What?
Have to tell you later. Maybe if it's not too late, you could come over for coffee after this shindig?
Sure.
Okay. Talk later. This time, I made certain to cut off the link, while putting my fork down.
"Cordi?" Alleryn murmured.
"What?"
"Do you want more wine?"
A perfectly innocent question, yet I immediately wondered if he was trying to get me plastered. People had a tendency to make terrible decisions under the influence. "Actually, I'd like to switch to water."
He smiled, and lifted a hand to summon a servant. "Lady Discord would prefer water with her meal."
"Yes, my lord."
"I would too," Alleryn said, with a sly wink for me. I felt bad for suspecting him of conspiring against me. Then again, he was an elf and had been Thorandryll's healer long before I'd come into the picture.
Looking back at my plate as the servant switched our glasses, I discovered the second course had arrived. It was gazpacho, garnished with green onions and a dab of sour cream.
In sixth grade, Tina Baines had given me the unwelcome nickname of Cordi the Pig during lunch one day. I'd spent two miserable weeks "dieting" in an effort to lose the baby fat tenaciously clinging to my cheeks, stomach, and thighs.
Ginger told my mom about it, after hunger made me cranky enough to yell at her. Mom had immediately called a family council, during which both parents repeated their advice about not allowing other people's words to change my perception of my physical appearance. They'd also pointed out I hadn't even hit puberty yet, and that I'd see big changes once I did.
They'd been right, because puberty had struck the following summer, and I'd started 7th grade 6 inches taller, lean, leggy, and pretty self-conscious about two new additions that required my first real bra.
Absolute vindication for me, after the misery of 6th grade, because Tina and her clique hadn't given up their name calling. Nope, they'd tripled their efforts to shame me because I enjoyed food.
Luckily, they hadn't shamed me into an eating disorder, and I still loved food. More at that moment than ever, with a small bowl of gazpacho awaiting transfer to my stomach.
Forget scheming elves. I had a sumptuous meal ahead of me, and was going to enjoy every bite.
After that, there was an excellent possibility I'd want to meet the chef and beg for cooking lessons, judging by the first courses.
The fish course was halibut garnished with tiny flowers and pearl onions. It took all my self-control not to moan my way through it and the following courses, from the lemon-basil sorbet to the absolutely sumptuous baked meringues drizzled with a reduction of cherries, rosewater, vanilla, and topped with dark pink rose petals.
I ate every bite, busy planning a way to kidnap Thorandryll's chef, because I obviously knew jack about cooking.
The prince waited until I'd finished dessert before asking, "Was everything to your liking?"
"I really want to meet your chef," I said, wishing I had seconds of desert. "I need to worship."
Thorandryll's smile made it clear he was about to respond with another pushy remark, and he did. "He could prepare all your meals in the future."
"Why do you have to keep bringing that up?" I leaned closer, lowering my voice. "I told you I was willing to give being your friend a shot, and would consider a public declaration of alliance. But that's it, all that's on the table."
"So you've repeatedly said, which brings to mind 'the lady doth protest too much'."
My breath huffed out. "Maybe because the man in the equation doesn't seem to comprehend the meaning of 'not gonna happen'."
"I will give you anything you desire." Thorandryll rose from his chair, and helped me out of mine. His eyebrows scrunched. "You seem shorter."
"I took off my shoes." About to duck down to grab them, I stopped when his fingers closed around my hand.
"Allow me." He went to one knee, and I tried to free myself, because damn if it didn't look like he was about to propose. Thorandryll easily kept hold, because I was trying not to make a huge scene, aware that a lot of people were watching, as they left their tables.
He gestured with his free hand, and my pumps slid out from under the table. Placing them in front of me, he smoothly stood, and caught my other hand. "There."
The pointy-eared bastard smiled. I stepped into my shoes, inching closer to him. He didn't back away. I gritted my teeth. "Thank you."
"My pleasure." For a second, I thought he was going to kiss me, but I hissed and his smile widened. He stepped back, releasing one of my hands, and gestured. "The night's not over."
"Dinner is, and that was the deal." I wanted to go home, change into my pajamas, and snuggle with my dogs. I wasn't cut out for the game-playing and the illusions of elven politics. There was no telling what people thought after all of his crap.
"I did clarify 'an evening'."
Had he? I couldn't remember the exact wording.
"Fine, but I won't need a ride home."
Thorandryll tucked my hand over his forearm to lead me away. "It'd be the height of discourtesy for me not to ensure you arrive safely at home."
"A swift kick in the family jewels is more discourteous."
He actually laughed. "Very well."
To my immense relief, Kethyrdryll stopped us at the foot of the ballroom stairs. "My apologies, brother, but my evening won't be complete unless I have the honor of a dance with Lady Discordia."
"Don't abscond with her," Thorandryll said.
"And leave you pining for the lack of her company? Of course not."
"Oh good night," I muttered. "Enough with the flowery yapping."
They turned identical boyish grins on me before Kethyrdryll offered his arm. I grabbed it as though he were offering a life line. Four steps, and we turned to face each other, our arms moving to proper waltzing position. Off we went, and he studied my face. "You're not enjoying yourself."
"Your brother's a hard-headed jerk."
Kethyrdryll laughed loudly enough that the couples dancing closest looked at us. "My apologies."
"It's not your fault, but thanks for the rescue." I hesitated. "He's really pushing for us becoming a couple."
"Thoran's never dealt with rejection well, or with failing to achieve his goals."
"I think your mother has something to do with it."
Kethyrdryll glanced back to where we'd left Thorandryll. He was busy talking to several other men. "Of course she does. Our mother believes in having every advantage possible."
"And I'd be an advantage."
He nodded. "She wants firm alliances in place to keep her kingdom secure. I dislike saying this, but it would've been better for you to have let her die."
I had to close my mouth and swallow before responding. "She's your mother."
"She's the Unseelie Queen, first and foremost. As that, she will seldom retreat from the course of action she chooses. You are not only an extremely gifted natural mage, but someone two gods appear to have an interest in. And one of them humbled her before her people."
"Oh, so her idea of revenge on Sal is to sic Thorandryll on me, and hope we'll end up married?"
"Sal ... oh, the nameless god. You haven't discovered which one he is yet?"
I shook my head. "I haven't seen him since the showdown."
Kethyrdryll grimaced. "I'll try to discover who he is, but it can be difficult. The gods enjoy confusion, and most have several faces."
"I'd really appreciate that." The music faded, a new tune beginning a few seconds later. "Can we sit this out?"
"I believe someone plans to cut in." Kethyrdryll smiled, looking past my shoulder. "Well met, Logan."
"Nice to see you again." They didn't shake hands. Instead, they did what I'd heard called a warrior's greeting, grasping each other's arm just below the elbow. "Mind if I ask her for a dance?"
"Not at all." Kethyrdryll looked at me. "We'll speak later."
"Sure. Thanks." We watched him walk away.
>
"So, dance card. Did you save me a spot?"
"I did, as long as you promise to scope out a hidey hole after. I need some air."
"I promise. We'll just waltz right outside before the music ends."
"Awesome."
As we began to dance, Terra and Connor whirled past, staring into each other's eyes. I remembered the vision I'd had, and smiled.
"That's only the second real smile I've seen from you tonight," Logan said.
"You're my favorite dance partner." If he hadn't noticed the way they were looking at each other, I wasn't going to point it out. Connor was a good guy, and Terra was old enough to make her own decisions.
"Good to know. It's been an interesting evening."
I laughed. "Hasn't it just? Hear any juicy gossip?"
"All the gossip's been about you, who you are, and why Thorandryll has you on his arm tonight." Logan's eyes flashed from dark to light and back.
I wrinkled my nose. "Figures."
"What was he doing, right after dinner? That really set tongues to wagging."
"I forgot to put my shoes back on."
Logan's forehead creased. "What?"
"I'm not used to walking and dancing in heels so much. I slipped them off the minute I sat down."
He chuckled. "He made quite a production out of getting them for you."
"Yeah, the bastard." I sighed. "He's been a jerk all evening."
"Our parties are better." Logan grinned, angling us toward a set of open doors I didn't remember seeing earlier. A cool breeze wafted in.
"Yes, they are. Way better. Well, except maybe the food. I want to kidnap his chef."
"That was an amazing meal," Logan agreed, snagging two glasses of champagne from a passing servant. "Okay, out we go."
"Hurray." Outside, we found a wide stone balcony overlooking a garden. Steps led down to it, and there were other couples strolling around. "Pretty."
"Chairs." He handed me a glass, nodding at the left end of the balcony.
"Chairs are good. Fantastic even." We crossed and sat down. I kicked off my shoes and propped my feet on another chair facing mine. "Bliss."
Logan stretched out to do the same, crossing his ankles. "Yes, this is better."
"Mm." I had a sip and put my glass down on the ground beside my chair. They were thickly padded, nearly as comfy as my sofa. I covered a yawn. "Oh, sorry."
"I'm tired too."
"Maybe we should forget the coffee. Alleryn said it'd be two before anyone will think of leaving."
Logan regarded me for a moment. "Up to you. It'd be a nice way to wind down, after all the noise and people."
"Hm. I could fake a tummy ache after the midnight toast."
"And I could talk Terra into leaving about then." He smiled. "O'Meara too. I don't think his queen is having a great time."
I made a face. "Too bad. She's gorgeous."
"Yes, she is, and she's also nice. The Pride has great respect for her."
I wiggled my toes. "Guess she hasn't gotten much respect tonight. I like her name. It's pretty."
"It means 'gift', and I believe that's exactly how O'Meara feels about her." Logan knocked back his champagne. "Lord Whitehaven hasn't been in a good mood."
"Blame Thorandryll. They're having a meeting tomorrow."
Logan chuckled. "Wish I could be there for it."
"I'll tell you all about it. The boss said I could go."
"I look forward to your report. So, is that our plan for escape?"
"Yes. I'll put on a good, but subdued show. Just come over once you get home."
"I'm going to change first."
"Aw, but you look fantastic in a tux." I pouted.
"Thank you, but you've apparently never worn one. Not the most comfortable clothes." He tugged at his bow tie. "Feels like I'm choking."
"Oh, all right."
THIRTEEN
We weren’t allowed to relax for long. Kethyrdryll came out onto the terrace, an icy-faced Danielle on his arm. “There you are. It’s only a few minutes to the hour.”
I groaned. “Toast time approaches. Better put my shoes back on.”
“Where’s Terra?” Logan asked Danielle.
“Dancing with the Rex’s younger son. Soames is keeping watch.”
Kethyrdryll moved to help me stand. “I’ll escort you to my brother.”
“Okay. Thanks.” Man, my feet were killing me. Too bad I hadn’t had time to break in the new shoes before the party.
Danielle latched onto Logan’s arm the second he rose, while shooting a frown at me. I couldn’t exactly blame her, since I’d kind of stolen her date. They followed us back into the ballroom, but not all the way to where Thorandryll was holding court with a gaggle of mostly female admirers.
If the setting were different, Thorandryll likely would’ve been mobbed. I wondered if he were using glamour on them, and realized it’d been some time since I’d suffered an attack of the Hazies around him.
“There you are, my dear.” Thorandryll quipped, sending a million-watt smile my way. Several of the women followed that with less-than-friendly faces.
“I’m not your dear, just your date.” The last thing I needed was a bunch of women out for my blood. My feet hurt too much to run.
His smile dimmed, but Thorandryll gave a slight shake of his head. “Your poor self-esteem hinders you.”
“Your arrogance blinds you.” I smiled, noticing not a single woman was paying any attention to Kethyrdryll. Why not? The two of them looked exactly alike, aside from eye color. Did the title of Prince really make that much of a difference to people? “You should work on that.”
Thorandryll laughed, moving through his admirers to take my arm. Kethyrdryll stepped back to collect two glasses of champagne from a waiting servant. He handed them to us, took one for himself, and disappeared into the crowd.
With a bow to the ladies, the prince led me toward the stairs. “We discussed appearances.”
“Believe me, I’m being nice. If I weren’t there would be yelling.” I gritted my teeth as we began climbing the steps. “My feet hurt and my stomach’s unhappy.”
“I thought you enjoyed the meal.”
“Yeah, but not all the damn attention. I’m going home after the toast.”
“The party won’t end for ...”
“See my face? It’s the face of someone who has had enough. My ‘enough face’ is followed quickly by my cranky face.” We’d reached the top of the stairs. “Cranky face is one you don’t want to see.”
“Very well. I’ll escort you out after the toast, so that you may teleport home.” He was smiling instead of looking irritated. Why did my insistence on leaving make him happy?
As we turned to face the ballroom, I saw the number of women staring at him. Oh. With me gone, he could take his pick. Fine by me.
“Friends, old and new, if I may have your attention?” Thorandryll’s voice cut through the noise, attentive silence following.
He launched into another speech about his hopes for a bright future, blah, blah, blah, and I tuned him out. All I wanted to do was clink, sip, and get the hell out of there.
Without more media attention.
A deep gonging signaled the end of Thorandryll’s wordy toast, and he lifted his glass. I followed suit before he touched his glass to mine. The ballroom resounded with others doing the same and everyone had the obligatory sip before the crowd noise resumed.
“Okay. I’m out.”
“A moment.” He looked around, still smiling, and finally nodded. “Alright.”
When I turned, Thorandryll slid his arm around my waist. I stepped clear once we were in the hallway and handed him my glass. “Thanks for the dinner. See you in the morning.”
Satisfaction made me smile when my reminder caused him to wince. I teleported home.
It was after one before Logan knocked on my front door. “Come in. Coffee’s ready.”
“Wonderful.” We traded a cheek rub, and headed for the kitchen.
<
br /> After pouring coffee I said, “That was an interesting evening.”
“Yeah. Terra had a good time.”
“Any trouble?” I took a sip and watched his face.
“No, which I guess shouldn’t surprise me. Thorandryll wouldn’t want his party tainted.”
“Of course not. I’m pretty sure he’s in big trouble with Mr. Whitehaven. That’s got to be enough for anyone, right?”
Logan nodded. “Absolutely. What was it you heard, during dinner?”
“Elves being their usual, conniving selves. I think Maeve is behind Thorandryll’s sudden marrying fever.”
“His what?”
Oh, right. I hadn’t mentioned that to him. “He thinks we need an official alliance. Told me the best option was for us to marry.”
Logan’s eyes began to lighten. “Really.”
“Yup. I told him where he could stuff that idea.”
“I bet you did.”
“So then, he said a regular alliance would work. I told him I needed to discuss that with Terra.” I grinned. “Not that I’m in a hurry to, after tonight.”
He smiled back. “Good.”
It was time for a subject change. “Any idea when you’re going to talk to the boss?”
“This week.”
“Cool. It’ll be a lot of fun, all of us working together.” And I’d be able to see him nearly every day, without worrying about Danielle’s hovering disapproval.
“Are you certain it won’t be a problem, with us dating?” Logan’s eyes were dark green again.
I shook my head. “I think we can handle both better than Nick and I did. You’re not all pushy and possessive.”
“Well, damn. I was going to ask when we could have another date.”
My laugh put a smile on his face. “That’s not pushy. We’re dating now. It’s expected. How about next Friday, work permitting?”
“It’s a date.” He finished his coffee. “I should go. You have a meeting in the morning.”
“I do.” Placing my coffee cup on the counter, I said, “Promise I’ll share the juicy details.”
“I can’t wait. Walk me out?”
I did and reveled in the hug and kiss we shared before he said, “Good night.”
“Night.” After shutting and locking the front door, I leaned against it, still smiling.
Black Magic Shadows (Discord Jones Book 5) Page 10