Thinking of that, though, made her think of Ardan. Her cheeks warmed at the thought of him and she wondered if she would see him tonight.
It was ridiculous to even entertain. She shoved away those thoughts and went to her wardrobe where she pulled out one of her older gowns in green silk. She dressed, then brushed out the length of her black hair. She tied it at the nape of her neck with a matching green ribbon. As she peered at herself in the mirror, she noticed the pale purple bruises along her throat. Bruises that looked like fingerprints.
She leaned closer to get a better look. The Shadow that had attacked her must have left the marks. Where else would she have gotten them?
Not wanting anyone else to see the marks, she decided to change her dress into something with a high neck. She exchanged the gown for a deep royal blue one that would conceal the marks.
As she left with Yirrie and Elator for the second night of the festival, apprehension swept through her.
The long tables were set as before. All the candles lit. The lights dangled from the trees, illuminating the area of the village where the revelry always took place. Normally, Snow enjoyed this time of year. But this year was different. This year dark magic tried to kill her.
In past years, the first night of the celebration went into the wee morning hours. The second night was when the couples who formed the previous night would dance after the feast. It would go on well into the night. She dreaded that because, undoubtedly, she would never be picked.
After the feast, the music and merriment began. Much to her astonishment, Ardan appeared at their table with a shy look on his face that told her he wasn’t sure what he was doing. Surprise flickered through her. Tonight, he wore a dark blue brocade jacket trimmed in silver with silver buttons, black pants and black boots. She had to admit he looked quite handsome.
“Hello, Snow.” His hand rested on the hilt of his dagger belted at his waist. Tonight, he wore it in plain sight.
“Hello, Ardan.” She kept her voice strong and sure, but deep down her nerves jangled through her. What was he doing at their table?
Yirrie and Elator were both riveted, watching their awkward exchange. Finally, Ardan held out a shaking hand to her and cleared his throat.
“Would you do the honor of granting me this dance?”
Snow’s mouth went dry as she stared, dumbfounded, at him. “You want to dance with me?”
He glanced at Elator who gave him an encouraging nod. Something struck Snow then and she wondered if he had something to do with this sudden invitation from the young elf.
“Yes,” he said, keeping his hand extended to her.
“Are you sure?” Snow’s brows drew together.
Yirrie elbowed her. “Go on, Snow.”
“I’m sure,” Ardan said, sounding confident.
Even though she was uncertain about his intentions, she rose from her chair and walked around the end of the table with slow, methodical steps to give him time to change his mind. He didn’t. He turned toward her with his hand still outstretched, his fingers slightly shaking. Trepidation slipping through her, she placed her hand in his. He whisked her off to the dancefloor where one warm hand landed on her waist and the other gripped her hand.
Snow looked everywhere but into his eyes, a sudden uneasy shyness plaguing her. The music was soft, encouraging the newly formed couples to dance closer and closer to each other.
“You look lovely tonight,” he said, his voice wavering a bit with his nerves.
Her cheeks heated as she watched their feet. “Thank you.”
His hand tightened on her waist. Finally, she met his gaze and realized he was smiling at her. She smiled back. As they twirled around the makeshift dance floor, she caught Valda’s acid gaze. Clearly, his sister was not happy Snow was dancing with him.
“Your sister doesn’t like me,” she remarked.
“My sister doesn’t like anyone,” he replied with a chuckle.
She noticed, then, he was leading her away from the other couples to the edge of the forest.
“I don’t much like these festivals,” he said, then. “Would you like to take a walk with me in the forest?”
She chewed her lower lip as she thought about leaving the elves’ protective magic. “I shouldn’t…”
“I’ll keep you safe.” He flashed an irresistible grin. “We don’t have to go far. We can stay within the circle, if you like.”
It was as if he sensed her apprehension and why.
