Thread: In the Shadow of the Dragon (Corsair and Xana)

Astrid braced her forehead against her palm once she realized which book her mother had selected for her, trying to hide her embarrassment form her husband, who glanced at her quizzically. Why dont we have our first dance now? Astrid suggested, pulling her husband along before he could protest. Ellistair was a very good dancer, she already knew. It was, after all, how they met, when they danced together that first night. Even as she was encouraged to dance with other men, she returned to Ellistairs arms, again and again, craving the electricity of his touch and the sparkle in his eyes. And he was no less impressive now, dressed in his military dress coat. I cant believe we are really married, She gushed, nuzzling his nose. Until to restrain her joy, her absolute adoration for her new husband. Once the music started, and Ellistair spun her in his arms, it was easy to forget there were others at in the banquet room with them. Hilda watched wistfully as Astrid and her brother began their first dance as a married couple, completely jealous of the look of love in each of their eyes. Because her brother had married for love, shed never be able to, her father even more insistent that she marry a lord of proper standing. As if the pressure to marry werent heavy enough on her shoulders. Dont be jealous, dear sister, Aevell comforted her, or at least attempted to, It will be you next, someday soon. That is precisely what I fear, she thought but didnt dare speak, just nodding. I only hope I can find a match the fulfills me as match as Astrid fulfills Ellistair. Or that Nevyn fulfills you. There is yet a man for you, Sweet Hilda. And I refuse to rest until I find him for you, Aevell offered. It took all of Hildas patience not to sigh and roll her eyes at that. That is most kind of you, but you have enough to worry about. Already our cousins Svena and Rosa have children, even though youve been married longer than them, Hilda reminded, hoping to get Aevell off her case. It was bad enough when father pestered her like so. Cousin! Reyne called, approaching her table, Would you do me the favor of a dance? Graciously, cousin, Hilda beamed, standing to join him. He was five years older than her, but had always been friendly, even though he was more of a playmate to Ellistair than her growing up. I recognized the look on your face, he murmured, leading her onto the dance floor, for it is one I have worn many times as well. Is your sister trying to arrange your marriage? Only her and everyone else I know, Hilda joked, even though it was rather close to the truth. Yes, Ive been in that situation more times than I can count. And I can only imagine it is going to get worse, now that Ellistair is married, he remarked, twirling her. Even now I imagine my mother is trying to convince your father to let us marry. Well, you would certainly be preferable to most of the suitors my father has suggested, she replied, not entirely sure how seriously she was to take his statement, I am just not sure I want to marry yet. Cant I wait a few years before I begin having babies? Its not like I am heir to anything. You are ahead of me in line for the throne, he pointed out, spinning her out the length of his arm. And that is why you want to marry me? To skip ahead a couple places? she teased, releasing one hand to grab the other. That is the entirety of my plot, he admitted, playfully, as her back was against his chest, Because number four in line is much more enticing than number six.