Page 62 of The Call of Crimson (The Crimson & Shadows #2)

Before anyone can stop me, I take a running leap and land in the center of one of the long tables. The thud is soft, but the attention is immediate. Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Aurelius watching. His gaze is intense, but he doesn’t move toward me.

“The musicians are playing a dance that requires two people, love.” Ayden stares up at me, arms crossed, and raises a brow. “Do you plan to dance on your own?”

I laugh, mirroring his posture. “If I must. Or someone could join me up here. There is enough room for two.”

“How drunk are you?” he asks, stepping onto a chair.

“Not that drunk,” I say, just as Aurelius adds, “She’s obliterated.”

I flip him off as I giggle, “I don’t like you right now, Aurelius.”

He’s only maybe ten feet from us, so I can see the smirk that covers his face as he says, “You’re still a terrible liar, Princess.”

Ayden is fully on the table next to me now and leans in to whisper, “Well, if you’re obliterated, that makes two of us.”

He takes my hand and leads us in a quick-paced two-step dance. With the limited space on top of the table, we have to get creative, but we navigate the steps mostly gracefully. A few missteps and stumbles leave us both laughing in time with the music.

I’m drunk on both the cider and the atmosphere. The world spins around me as Ayden spins me out and back into him.

I laugh, my head thrown back, as I crash into his chest. He stumbles but catches me before we fall, steadying me with a hand on the curve of my hip.

He grins drunkenly at me. “Steady there, wild one.”

“I’m fine,” I slur. “But thanks for the save,” I add before patting his cheek.

With a deep sigh, I say, “This is it, my moment of joy for the day.”

His other hand cups my jaw as he stares into my eyes. “We could be happy together, Breyla.”

“I’m sorry, Ayden,” I whisper.

“Sorry that you don’t love me, or sorry that you know I’m right?”

My chest constricts as I realize how right he is. “Another life, another time, I think you’d be right. Against my better judgment, I trust you; hell, I actually really enjoy your company. But I don’t love you.”

He sighs, his finger gently stroking my cheek. “Your heart was never mine to hold.”

“It has a mind of its own. I’ve stopped questioning why it chose that broody brother of yours.”

“Only the gods know the answer to that, love. I’m obviously the better, more attractive choice.”

I erupt in laughter, his deep chuckles joining my own.

“You’re certainly funnier,” I say, smiling at him.

“You know I can’t call this marriage off, right?” His face is serious now, almost haunted.

“I think you could if you wanted to.” I splay a hand across his chest, meeting his gaze. “You don’t really love me, Ayden.”

“I would love you if you gave me the chance.” His voice is resolute and unwavering.

“And I’m certain you would do it well. But we don’t live in that version of the story.” I move my hand to squeeze his shoulder in quiet apology. “We live in this one—where my heart belongs to Aurelius.”

“There are bigger things at play here, Breyla. I’ve told you what I can, but I need you to trust me. Everyone must believe our union is genuine, despite what we feel.”

“Then you must know that while you have my friendship, Ayden,” I sigh, leaning my head against his chest, the weight of it all sinking in. “I will fight you every step of the way to that altar.”

“I would expect nothing less from you.”

A beat of silence passes as the world keeps spinning around us. As we break apart, the table beneath us wobbles. The unsteady motion combines with the alcohol swimming through my veins, making a dangerous combination.

Just as I think we’ve gained our balance, a harsh winter wind hits us. I squeal as we both lose our footing and fall backward.

Ayden hits the ground first with a painful thud. I’m a heartbeat behind him, but find myself instead in the arms of Aurelius.

His heat engulfs me as I bask in the spiced bergamot scent I adore. “You caught me,” I say in wonder.

“I’ll always keep you safe,” he says, voice low and certain.

“I’m okay, thanks for asking,” Ayden says snarkily from the ground.

We both ignore him as I continue staring into Aurelius’ eyes.

“How much of our conversation did you hear?” I ask curiously.

Aurelius’ gaze is unreadable. “All of it.”

“Oh,” I whisper.

“I can’t decide whether I want to worship or punish you right now,” he growls.

“Maybe a bit of both?” I suggest sheepishly.

“That sounds like us,” he whispers as his eyes heat, the crimson flecks blazing to life.

“We’re not allowed to do that anymore.” I drunkenly giggle. “Ayden says?—”

“I don’t give a fuck what Ayden says,” he cuts me off.

Ayden is standing now and shoving his way between us. Roughly, he pulls me from Aurelius’ arms, keeping me cradled in his own, as he bites out, “Thank you, brother, for catching my fiancée. I’ve got her from here.”

Without waiting for a response, Ayden brushes past him, carrying me back toward the castle.

“I can walk, you know,” I grumble, kicking my legs in protest.

“Oh, I know. That’s not what this is about,” he says, smirking.

“Stupid male bullshit,” I grumble.

“Stupid male bullshit, indeed.”

It takes us a few minutes to reach the castle, but by the time we arrive, I’m already yawning. He sets me down once inside and walks me to his room.

I reach for the door, ready to collapse into bed.

“Sleep well, love. We have training tomorrow,” he says with a snicker, stripping down to his night clothes.

I groan. “I’m not coming.”

“It’s only training with your projection. You don’t have to face Darian hungover.”

“That’s not a reassurance. I’m still not coming,” I yawn in protest as I slip into his bathing chamber to change into my nightgown.

When I return, Ayden’s already in bed, the soft glow of a Faerie light casting golden shadows over his face.

“I don’t recall giving you a choice,” he says, brow arched smugly.

“Then you’ll have to drag me there,” I reply, shrugging as I climb into bed. “Good night, Ayden.”

“Good night, Princess.”