Dreams of Spring (Tamlin x Hyacinth Novella)

Chapter Seventeen

Cin giggled as they jogged into the cool night air of Surfinia.

It had been Tamlin's idea to brave the village after the kids had gone to bed, with Poppy and the sentries standing guard. Tamlin clasped her hand as they made their way over the arched bridges that were bathed in the silvery light of the moon overhead. The serene and glittering waterways wove through the part of the village that floated above the water.

Tamlin had shifted his features to resemble Rustar once again, the face he'd once used to hide from his people at the Saorsa Festival. He would don it again to have this night with Cin.

Following the sound of revelry, Tamlin and Cin stepped into the square. The fae lanterns burned low, the melody of faerie music reaching their ears, beckoning them closer with its irresistible call. Cin's breath caught in her throat as she beheld the sight before them: a group of dancers, their forms bathed in moonlight, moving with a grace that seemed otherworldly.

"Tamlin," she whispered, her voice barely a murmur in the night. Cin glanced up at him, wholly prepared to beg if she had to. She wanted to dance with him. It had been so long since it had just been the two of them, alone, and out in the world.

But Tamlin was already gazing at her, reverence gleaming in his emerald eyes, with a grin that promised passion on his lips. A slow smile grew on Cin's face as he led her into the crowd of dancing fae.

Her muted silver and grey dress, and her pinned-up hair, concealed her station enough that no one would recognize her. Not when everyone had grown to expect their Lady's voluptuous curls and green and gold attire. The colors kept her close to Tamlin on the days they were apart.

In the heart of the lively square, beneath the twinkling canopy of stars, Cin found herself enveloped in a soft love as she danced with Tamlin. The music, a symphony of flute, drums, and fiddle, filled the air with its infectious rhythm, guiding their movements as if choreographed by fate itself.

As Tamlin pulled her close, his strong arms encircling her waist, Cin felt the world fall away, leaving only the two of them in a universe of their own making. His touch ignited a fire within her, a passion that blazed brighter with each step they took together.

With every turn and twirl, their bodies moved as one, synchronized in a dance of love and longing. Cin gazed into Tamlin's eyes, lost in the depths of his heated gaze, and felt her heart swell with a love so profound it threatened to consume her.

In that moment, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the square, nothing else mattered but the warmth of Tamlin's embrace and the echo of their quiet laughter mingling with the music. They were the embodiment of passion and devotion, their closeness a testament to the depth of their bond.

As the melody reached its crescendo, Tamlin leaned in, his lips brushing against Cin's ear in a whisper that sent shivers down her spine.

"I love you," he murmured, his voice a tender caress against her skin.

As the music swirled around them, wrapping them in its enchanting embrace, Cin felt as if she were floating on air, lost in the magic of the moment. But just as she leaned into Tamlin's embrace, savoring the warmth of his touch, a sudden throat clearing shattered the spell.

Tamlin's gaze flickered over Cin's shoulder, and she followed his line of sight to see Rafe standing there, a small smile playing on his lips. Instantly, a pang of frustration washed over Cin, understanding that moments like this would be scarce—one of the many sacrifices she'd signed up for.

Tamlin's smile turned apologetic toward Cin before focusing on Rafe. "You're always such a welcomed sight, Rafe. I assume you have something to say," he said, his voice laced with a hint of his own frustration. It brought Cin a modicum of joy to know that he was as frustrated as she was at their moment of peace being ruined. Tamlin was usually more reserved.