Cloud Riders(129)

He heard Kayden’s voice first and spun around to see him twirling her around and pulling her in for a quick kiss before heading down the stairs. Yes, magic was in the air tonight. Once they reached the bottom of the stairs he noticed their clothes had changed again. Tonight, Cassandra had on a gorgeous little cocktail dress that had layers to the skirt and spun out sweetly as Kayden twirled her around and danced with her to the music that was quietly wafting through the castle from the band in the ballroom. My friends are going to love them, he thought as he watched them. When they reached him he was surprised that Kayden swung her to him and he took her warm sweet hand in his and waltzed with her for a minute before sending her back to her man. Her eyes were alive and she smiled so angelically he wondered how he was ever going to set free an angel such as her.

At least that was a thought he needn’t dwell on tonight but he knew only too well that if they weren’t under a spell, tomorrow he would have to be saying goodbye. And for the life of me I can’t have that happen just yet.

He took them both into the ballroom first and the precious expression that spread across Cassandra’s face as it lit up made all the tiresome planning and renovating so worth it. The long dining table in the middle of the room was fully set with silver, crystal glasses and fine china. The six, twenty-piece candleholders were alight and arranged along the table. The flicker of the flames danced around the room, reflecting in the mirrored walls and picking up the colours in the crystal chandeliers overhead. The floor, instead of being slate, now resembled a highly polished dance floor and the band was set up on the new stage that he would now use often to bring in entertainment for Cassandra’s amusement while she was his guest.

Big French doors took up one side of the room: these were now open and led out into the entertaining deck where you could view the twenty-metre pool, complete with waterfall and spa. It was all set in a tropical paradise that had green and blue spotlights strategically placed so they shone up on the lush vegetation and palm trees. He had enclosed the pool area to assist with the plant growth but tonight the auto roof was pulled back so they could view the real stars above. It was also the first time he had seen it lit up. He was impressed with the designers. They had excelled themselves and he would reward them well for the results.

‘I don’t remember the castle looking so enchanting, Pops. I barely remember what it looked like before but I’m sure I would have remembered this,’ she grinned.

‘After your last visit you loved the water at Aqua’s so much I thought I might put in a pool for you when you visited me next. The ballroom was just Aqua’s extra touch to give us all somewhere to dance when I throw my parties. I’m glad you approve.’

Lamar the butler came out to let Aldebaran know the guests were arriving. Not wanting to leave his friends unattended, he went to greet them, leaving his daughter and son-in-law to soak up and enjoy the new surrounds. He had only just finished introducing Cassandra and Kayden to the couples who had arrived early, when Conom arrived with his entourage. Aldebaran was excited for them to meet his closest friend. Conom looking surprised and a little amused when introduced to Cassandra. He took Aldebaran aside.

‘I can’t believe you, Ald! You have her under a spell,’ he hissed.

Aldebaran shook his head as he stood. ‘What do you mean? Have you lost your mind man?’ he growled, trying to act innocent.

‘Ald, it just so happens I played cards with this little minx just a few days ago and she is very intelligent. And believe me she would have remembered me for what I put her through.’ Conom looked annoyed that Aldebaran was hiding something.

Conom had caught him out so he dragged him away from prying ears. ‘Okay maybe just a little one so I can have a few extra days with her. Can you blame me? I’m her father for Christ’s sake. I just need a bit more time with her. Why is that so hard to understand? Shit, I’ve copped it for days from Aqua. Not you too!’

Conom shook his head and smiled. ‘Okay, settle down, big guy. Yes, I understand but with this playful little soul you may be biting off more than you can chew. She’s a bit of a handful.’

Aldebaran couldn’t believe that Conom had already met his daughter. What were the odds she was talking about Conom when she told him about the card game she’d played in Sydney? ‘I’m still getting my head around you being Mono. She told me about your game but I never connected the name. I can only imagine what it would have been like with you two at it. Neither of you would have liked to lose. And yes I agree she can be quite a handful and quite ruthless when it comes to winning.’