Page 55 of Unseen Lord
I raise an eyebrow at that. "Really? Dressing me for my dates now? This is different. Did Callie put you up to this?"
He chuckles. "No, just me being a sentimental old fool. Now go get changed and hop over to Inferna. You have a prince waiting."
With a kiss on the cheek, he leaves me to it, and I wander through the living room, with only a short longing glance at my gaming station—I haven't had time to play a proper marathon in ages—and head to my bedroom.
Hanging from a mannequin—which wasn't there before, just FYI—is a stunning pale cream gown trimmed with fur and pearl. It has a plunging neckline and form fitting waist that flares from the hips. It's truly the most beautiful gown I've ever seen. I have no idea why Uncle Sly thinks I need to be this dressed up. I don't usually get this fancy for dates with Elias, of which, thank the gods, we've had many! But I can't refuse such a gift, so after a shower and quick dry of my hair, I slip into it, donning the matching shoes as the final touch. Once my hair and makeup are done, I assess myself in the mirror. Yup—I can still see myself, and I can travel through them. I guess being the most badass vampire has its perks. Not to mention I don't need to live off blood. Another huge perk.
Elias installed a secret mirror in his castle so that he and I can get to each other in mere moments.
I touch my mirror, think of him, and step through.
On the other side, Elias is there, waiting for me. He's dressed to the nines, as they say, and looking far too handsome than any man has any right to. And he's holding a bouquet of wild flowers—my favorite.
No words are spoken as he pulls me into his arms. The feeling of his touch, of being close to him, of his smell… it feels like being home and I never want to leave. After a time I look up at him and he grins, then leans in to kiss me. We've kissed a lot, I won't lie. Like, a ton, since the whole almost end of the worlds shenanigans, and it never gets old. As always, it lights a fire in me that will have to wait until later.
He pulls back, his eyes, luminous. "I have a surprise for you," he says, holding my hand and guiding me out of the secret room and into his castle. It's still going through renovations after years of neglect, but it's finally looking respectable. It's built of white stone glistening with crystal and is now decked out with new furniture, rugs, proper lighting, hearths to keep the chill at bay, and a staff that helps everything run smoothly. And Prince Elias has taken to his position with skill and wisdom, just as I knew he would.
The sun is setting in Inferna, and Elias takes me to the shores of his kingdom, where a small boat awaits. Magical flying balls of light guide our way and once we are settled onto the pillows, with goblets of wine and platters of food for us to enjoy, the boat winds down the waters taking us wherever Elias has planned.
"So, where is this mystery date?" I ask.
"You'll see. Be patient, my love. We're almost there."
You heard right, little bird. I'm his love. I know, it gets me in the feels too. But after all these months, everything is finally turning out the way it was meant to all along. I can't imagine anything more perfect.
The boat slows and we arrive at a clearing that has a table set for two, with candles, delicious food, and a field of glowing flowers surrounding us. Thousands of them. It's the most spectacular sight I've ever seen.
He escorts me to my chair and takes his. From somewhere beyond my vision, a soft melody emerges from the woods around us. The music is haunting and the setting is beyond magical. "What is this place?" I ask.
"This is the rare and coveted woodlands of the fairies. Different than the Fae, the fairies are small creatures who only show themselves when they want to, and that isn't often. I didn't even realize until recently that my kingdom boasts one of the only woodlands left on Inferna. The few others that remain are in Avakiri."
"It's astonishing," I say. "And the music?"
"The fairies themselves," he says with a wink.
Before us are plates of food, savory and delicious. We eat and talk. I fill him in on all that's happening in my life, and the latest from Callie, he tells me about the challenges and treasures of being prince of his realm. We talk about the Council a bit, and what we want to see happen there. We can't help it. It's work, yes, and totally not romantic, but it's important to both of us.
After dinner and a delightful strawberry treat for dessert, courtesy of his Uncle Zeb, Elias takes a small box from his pocket.
You know the kind of box I'm talking about.
One ofthoseboxes.
And my heart stops. Then skips. Then stops again.
And Elias smiles, like he knows what I'm thinking cuz I totally know what he's doing.
He gets down on one knee.
Opens the box.
And there's a spider inside!
Just kidding. Had you fooled.
Of course there's not a spider in there. He would never do that to me.
What do you think is in the little black velvet box?