by K. M. Shea
Lord Linus slurped his drink as he reached the bottom of his cup. “See? Charismatic as money he is.”
I ignored Lord Linus and smiled at Eventide. “Did you need something, Eventide?”
The faun blushed a little and gave me a shy smile. “Only to inform you that your online grocery order has arrived.”
“Grocery order?”
I hadn’t seen Indigo until she spoke—she’d been perched on the edge of the marble base of a giant deer statue, glued to her phone.
“Yes, my food!” I pumped an arm in the air. “Thanks Eventide!”
Indigo pushed her glasses up her nose and scowled as she followed me to the kitchens. “You ordered food from a grocery store when you have a kitchen staff?”
“Yep!”
Indigo looked like she wanted to say something, but she pursed her lips and held it in.
I glanced at her, but rather than try to tease her thoughts from her, I doubled my pace.
I wanted to get my food before it sat out very long, giving anyone the chance to enchant it.
I was sure Indigo and everyone else thought I was nuts, but I figured prevention was worth it. Maybe once I had a better rapport with my people, I could eat without being afraid—I was starting to feel a little bad about this, anyway.
Actually, I felt like a monster when Skye asked me to teatime the previous day and I just had water while she and Indigo drank tea and glanced longingly at the refreshments that they had to refrain from eating if I did.
Baby steps. I just met a nice fae king—something I didn’t know was possible. We’ll count this as a win. Which is something I need, given that my first social is coming. I hope it’s not a disaster.
They wouldn’t try to humiliate me in front of the Paragon again, would they?
Either way, I was about to find out.
The night of my first official social as Queen of the Night Court, my stomach pretty much never stopped doing somersaults in my gut.
Azure—my chauffeur—drove me to the location of the social with Indigo riding in back with me and Skye sitting up front lobbing last minute names at me.
She’d worked with me the entire time I got ready—all while Indigo had threaded black pearls through my hair and then pinned it in place, and even when the diligent brownie had stuffed me into my dress and shoes for the night.
Apparently I had to match my night themed mansion, because she’d selected black shoes, a black clutch, and a beautiful dark blue dress with a black lace overlay and black pearls beaded around the off the shoulder sleeves and neckline.
I was pretty chuffed about the clutch. Hazel Medeis had told me how she once beat off a wizard with her clutch. I’d chosen to stuff mine with the can of bear mace Dad bought me when my college gym class/self-defense instructor recommended it, and my charm bracelet that served as my artifact so I could use magic in a pinch.
I knew Chase and his newly hired guards—he’d fired a bunch of the old crew who had served Queen Nyte—were going to be stationed around the restaurant. But it was really confidence building to know you were carrying bear mace, which was capable of taking down a grown fae!
The car rolled to a stop, and I opened the door before Azure could hop out and do it for me. Indigo reacted with a grunt, but Skye never stopped talking.
“And as for Lady Korinna—”
“I shouldn’t mention the store she runs on Main Street since Queen Nyte once visited and ruined a display, then later raised a fuss about a noble working for a living—talk about stupid. Instead I should invite her out to the mansion and imply I would appreciate her thoughts on the stable since she is an accomplished horsewoman,” I said.
“Yes. Although you should perhaps refrain from mentioning the stable almost exclusively holds night mares now,” Skye said. “And what of Lady Lysandra?”
“Avoid her like the plague since she has a thing for Lord Linus and probably isn’t going to forgive me for being born.” I shivered and looked around as if saying his name could summon Lord Linus.
He was here tonight—I didn’t think he’d miss the chance to publicly remind everyone whose daughter I was. Plus, since the food and alcohol were free, he would have been here with or without me.
“Excellent. You’ve done well. Let’s go in.” Skye motioned for me to lead the way inside since Azure had dropped us off right at the curb.
“Okay—thanks Azure.” I twisted around long enough to wave at my chauffeur—which still felt bizarre to even think.
She bowed her head to me, bringing out a shimmery dark blue hue in her aqua colored hair.
I smiled at her, then stepped through the gateway of the wooden fence that surrounded the restaurant.
It was a beautiful Italian restaurant that was fairly large and overlooked one of the lakes that squatted in downtown Magiford. They had a pretty garden with a bunch of outside seating that was illuminated by twinkling fairy lights and beautiful lanterns.
Based on the delicious smells, the buffet had been set up outside since the weather was nice and mild—warm, but with a cool breeze that rolled in off the lakes.
My stomach growled at the scent of basil and garlic. I should be able to eat here, right? The fae aren’t making the food, the restaurant is, and it’s human owned and run. I pressed my clutch into my stomach as if I could forcibly make it shut up, but it only growled louder.
“Ahh, there she is—the woman of the hour!” The Paragon strolled up to me. He was wearing his typical robes, but I was most drawn to the gray baby sling he was wearing, and the pink, hairless head that popped out of the top.
“Hello, Paragon.” I dipped my head in reverence. “Thank you for organizing this dinner for my Court and me.” I tried to look him in the face, but my eyes kept getting drawn back to the animal sitting in the sling.
It took me a few quick glances before I realized it was a pink skinned, hairless cat peering up at me with a wrinkled forehead.
“Yes, yes, of course! It’s my pleasure—you have been plunked down in the middle of things. But the only reason I could do this without ruffling any feathers is because of the Day King, you know! When word got out I was doing this, he took the other monarchs to task and said you deserved it since you were half human and still adjusting to your own kind, much less your new station. He told me he found you charming when he visited my personal study the other day—he likes to do that a lot, and he doesn’t shut up.” The Paragon squinted at me. “I hope with you around he’ll stop fretting that the Night Court is going to bring about the destruction of the Day Court, too.”
He seemed to expect an answer, so I ripped my fascinated gaze from the yawning hairless cat—its expression making it closely resemble a goblin. “Yes, I’ll do my best.”
“Oh, listen to me, gabbing on when I ought to introduce you. Queen Leila, this is my dearest darling, Aphrodite.”
“Hello, Aphrodite.” I held out my hand, and Aphrodite sniffed it before rubbing her forehead against my fingers. Her skin was a weird sensation. “Do you often bring her to social events?”
“No—she’s a magical cat, you know. Very choosy about who she wishes to associate with. Naturally she doesn’t want to come to most socials. When I told her about you, however, she insisted. I knew you’d be delighted to have her bless you with her presence!” The Paragon beamed.
It’s always reassuring to meet someone who is even more of an animal nut than I am. It makes me realize I’m really not so bad after all.
“She’s very beautiful,” I said.
“Thank you! It’s refreshing to meet someone who can see that!” The Paragon huffed. “But as much as Aphrodite and I enjoy your company, we must move on—there are still a few last-minute details we must see to. We won’t be long, though!” He wiggled his fingers at me and wheeled off, barging through the crush of fae that were slowly meandering into the restaurant.
Rather than push my way inside, I moved to the edge, nodding and greeting the lords and ladies I recognized from Skye’s quiz
zing and picture games.
“What’s this?” Indigo muttered under her breath as I slowly edged closer and closer to the buffet. “Are you actually considering eating hot food?”
I grinned at my companion. “Shocking, isn’t it? But I think the food here will be safe.”
“Indeed, it will be,” Skye said.
“And if it can get you over your paranoia, that’s all the better,” Indigo said.
“What was that?” I asked.
“Hmm? I didn’t say anything.” Indigo innocently adjusted her sweater—she was wearing a cute black one matched with a flowered skirt tonight.
The food was a call that I couldn’t ignore, tugging me forward as I salivated like a dog.
When I finally rounded the hedge that partially screened the buffet from the seating area, I almost ran into Lady Chrysanthe and Lord Myron—the dark haired friend of hers who had tried applying for the position of steward, most likely at her suggestion. A few other young fae nobles were with them, but they were clearly the ringleaders.
“Queen Leila.” Lady Chrysanthe looked like she’d stepped out of a magazine advertisement with her sleek navy blue dress and heels that were one of those designer brands I didn’t know the name of because I’d die before I spent that much money on shoes when I could instead buy a latte twice a day for about a year.
“Lady Chrysanthe and Lord Myron, good evening.” I smiled slightly, following the polite protocol Skye had deeply impressed upon me. “Thank you for coming to this celebration.”
“Queen Leila,” Lord Myron said reluctantly—as if it pained him. He was a mixture of fae fashion and human history with his long hair pulled back in a braid and his patterned silvery vest and pocket watch that looked more historical than modern.
“It’s such a shame.” Lady Chrysanthe made a show of looking around the tiny inlet of the garden. “Normally the Queen of the Night Court’s first social would be in the Night Palace with all of its splendor, rather than a small and unsophisticated location.” The tilt of her lips was cruel as she smiled at me. “But perhaps it’s fitting for you. It’s a good match to you, because you aren’t a real fae.”
Lady Chrysanthe’s minions twittered with laughter and hid their smiles behind raised hands as they whispered to one another.
Skye inhaled sharply, hinting that this was a pretty low insult, which made me alter my reaction.
“I know, right? I’m so glad I’m not, too.” I rolled my eyes and gave Lady Chrysanthe and Lord Myron an off-tilt smile that I knew was more relaxed than a typical fae smile. “I wake up every morning filled with gratefulness that I’m only half fae! I imagine that’s why my life is as good as it is—or was.” I frowned. “My luck has changed a lot for the worse the past few weeks—obviously.”
Lady Chrysanthe stared at me, her hand frozen from where she’d brushed her fingers against the white chrysanthemums tucked into her hair. “Are you an idiot?” she asked.
“Nah. I just don’t care what you think. At all. Or ever.” I winked at her and raised my hands to perform a cheesy rendition of jazz hands.
Lady Chrysanthe blushed pink in her anger. “You’re going to deserve every ounce of misery you get,” she growled—don’t get too impressed. She sounded like a hissing kitten more than the angry tiger I suspect she was aiming for.
“Wow, judgy, are you?” I tapped my clutch on my hip as I made a show of looking contemplative. “Have you ever gone to therapy? Because I feel like a therapist could have a field day with all your anger issues.”
Fury flashed across Lord Myron’s face. “You dare to insult a member of fae nobility?”
Yes! This is the question I wanted!
I studied him with practiced nonchalance. “Are you saying I shouldn’t, when you tried to insult your queen?” I smiled sharply. “And note—I said tried. Because my human blood is never something I’ll be ashamed of, unlike my fae half.”
Lord Myron’s flash of fury was threatening to settle into his face, and their crowd of followers had grown quiet with their anger, but it was Lady Chrysanthe—practically shaking with anger—who spoke. “You might think you’re clever, but remember who you rule over. None of us are cowed by your attitude—it only serves to anger us more. You don’t deserve your position, nor are you capable of fulfilling it.”
“You’re right,” I agreed. “And yet, the night mares chose me over all of you. What does that say about you?”
A strangled silence settled over us—even the minions didn’t make a noise.
Lady Chrysanthe turned her back to me. “Myron, we’re going!” She marched through the crowd of her followers, rounding the hedge and rejoining the rest of the party attendees.
Lord Myron gave me a murderous look, but followed after Lady Chrysanthe and the rest of their party.
I sighed happily. “It’s fun to rile her up.”
Indigo watched the spoiled nobles leave with a speculative look.
“What is it?” I asked.
She bowed in a quick curtsey. “Nothing, Queen Leila.”
I reoriented myself, following my nose around a few bushes before I saw the heaven that was a stuffed buffet table. “It’s not nothing—you looked curious.”
“I was merely impressed with your fortitude, Queen Leila,” Indigo said.
“My fortitude?”
“I was also impressed with your conduct,” Skye said. “You were calm but measured in your responses. Most would have taken serious offense to Lady Chrysanthe’s words.”
“Oh. Well, it’s not like she said anything I wouldn’t have expected—or anything that was worth getting upset over. And besides.” I grabbed a plate and greedily scanned the table. “If I threw a fit, I knew you’d make me reread that book about ‘Good Manners Mandy,’ Skye. Did you know almost every line in that book rhymes? It reads like a Doctor Seuss book from your nightmares.”
“I would never ask you to reread it, Queen Leila,” Skye shook her head, and for the first time since I’d hired her, I saw the corners of her lips twitch. “I’d have you peruse the sequel, which follows the adventures of ‘Polite Paul’ and ‘Rude Randy’.”
I froze, and even the tantalizing smell of Italian food couldn’t drag me from gaping at Skye with horror. “Are you telling me there’s a series of these books?”
“One for every possible mishap, yes.”
I groaned. “That’s awful. You should tell Chase—he can use them as punishment for any wrong-doers.” I turned back to the buffet and pinned my clutch to my side with my elbow as I tried to decide what to go for first. I froze when I peered down to the end of the line and saw heaven: the dessert table.
I swiped up a cannoli, practically slobbering as my stomach rumbled. “Bless the Paragon for hosting the party here.” I closed my eyes in mental preparation—as excited as I was, I couldn’t scarf my food down—then took a big bite of the cannoli. The crunch of the rolled pastry and the smooth sweetness of the cream filling were delicious enough to make me hum in appreciation.
And then I felt the whispery brush of fae magic.
Oh, no.
My throat closed, and I couldn’t breathe.
Chapter Twelve
Leila
I tried to open my mouth to spit the cannoli out, but it felt like my teeth were glued shut.
It was spelled. What do I do?
I dropped my plate, and it shattered on the ground.
“Queen Leila?” Skye asked.
I fumbled with my purse, ripping it open and holding it upside down.
The bear mace fell out with a clank, my silver charm bracelet falling on top of it.
I dropped to my knees—my lungs were starting to burn, and the sweet cream filling was melting in my mouth and dripping down the back of my throat, but I couldn’t clear my airways.
“What’s wrong?” Indigo asked.
I grabbed my charm bracelet, then stared at it in horror.
I couldn’t open my mouth, and I needed to speak to activate my bracelet and c
ast a dispel charm.
My throat clogged. My heart beat like a drum in my ears.
“Queen Leila?” Skye repeated.
I reached up and grabbed her hand, then pointed from the cannoli to my mouth.
“…I’m sorry?” Skye frowned, thoroughly puzzled.
“Something’s wrong with the food.” Indigo dropped to her knees next to me. “She’s not talking.”
Skye, her forehead wrinkling, twisted her ring which was topped with a pink diamond and muttered under her breath.
Fae magic swirled around the ring, wispy but bright as it sucked the wild magic out of the air and twisted it into something Skye could use.
My vision was blurring and black around the edges.
Skye crouched and held out her hand to me.
The whispery feeling of fae magic intensified, then abruptly faded, as if it had snapped.
I opened my mouth and spat out the bite of cannoli, coughing and gagging as I tried to clear my throat and breathe without inhaling my spit.
Several long moments passed before I finally managed to take in a gulp of air.
“Thanks,” I gurgled.
“Happy to be of service.” Skye watched me with a worried expression while she and Indigo peered at my face.
“I can’t believe it!” I coughed and wiped my mouth off. “I was almost Snow White-ed. With a cannoli!”
Indigo was crouched next to me, her face tight with worry. “I’ll get the Paragon.”
“No!” I coughed again, grimacing at the new raspy feeling in my throat. “No,” I repeated in a much quieter tone. “Tell Chase and get this food removed and checked, but don’t tell anyone.”
“Queen Leila, someone tried to kill you at your first official social function. This is very serious,” Skye said.
“I know, but that’s also why we can’t let anyone know.” I could finally breathe enough that my heart was slowing down, though the air still tasted faintly of the sweet cream filling.
Ugh. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to eat another cannoli ever again.