Memory Lane

Chapter Five

The song I imagine them dancing to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iYHC89miDE&t=2889s

C H A P T E R F I V E

"I must learn to be content with being happier than I deserve."

― Jane Austen

In spite of Gwyn's many reassurances, Azriel still felt wholly unprepared for this evening.

    It was no secret, to those residing in the House of Wind or in the Inner Circle, that Gwyn and Azriel had begun seeing each other. As they had before they'd admitted to the heat between them, the pair continued to openly trade longing looks and flirtatious remarks.

    The bond, however, still remained private, for many reasons. Among them was the concern that everyone would assume they decided to suddenly pursue whatever was between them solely because the Cauldron said so. Another looming worry was the pressure that would fall upon them to accept the bond. People would begin to ask when they intended to have a ceremony and promise themselves to one another until their dying breaths. As eager as Azriel was to do so, he agreed with Gwyn that they needed this time to figure out who they were as a couple, without the weight of the bond on their shoulders. Cassian and Nesta had struggled beneath the crushing knowledge, and that was not an experience Gwyn and Azriel were eager to have themselves.

    But as much as Azriel agreed with Gwyn's decision, the urge to announce the bond to everyone present here on the barge tonight was heavy on the shadowsinger's mind.

    Arms linked, Azriel and Gwyn walked the bridge onto the party-barge. It was their first event where they were attending as a couple with more than their family present. Tonight those attending the High Lord and Lady's End of Summer Barge Party would know that the shadowsinger was finally taken. That he wasn't absconding into a dark corner with a casual lover or pining after some unavailable beauty, but instead, utterly besotted with the female on his arm.

    Stepping onto the barge, Gwyn gasped at the decor, it was her first time attending the annual celebration. Her teal eyes traced the faelights that were strung over the upper and lower decks. She pointed excitedly to the musicians who played a bawdy tune on the starboard side of the barge. Much to Azriel's surprise and delight, she was so taken with the food and drink and ambience she didn't so much as flinch at the crowd. If any apprehension lingered about leaving the House of Wind, it was not present now. At least, so it appeared.

    Azriel inclined his head as they skirted the dance floor, walking arm and arm towards the upper deck where tables were set for those who wished to dine before enjoying the merrymaking. "You're alright then?"

    Beneath her freckles, Gwyn's cheeks flushed, catching his meaning. She replied just loud enough for him to hear her over the reveling, "It's much easier with you."

    Azriel felt his chest swell with pride, a smile tugging at the edge of his lip. Perhaps it was all to do with the mating bond, but he couldn't help but feel solely responsible for Gwyn's abated fear of crowds. Over the past two months of courtship, they'd slowly been making their way into Velaris and getting Gwyn acquainted with crowds. Azriel arranged trips to the local bookstore and luncheons at the tea parlor with Nesta and Emerie. He'd invited her to card games at the townhouse. Once he'd even managed to talk her into joining him and his entire family at Rita's.

    A shadow poised by Azriel's ear, called his attention to the left, as he and Gwyn ascended the stairs to the upper deck. Across the dance floor on the lower deck he saw a group of well-dressed fae eyeing him and Gwyn, their expressions curious and amused.