulders relaxed when an all too familiar smirk appeared across his face. Exhilaration bubbled in my stomach. I didn't want to be so excited that he was here, but I was. He led me next to where the woodland king and queen stood. ‟I thought you weren't coming?” I whispered.

‟I wanted to make sure you were safe.” He shrugged. ‟Besides, I look sexy in a tux.”

Really, he was hot in everything he wore, but no need to tell him what he already knows. It was amazing that his inflated ego was able to fit through the doors. ‟You look okay, I guess.”

‟Just okay?” The music started again and Rowan pulled my body into his. Tingles raced down my spine as his hand tightened around my waist. His other hand cupped mine. ‟Your flustered cheeks say otherwise.”

I rolled my eyes. ‟I'm hot.”

He chuckled. ‟I'm sure you are.”

In the mist of our banter, I hadn’t realized we were gliding across the floor like professional dancers. My legs moved as if I had performed this waltz every day. ‟I can't believe I'm actually doing this.”

“I had a feeling you’d be a good dancer.”

My eyebrows knitted together. “Why do you say that?”

He was about to say something, then paused. ‟You have a great partner.”

‟Partner, teacher, friend. We seem to fit in quite a few categories.”

‟I don't have friends.”

‟What about Marcus.”

For a brief moment, his lips tightened into a thin line, then returned to his standard serious face. ‟He’s the only one.”

The words stung a little. Was everything between us on a co-worker level? Had I read too much into his subtle flirtations? ‟Okay, then what are we?” I asked, sharply.

He leaned closer to my ear, his breath made me shiver. ‟Wouldn't you love to know?”

When the last note of the song played, Ariel appeared right next to me. Before I could say another word, I was heading toward the farthest corner of the room. She finally stopped behind a bronze statue of two dancing elementals. I gave her my
what-is-your-drama
look while Ariel peeked around the side of the sculpture.

‟Who are you hiding from?” I asked.

‟Aiden,” she stated, as if I was supposed to already know why.

I tapped her several times on her shoulder until she turned around. ‟Okay, I'm going to need a bit more information. Spill it.”

‟He's my betrothed.”

‟Wait, what?” My eyes widened with shock.

She crossed her arms, staring at the dancing elementals. ‟His father is a high-ranking knight in the air court, which is why he was chosen. Our union will elevate our family status within the court.”

I rubbed the back of my neck. ‟Okay, this isn't the 1600's. Why is this necessary?”

‟Elementals have existed since the beginning of time. The traditions have been around for centuries and they rarely change. It might surprise you to hear this, but most high-ranking elementals have arranged marriages.”

I took a peek at the crowded dance floor. A male elemental was scanning the area around us. That had to be Aiden. He had his mask off, revealing high cheekbones and pouty lips. His white-blond hair was pulled back into a low ponytail, he had a very muscular build. For a moment, I wondered what she was really complaining about. He was pretty hot. I curled back around, noticing Ariel's head pointed toward the floor. There had to be something more to her story.

I put my hand on her shoulder. ‟I'm having a hard time feeling sorry for you while I stare at the sexy-as-all-hell dude searching for you. Am I missing something here?”

She met my gaze with moist eyes. ‟There is, but it can never happen.”

I wiggled my eyebrows. ‟There's another guy? The plot thickens. Who is this mystery guy?”

‟He lives mostly in the mortal world. He's a halfling like you.”

Nice to know I wasn't the only halfling around. ‟I think you should tell your parents. There's no way they would want you to marry Aiden if you're in love with someone else.”

‟It's not that simple. I cannot refuse an order from the court. If I did, I would be exiled.” She leaned to the side, watching Aiden weave through the crowd. ‟We can never happen.”

I bumped her shoulder with my arm. ‟Regardless, I still think you should try to tell your parents how you feel.”

‟With my parents, it’s only about our social status in the court. Aiden is our best chance for my younger brothers to join the knights. The union makes sense on paper.” She wiped away a tear with the back of her hand. ‟There’s no getting out of this. Eventually, I will have to marry Aiden.”

I tucked a few of her stray hairs behind her ear. ‟We’ll find a way out of this Ariel, I promise.” I winked. ‟Let's not forget I'm kind of a big deal around here.”

She ran her fingers under her eyelids, wiped her smeared make-up and giggled. ‟Oh, I must look like a total disaster. I’m going to go clean myself up.” She hesitated for a moment. ‟Will you be okay by yourself for a minute?”

‟She'll be fine.” A male voice interrupted. ‟I'll make sure she's safe.” I turned and Jarrod was standing behind us holding two filled wine glasses. ‟You both look like you could use a drink.”

‟You couldn't have come at a better time.” Ariel smiled, snatching one of the glasses and chugged it in one gulp.

I was a bit more hesitant. ‟What's in it? I haven't had the best experience with wine around here.”

‟It's mortal wine from Tuscany, I believe.”

Even though he had been my father’s closest confidant, I had to count him as a possible suspect. ‟Thanks again.” I took a small sip of the rose colored beverage. Nothing happened, so I assumed it was okay. ‟If you'll excuse me, I should go mingle with the other council members. It would be rude otherwise.”

‟Of course, Princess.” He bowed, and Ariel darted for the bathroom.

I made my way toward the dance floor while I thought a bit more about this whole betrothed thing. If most high-ranking elementals have arranged marriages, does that include half- elemental princesses from the air court? My anxiety soared.  I was about to chase after Ariel for clarification when a single guitarist began to play. The lights dimmed until the entire room was lit only by pink candlelight. A drummer joined the guitar rhythm. It was hypnotizing. The mass of dancers swayed slowly along with the thumping beat. Following the seductive sounds, I pushed my way through the crowd, hoping to get closer to the orchestra.

Without much thought, I finished my wine, setting the glass on a nearby table. A hand clasped mine. I twisted around discovering Rowan standing there. He stepped back and took a
bow in front of me. When he rose, I stared at the shape of his perfect lips. The bottom one was slightly fuller than the top. Totally kissable. Instantly my mouth was dry. I licked my lips.

Elementals circled all around us while we stood—some dancing alone and others partnered in an erotic dance I had never seen. Like never before, I felt a desperate longing for him. A feral desire to crush my body into his, dancing into exhaustion. I reached out for his other hand and several female elementals let out a long, moaning sigh.

Our hands joined and I felt a sizzle at the tips of my fingers. He pulled me into his chest, and with his other hand, gripped dangerously low on my backside. My free hand slithered around his neck, fingers tickling at the bottom of his hairline. With no space left between us, we glided across the dance floor. We spun around in circles, captured by the enchanting song. The tension built the longer we danced. His fingers pressed into my back, letting me know he felt it too. Our motions reduced to barely a sway as his hand skated up and down my exposed spine.

The music came to a stop and we stood still. My arms crossed around his neck. I was desperate to feel his kiss. I traced his lips with the tip of my finger, his body stiffened. His hesitation surprised me. ‟You're not planning to run away again are you?”

He lowered his head. ‟You don't understand.”

‟Then please, explain it to me,” I insisted.

Another song had begun, but we stood motionless on the dance floor. He appeared as if he was searching for something to say, but stayed silent.

I stood still, but the room continued to move around me. The dancers around us contorted into impossible positions. I couldn't watch them anymore. Instead, I focused on Rowan. His mouth was moving, but I couldn't comprehend what he was saying. I felt like I was drunk, but how could that be? I had only one glass of wine. Then it all made sense.

Jarrod lied.

He gave me an enchanted elixir.

‟Something is wrong,” I shouted at Rowan over the music. ‟Everything is hazy. What I'm seeing doesn't make sense.”

He grabbed hold of my shoulders to keep me steady. ‟Did you drink anything?”

‟Jarrod brought me and…and Ariel something,” I stuttered. Fear settled in the pit of my stomach. ‟He said it was mortal wine. He lied.”

‟I have to get you out of here.” Rowan clasped my hand in his, leading me toward the exit.

The music stopped and the sound of trumpets followed. I squinted at the top of the stairway. The fire queen stood ceremoniously in a skintight red dress with her hands clasped behind her.

Oh God, it was time for the power display.

Even with blurred vision, Liana was impossible to miss. Her red dress wrapped snug around her voluptuous curves. Behind her, the three Gabriel Hounds I remembered from the council meeting stood in their mortal form. They each scanned different parts of the room. In their tuxedos, they reminded me of the secret service minus the roach-size earpieces.

I gasped when Jarrod appeared at her side. If the room ever stopped spinning, I planned to grab the nearest sharp object and slit their throats. I had no doubt I was looking at the two people responsible for my father’s disappearance. I clenched my fists so hard I broke through the skin of my palm.

Jarrod waved his hands to silence the crowd. ‟It is customary for the king to greet you during these ceremonies, but due to current circumstances, I will stand in his place.”

His fake sympathy made me want to vomit. The crowd let out a heavy sigh, and Jarrod lowered his head. Liana put her hand on his shoulder as if comforting him. Rowan was right all along, the fire court couldn’t be trusted. Liana had to be the other person involved in my father's disappearance. She could have been disguising her voice when I heard them talking behind the iron door.

Rowan must have noticed my reaction. He put his arm around me, leaning into my ear. ‟The crowd is eating up his performance. I'm sure the council feels the same. We can't go after him without proof.”

Heat raced through my veins like lava. ‟But
he
gave me the enchanted wine!”

Rowan let out an exaggerated breath. ‟Yeah, but who gave it to him? He could be innocent in this. Do you still have the glass?”

‟No.”

He lowered his head. ‟Then we have nothing.”

Great. I had confirmed his guilt and had no way to prove it. The council would never believe me, especially since Liana was a member. Those two appeared pretty chummy up there. I was sure she would come to his defense if he were challenged. I needed solid proof, but how?

My attention returned to Jarrod when he addressed the crowd once more. ‟Since the beginning of time, we have existed as protectors of the elements. Our four equal powers have provided balance to the Earth's nature, which is capable of immeasurable volatility.”

What a pompous ass.

‟As the Earth's seasons change, so does control of the elements. We have come here tonight to celebrate the shift of power. As fire wanes, air grows its strength. To symbolize the change, the air court will demonstrate their power over the fire court.” Jarrod pointed in my direction. ‟Princess Kalin, please join us on the center floor.”

A drum thumped a slow, rhythmic beat. The crowd separated until a large space opened in the middle of the ballroom. I took a few wobbly steps forward, then Rowan blocked my path. ‟You can't do this now. You can barely walk in a straight line.”

‟What choice do I have? Either I follow through, or I relinquish my throne. Without a sibling, the throne goes to the lead knight, which in this case is Jarrod. I would rather burn alive than allow that to happen.”

‟But, you
can
be burned alive. You're not in the right frame of mind to control your power. You―”

Several elementals around us whispered to one another. I was filled with worry, but completely out of options. ‟Enough. My mind is made up and you're going to have to deal.” I pushed him to the side, concentrating on my steps as I headed toward Liana. She stood about thirty feet in front of me. A blue fireball the size of a basketball floated above her open palms.

I swallowed hard.

This was it.

No turning back now.

I shook my arms at my sides, taking in a deep breath. Ariel stood at the edge of the crowd with her hands wrapped tightly around her waist. She looked like I felt. Okay, I needed to concentrate. Relaxing wasn’t an option, but I had to try. I had to find my yellow aura. It was my only chance at not becoming a charcoal grilled Kalin.

Needing a glimpse at my energy, I closed my eyes. My heart jumped into my throat when all I saw was pumpkin orange.
Not good, not freakin’ good at all!
I wanted to scream and cry and run away as fast as I could. Using my power when it was out of my control was dangerous, but I refused to hand Jarrod the air court on a silver platter. Dad would die for sure—I would not allow it. I garnered strength from this single thought.