Madelyn breathed out slowly as Brand's carriage joined the long queue that curved through the majestic drive of Mainecroft Castle. The sky, stained pink, stretched wide above the towering roofs, while the grounds shimmered with lantern lights, fine carriages, liveried servants and finely dressed guests.
The waterworks at the heart of the drive displayed a lavish spectacle. Bursting many feet into the air, before its drops caught the glowing lights of dusk and scattered into a thousand fleeting diamonds. Faint music drifted from the open doors.
It was an evening of impossible beauty.
She was particularly excited. It was the first time in a long time since she last attended a ball. And, for the first time in longer still, she did not despise it.
Carefully, she stole a glance at the man beside her. Brand sat by her side facing forward, his gaze fixed beyond the carriage window.
