The crowd fell away as the couple of honor walked to the center of the floor. Faren pulled Emilia close, her chest pressed snugly against him and her arm clinging to his solid shoulder. His arm around her waist felt sure and strong, and his calm eyes never strayed from her face. He lead the dance slowly, gently. Being in his embrace was like being bundled in a well-loved quilt- familiar and comforting.
The inky black sky was dotted with stars, their light casting an unearthly glow across Faren and Emilia’s faces. She had been struck by his good looks the moment she saw him, but together beneath the starlight she was mesmerized and she suddenly became aware of just how close he was, and how he smelled faintly of leather and smoke. A sweet, shy smile played across her mouth, and she felt he
