Like the Dawn (Lark #3) by Erica Cope Page A

early. I will not agree to t hat.” He ends the possibility before it can be discussed. It only makes me that much more curious, but it's obvious no one is going to tell me.
              “I know that you think it's frivolous Mia,” Alberico says. “But are you at least willing to go along with this plan? The council is not willing to go forth with an attack on the Dark Elves unless we have the strength of another kingdom. The alliance is imperative.”
              “Isobel, what do you think?” I ask her.
              She's been noticeably quiet throughout the entire meeting but I value her opinion more than any of the other council members, with the exception of Grey and my father, most of the time anyway.
              “I think it is a good idea. I think it would be an olive branch of sorts. We normally don't engage the other kingdoms or involve ourselves in their affairs. Obviously that is what is causing us grief right now. Why would they want to help a kingdom who has never helped them before? Or worse, they may suspect that this is just a ploy to regain control of their kingdoms.”
              “Which, of course, is not something I would even consider,” Alberico interjects.              
              “Okay,” I reluctantly agree. “If you think it will work.”
              “I hope it does. Obviously no one can know for certain,” she answers honestly. “But I agree that it is worth a try.”
              I let out a heavy sigh. This feels so wrong, but it doesn't appear that I have much of a choice.
              “If you think it's our best shot,” I mutter with little confidence, “I'll do my best.”             
              Alberico adjourns the disastrous council meeting a few minutes later and Grey walks me back to my room. Okay, so it wasn't exactly disastrous, it was just frustrating. This whole thing is frustrating.
              “Are you okay?”
              “Why does everyone keep asking me if I'm okay? Of course I'm not okay.”
              “That was foolish of me. My apologies,” he says sincerely, then I just feel guilty.
              “Sorry. It's not your fault. I'm just a little—on edge, that's all.”
              “Do you want to do something with me tonight?” he asks suddenly.
              “Really?”
              “Yes. I think it would do you some good.”              “Like what?”
              “I might have something in mind.” He gives me a sly smirk that has me curious.
              “Okay. Sure.”
              “Meet me in the front entrance hall tonight at seven.”
              “Alright.”
              “And wear something casual.”
              “Thank Sól!” I say with a dramatic sigh that causes him to chuckle.
              “I'll see you later,” he says, still obviously amused as he walks away. 
 
     
                 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

 
     
    Chapter Six
     
     
     
                  I 'm standing in the middle of my oversized cavern of a closet trying to figure out what exactly would be appropriate since I have absolutely no idea what Grey has up his sleeves.  I finally settle on a pale blue skirt that flows gracefully and falls right below my knee and a white blouse with delicate ruffles down the front. I pair it with some nude open-toe flats. After a quick look at the ensemble in the full length mirror, I head down the spiral staircase to meet Grey in the great room. 
              He looks unbelievably dashing—of course he always does. I'm not sure how many other guys could pull