Because I wish I was?
We head up to my place so I can grab the ballgown before immediately heading back out. It's only a fifteen-minute walk to a building where big neon signs glow above the door—the Pumpkin Coach Club.
Kaison's face lights up, but I walk by the front door, opting for the alley.
“Wait, but aren't we going to—” he points at the front door.
I shake my head. “We are here for business, not to drink daiquiris and egg on the performers.”
The prince juts his lower lip out in a pout and shuffles after me.
For fae fuck’s sake, he’s actually cute. I’m sure with that look he’s gotten away with every little thing in his life.
My craptastic mood dissolves by half.
The Pumpkin Coach Club's back entrance is decidedly less glamorous than its glittering façade. I lead Kaison through the dimly lit alley, ignoring his continued pout at being denied the full club experience.
We find the Fairy Godmother in her dressing room. The muscular, Black drag queen sits as if she is on a throne, surrounded by a whirlwind of sequins, feathers, and wigs. She looks up from her vanity, her expression morphing from surprise to delight as she takes in my unlikely companion.
“Well, well, if it isn't the elusive Cinder,” she trills in a honeyed voice, rising to her full, imposing height that easily towers over six feet, even without the stiletto heels propping her up. “And who is this delicious morsel you've brought to my doorstep?”
Kaison flashes his most charismatic grin, bowing with a flourish. “Prince Kaison Charming, at your service, milady. It's an honor to meet the legendary Fairy Godmother.” Then he takes her hand and kisses the back of it.
I suppress an eye roll as Kiki practically swoons, batting her impossibly thick false eyelashes. “Oh, my my my. The pleasure is all mine.”
Clearing my throat I step forward, drawing her attention back to the matter at hand. “We need to talk. There's been a. . . development.”
Her gaze darts between us, a knowing gleam in her eye. “Do tell, darling. I'm all ears.”
“Prince Charming and I are engaged,” I say the words quickly and efficiently. Like ripping off a Band-Aid.
The godmother's perfectly painted mouth forms a perfect “O” of shock before stretching into a knowing smile. “Engaged? Well, I did hear that you move fast, your majesty.” She winks at Kaison, who grins right back.
Cheeky bastard.
There wasn’t an ounce of genuine surprise in her reaction. She already knew. Though I’m not sure whether it’s because she has an ability to divine the future, like she does in the crowd work portion of her act, or something else.
“It's not a real engagement,” I quickly clarify. “It's a long story, but we need your help. I’ll be spending more time in Midnight, so is there any other way to travel between realms besides the glass slippers? Sharing them is. . .complicated.” I side-eye Kaison. He blinks rapidly like the picture of innocence, acting like he didn’t insist he stay glued to my side at all times.
Gratitude and resentment have been a strange mix inside me all night.
Dame Kiki taps a long, glittery acrylic nail against her chin, considering. “I'm afraid those slippers are one of a kind, my dear. Acquiring another pair would be tricky and will take time.” A sly smile plays at the corners of her mouth. “But perhaps this shared mode of transport is a blessing in disguise, hm? A chance for you two lovebirds to get better acquainted.”
Kaison grins wolfishly while my face heats.
“We're not—it's not like that. I told you it’s temporary.”
The Fairy Godmother simply laughs, a booming sound that fills the small space. “Of course, darling. Whatever you say.” She winks again. Then her humor fades as she focuses on me. “Did you get what you went for?”
My spine stiffens, though I don’t mean for it to. I’m careful not to look at Kaison to see if he’s watching my reaction.
“Not yet,” I say in a low voice. “But I also wanted to return this.” I hand over the second ballgown I’ve borrowed. “Thank you for dressing me.”
She waves a hand that could palm a basketball. “It was my pleasure. I’d offer to keep you in the bougie threads, but I’m sure his people will want to take over.”
“I imagine so,” Kaison says dryly, setting his hip against the vanity countertop. “The grooming of my future princess shall be top priority in the palace.”
A warning of what’s to come.
