Read Online The Myatheira Chronicles: Volume Two: Beyond the Veil by Melissa Collins - Free Book Online

to dance with him once or twice.
    But what fun was there in dancing if Callum wasn’t there? If his mother was creating a fuss, he would likely still be with his father and sister, trying to coax Valeska into coming. Her heart fell in dismay at the thought of wasting her efforts without him there to witness. Pushing the thought from her mind she smiled at Dacian. “I will tell the musicians to begin, then. We should not waste any time this evening when there is much to celebrate.”
    She turned away from the two men to make her way through the crowd. The musicians would play if she told them. It was well enough into the night for the music to begin. Her parents weren’t likely to complain. The Queen enjoyed dancing. Starting a few minutes early might be appreciated.
    The number of people in the ballroom was impressive. In only a matter of a few minutes the room had filled, making movement through the crowd almost impossible without having to push a few courtiers out of the way. When they noticed who was trying to get by, they attempted to create space, although there was little to be given. By the time she reached the musicians, she was out of breath, no longer certain whether her idea had been worth it. But she was there. To change her mind now would accomplish nothing. Waving her hand she signaled to a man holding a lyre to begin playing. He looked confused at first though quickly caught what she was requesting, frantically motioning to the others to take their places.
    With a smile Aiva turned back to the crowd, seeking out the faces of Kaemin and Dacian. She’d lost them in the sea of people. Once the music started, they would find her. She hoped they were already making their way to the dance floor. The first song would belong to the King and Queen. There would be time yet for her to locate her partners.
    Standing beside the musicians, she smiled to hear the soft notes begin to fill the room, calming the din of conversation. She didn’t want to start pushing through the crowd in fear of missing her parents dance. It was her favorite part of the evening. The way they looked when in each other’s arms. Even now they found their way to the floor, faces alight, feet carrying them gracefully, Thade leading the moves with absolute perfection. Everyone in the room watched them. Their presence demanded attention anywhere they went, and their first dance at the celebration each year was no exception.
    At the edge of the floor Aiva could see Edric standing, her heart stopping in her chest at the sight of Callum, casually positioned at her brother’s side. Frantic, she tore her eyes away, staring into the distance. Had he seen her? She couldn’t let him notice her looking. It would ruin everything!
    But why was he there if the rest of his family wasn’t? Or could it be that his presence was the reason General Cadell felt comfortable in leaving the King and Queen unattended while he focused on his wife? And where were Kaemin and Dacian? If Callum and Edric had noticed her, they would approach unless she managed to find a way to look occupied. Busy. Unaccepting of their company.
    The music slowed before she knew what was happening, indicating the end of the first song. The floor would be open to anyone for dancing once the King and Queen finished. Her heart raced in fear of being accosted by Callum before she had a chance to set her plan into motion. He had to see her happy. Surrounded by men vying for her hand. It was too soon.
    “I believe the next number is ours,” Kaemin stated, pulling Aiva from her thoughts. Relieved, she allowed him to take her hand, grateful for his presence. She was saved. At least the next two songs would be occupied by Kaemin and Dacian. Callum would have to wait, if he even intended to approach her at all. It was foolish to think that he had any desire to speak with her, but it was more amusing for her to pretend that she was the focus of his thoughts. It gave her a strange