XXIX

Even staying far away from the crowd, Talvi was receiving an annoying amount of attention. Fae of all ages and status would approach him if brave enough, and Elanor had to witness their advances, as if she were not standing right there. Some of the persuers were awkward, some were very skilled in flirting, and some were stunningly beautiful. Elanor felt gloomier with each passing minute and eventually came to the only logical conclusion. 

"My lord, may I have the first dance?" asked a tall faery with real butterfly wings and a sleek red satin dress with long matching gloves. Their outfit was so elegant, Elanor could not stop admiring it, even through irritation. 

How can anyone be so rude? We were interrupted in the middle of a conversation!

"I'm afraid, my first dance is already promised," replied Talvi for the tenth time this evening. 

This is actually very cunning of Talvi. Did he frame it as a deal so that he can reject anyone? What if he did it, so that he can make sure he dances with me?... Alright, get back on the ground. You're just a girl from a human town who met him a month ago. And this creature has the body of a rhythmic gymnast.

When rejected faery left, Talvi smiled at her with an apologetic look. He was about to say something, but another pilgrim tugged on his wide sleeve and offered a glass of cider. Elanor turned away in frustration.

Breathe... What is this feeling? Am I jealous? The realization released a knot that had been tangling all night in her chest. If my stomach twists whenever he is around anyone else, that must mean I care more than I was admitting. I have a crush on him... 

The discovery felt truly liberating, but made it even more insufferable to stand and watch Talvi getting hit on. She was also trying to avoid thinking about his mysterious lost love, but that one actually made her sympathize with the merchant, not prick her with needles like every one of these smiles addressed to him by the Seelie noblemen.

What do I do now? Do I tell him? Maybe after the dance, if I don't die of shame. 

***

"You seem restless," said Talvi, looking at her fix her sleeves for the fourth time.

I'm in love with you, and soon everyone you rejected will see me embarrass myself with the most attractive fae in the room, because I don't know how to dance.

"Just nervous... I'm scared to dance in front of so many people; I'm not a good dancer. I only know a simple waltz square," confessed Elanor.

Talvi looked around for the troupe and found it closer to the middle of the room, on the opposite side. He then caught a servant passing by with a tray full of empty carafes. He snatched it out of his hands and bent to his ear, telling him something with a lot of hand waving and a lot of Talvi's charms. The servant nodded. Talvi gave him a small pouch and walked back to where they were sitting with Elanor. 

"What are you up to?" she asked suspiciously.

The servant returned, said something brief to the elf and received a second pouch and his tray back, walking away happily. 

"It's settled. We shall dance a waltz. Get ready, it's almost time."

"Talvi... did you just bribe the orchestra?" Elanor smiled brightly, and the fae immediately got his full-of-himself look. It hurt how much she liked his full-of-himself looks.

"I'm a serious businessman, and we shook hands on this deal," she heard him say before the musicians started playing.

The first notes fell upon the hall like shooting stars; the noise of conversations faded and was replaced by the rustle of gowns, as couples hurried toward the dance floor. Talvi stood before Elanor and bowed, extending his hand in invitation. A sudden swell of emotion made her want to cry. She took his hand, and the elf led her to an empty opening, slightly away from the other dancers. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of Queen Violet in the center, scattering glowing sparks with every step. 

Talvi drew their joined hands to the side, slipped his arm around Elanor above the waist, and looked into her eyes as he made the first step. Glowing like she was emanating moonlight, Elanor met his gaze, thousands of lights of the hall making his eyes shine like a starry sky, and everything vanished. She would never know for certain whether it was a fae enchantment or only her imagination, but suddenly the other couples disappeared, their voices faded, and only the music and Talvi's piercing eyes remained in her world. 

Their feet carried them smoothly without effort, twirling in the stream of long, flowing, melancholic notes of the waltz. The melody swelled, their spins quickened, her heart pounded harder, beating in the rhythm of the quartet. She felt Talvi's strong heartbeat through his chest. 

How breathtaking he is. 

When Elanor spoke, her voice trembled slightly.

"If I had to endure every misfortune all over again, I would do it for the chance of this dance with you, Talvi."

The elf's expression shifted instantly, and Elanor thought she saw tears in his eyes. 

"Forgive me, I never meant to upset you. Is it because of the person in your heart?"

Talvi opened his mouth to speak, but no words came. Slowly, he drew their turn to an end, and the last notes faded, carrying her back into the stifling, colourful hall of the Seelie castle. Talvi held her hand tightly, bowed, and kissed it.

In that moment, as if in a dream, Elanor saw not Talvi, but a figure crowned with antlers. With his head inclined, he too pressed his lips to her hand. She knew him. She had to call to him. She knew that if she did not call now, the chance would never come again. 

"Snivaldr-"