When they reached the middle of the room, he stepped away from her and gave her an old-world, very courtly bow.
He looked the perfect gentleman and she couldn't help dropping a small curtsey back to him. His smile told her it had been the right thing to do. The cavern hushed. Even the children. From somewhere behind her, music began to play.
You caught a forest scent by fate's strange chance,
and found me-though you had not sought romance.
He sang the words to her, his voice shocking her with its perfect pitch and a sexy rasp to it that sent a chill down her spine. He held out his hand to her, continuing in song.
Still I sing; lady, may I have this dance?
Tatijana felt tears burning behind her eyes. Music grew louder, taking on a rhythmic beat. She didn't know where it came from, and she couldn't look away from Fen to see who he'd enlisted to help him make this night special for her. She placed her hand in his. He took it gently and brought her in close to him. She actually was shaking as she put her other hand on his shoulder.
Music swelled in the cavern as he began to move with his fluid grace until she felt as if she was floating. His mouth moved against her ear. "This is for you alone, my lady," he whispered. "I wrote it for you."
He began to sing again while they moved in perfect synchronization, their bodies close while her heart found and followed the rhythm of his.
I roamed the lonely centuries in the dark,
This Fenris wolf near famished for the light.
Then you appeared-a sudden brilliant spark,
My miracle who banishes my night.
Tatijana laid her head against his chest and closed her eyes, savoring the feeling of floating and the way his body felt so warm and hard against hers as they moved together. His arms were strong, holding her safe in a world where she knew madness and monsters often lurked.
You, too, knew loneliness while trapped in ice.
Set free, you swore you'd not be bound again.
Then may you never feel my arms a vise!
And may you willingly enter my den!
Above their heads, stars swirled around the high ceiling of the cavern and the torches dimmed, giving the illusion that they were dancing beneath the sky itself. Tatijana held herself closer to him. The night felt magical, a wondrous surreal moment as they drifted together, their bodies close while she felt love for him rising, swamping her.
Your eyes . . . they shift in color like your hair.
They gleam like emeralds,
Fascinate with light.
You dance as though with wings upon the air.
You match our greatest warriors in fight.
Tatijana knew the words of his song to her were heartfelt. How could she not? She was in his mind, feeling what he was feeling. He made no attempt to hide his love, respect and admiration from her-or anyone else. She felt beautiful, loved and as if she was the only woman in the world.
My dragon flame, you set my heart aglow!
Above all else, these ancient words hold true . . .
My Tatijana, these words hold true:
You are my lifemate.
I belong to you.