229 Never Letting Go

AYLETH 

He was here. 

Etan was in this room. She could feel it in her soul, feel it in the living, humming bond that thrilled in her heart.

Breathless with anticipation, Ayleth stood at the top of the wide, stone staircase that curved from high over the audience chamber. Etan stood on the raised platform under the landing where she stood, waiting. And the people, too. The court, the servants, and as many citizens as could fit made a humming, milling mass below her.

They'd been forced apart for most of the day—a unique kind of torment when they both knew that their reunion tonight would be so sweet. But neither of them was ready for the separation just yet, hearts still nervous and wounded, afraid of further surprises.

Her newest Lady in Waiting tugged at her train, then rushed forward to hand Ayleth a bouquet of flowers. "You're ready, Ayleth," she whispered, her eyes bright and twinkling with the romance of it all.