The Entry with No Title

“And just where are you taking me now?” she asked. The moon had risen higher and bathed the gardens in its silver glow.

Torin hugged her hand to his side and smiled down at her.

“I thought we might wander inside, listen to music, and perhaps even enjoy a dance or two.”

Sunshine laughed. “You dance?” Her eyes twinkled in the moonlight. Torin raised an eyebrow, tossing his head.

“Yes. And quite well, I’ll have you know.” His left cheek dimpled.

“Then, yes, I most definitely want to try that.” She chuckled all the way to the spacious ballroom.

Torin ushered her in before him. They stood to one side, out of the way of the dancers on the polished floor. The musicians were ensconced on a railed balcony at one end of the room. Crystal chandeliers, each with countless candles, shimmered and glowed.

Sunshine sighed and pressed close to Torin’s side. “I feel like a girl in a fairy tale,” she said. “I keep waiting for someone to realize I don’t belong and throw me out in the street.”

Torin put an arm around her waist. “You’re the loveliest one here, beloved. Of course you belong.”

They waited for the dance to end, then took their places for the next one. “What if I don’t know the steps?” she whispered to him. “I’ll look foolish.”

“Watch me and mirror what I do,” he said. “You’ll be fine.”

The other couples lined up and when all the dancers were in place, the musicians struck the first chord. A look of relief crossed Sunshine’s face. Torin grinned at her, held out his hand, and the dance began.