“Oh, if that’s your concern, there are plenty of things I can think of to do to you that don’t involve your mouth.” A firm, hot tingle runs up my inner thigh and settles between my legs.
“Seven,” I say breathlessly, my hand rising to hold my crown in place as my knees threaten to give out. “Control yourself!”
The tingle stops, and he brushes a hand down his sleeve. “For now.”
“You look incredible by the way.” He’s opted for a velvet tuxedo in midnight blue that matches the bodice of my dress, with a white vest and tie. Understated by Gilded Gala standards, except that all his trimmings are gold. His watch, his cuff links, the buttons on his shirt, and—most importantly—his mask, which is entirely gold and includes a helmet with two impressive horns. “Loki seems appropriate. You’re about to pull the trick of the century.”
He slants an impish smile. “You picked up on that, huh? Perfectly choreographed leprechaun society is about to go down in flames and topple into chaos. I think we should try to enjoy it. Loki and Titania seem perfectly appropriate. Thank you, Valentine.” He smiles and leans forward to place a kiss on my cheek.
We pull apart when the door to the guest room opens and Arden strides toward us, looking like the living, breathing manifestation of Artemis. She’s left her auburn hair down in loose waves that gather at her shoulders, but her makeup is exquisite and Valentine’s filmy gold dress hugs her body like a whisper.
Seven groans.
“What’s wrong with you?” Arden asks.
“Just wondering why I trusted Valentine,” he says through his teeth, eyes rolling.
I chuckle. “He thinks you look lovely, Arden.”
A tight smile spreads his lips. “Yes, lovely. Are you cold? I can fetch a sweater.”
“Not even a little bit,” she says through a laugh.
“Did you bring the wish?” he asks, smile fading.
“Yeah.” She moves her hair aside to expose the gold acorn at her throat. “Although, based on how powerful the two of you say it is, I hope I don’t have to use it.”
I run my fingers over the coin at my neck. “It’s only for emergencies. Rayrcore isn’t going to be happy when they discover we’ve tricked them, and this is a very public event. We’ll be exposed. Seven and I will both feel more comfortable if you have it with you.”
Seven slides his hands into the pockets of his jacket. “It just amplifies your luck with a little magic, Arden. It works the same as we’ve practiced. Focus your intention, hold it against your skin, and the wish will do the rest. Only if you need it, and keep the wish small so you don’t drain yourself.”
She cracks her neck. “We’re really doing this then? I’m going to be introduced as a leprechaun tonight?”
I look between the two great loves of my life and nod. “We are.”
Moments later, we’re all in the back of Seven’s car, headed for the hotel.
As sure as I am about going public with our relationship, my stomach is a ball of nerves. “All right, I’m a little excited for this, come what may. As long as we’re together as a family, it will be all right.”
Arden shifts in her seat beside me. “I guess this is a good time to tell you both that I’ve already broken the news to Edmund.”
I stiffen. “You did what? I thought we agreed we were all keeping this a secret before today?”
“I couldn’t have him find out at the gala.” She spreads her hands. “We’re in love. What kind of person would I be if I sprang this on him in that setting?”
All levity drains from Seven’s expression. “Does his mother know?”
She shrugs, her emerald eyes flashing. “I told him not to tell anyone, but I mean, it’s possible.” She folds her arms. “What’s the big deal anyway? Everyone is going to know in about ten minutes.”
Seven sighs. “It probably doesn’t matter, Arden, but you need to understand that Edmund’s mother and I have a history.”
She nods. “You used to be engaged to her. She told me.”
I widen my eyes at her. “What exactly did she say?”
Arden shrugs. “Just that she knew you worked for Seven and that she and Seven had been engaged in the past until you both decided to break it off. That’s it.”
Both decided. What a creative memory Alicia has.
