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Their party converged with a troupe of musicians in procession to the heart of the market.

Trailed by a group of faerie children skipping, twirling, and dancing in their wake.

Above, the adults with wings of all shapes, colors and sizes filled the air, fluttering and swaying with the song.

Their wings as diverse as their skin tones.

The area was awash in decadent color. It was a sharp contrast to the human court, where Heather’s life was depressingly drab.

Heather regarded faerie apparel. Gowns were similarly cut to the clothes at home, but the fabrics were diaphanous and floated in the breeze.

Pixie clothing was a mishmash of woven textiles and material from the natural world.

Leaves, petals, and even cobwebs accentuated their garments.

Grand dramatic hats were fashioned from flower blossoms. Heather particularly liked a female's daisy cap. Her attention flitted from the scenery, the garb, and most of all…to Skye’s warm hand holding hers.

The musical group had instruments unlike any human version.

A small harp was constructed from a tree branch with leaves and flowers attached.

The handheld lute looked part acorn. There were pan flutes made from tubers, mushroom drums and horns of all sizes fashioned from tangerine trumpet blossoms. Even the clamorous noises of the crowded market square were drown out by their lively music.

The merry parade filled Heather with joy.

She couldn’t hold back the smile on her face.

She joined in, clapping along with the tempo as their entourage followed the procession to the center of the square.

Heather held her hand out to Skye. “Dance with me.”

Was it her imagination, or did the crowd actually part for them as they made their way through the onlookers?

All fae appeared to bow or curtsy to the white-haired siblings when they crossed their path.

Stranger’s stares were a visceral prickle upon her skin.

She chose to stay grounded in the moment, ignoring their audience, not allowing her shyness to ruin the experience.

They clasped hands and spun in circles like euphoric children until their surroundings blurred.

Her skirts swished around her ankles. The merriment and upbeat notes saturated the air.

Their joy was magick given form. Skye’s solid hand encircled her waist, and he lifted her as he whirled round.

His eyes captured her own with an amorous stare.

He guided her down enticingly slow, her body brushing his as he lowered her back to the ground.

Her bodice was suddenly too constricting, and the smoldering yearning returned to her core.

As the song evolved to a slower tune, Skye wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her flush against his front.

They swayed to the melody as she was filled with longing.

Heather rested her head on his toned chest, where she was cradled under his chin.

As they spun, she observed Aster in the crowd, staring at her brother in surprise as they danced.

The music was honeyed and easy on her ears.

“What’s this song?” She knew that she’d be humming the melody for days on end.

“The ribbon ballad, it’s about the magick of steadfast love.”

Skye’s gaze arrested hers and sang in his husky voice, “If wishes were ribbons, you’d be mine. Together forever throughout all time. I’d no longer wish, for my heart is thine. With this simple twine, our souls and hands do thee bind.”

The gathering clapped in appreciation. Their faerie ears discerned his voice through the din. Scents of all kinds wafted around the square. Pixies preened their wings wherever Skye turned, attempting to gain his attention, but he paid them no mind. Heather was the sole focus of his affection.

Heather set her hand on Skye's nape and ran her fingers through his hair there. The strong column of his neck was her new fixation.

Skye garnered an abundance of deference and regard. Heather began to suspect that it was due to more than his handsome visage. The Ashwoodes must be of high standing, with wealth and power in faerie.

Whispering against his arched ear, she asked, “Is there something you wish to tell me?” His flesh broke out in goosebumps.

She was lost in the moment, pushing her feelings of propriety aside.

She gently kissed him below his lobe. His pulse quickened against her palm, and she fought the urge to part her lips and lightly suck.

As they swayed to the music, flush together, his interest blatant as he became rigid against her hip.

Skye’s wings glowed brighter, his green dust emitting from them, sinking to the ground like falling snow.

A female pixie in the gathering gasped, “Well, I never!” as she covered her young daughters’ eyes, then scooped her up and fled into flight.

Heather stared at them in confusion as they fluttered away.

Heather’s face went hot as she came back to her surroundings.

She removed her arms from their embrace, reigning in the urge to place a hand over her now churning stomach.

Skye noticed the change in her demeanor.

He latched her arm over his and led her from the crush, the music fading as they made their way down the lane.