He pulls me closer, his nostrils flaring as he inhales slowly. “It’s the part of her that comes from me that I’m worried about. Or need I remind you that Godmother still has her chains around my neck thanks to the fool I was at her age?”
“And here I am publicly announcing my love for you. I must be an equal fool. Maybe weshouldbe afraid for her.” We turn three times, and I spot Arden and Edmund again by a table of drinks. She looks like she’s enjoying herself.
“Tell me, Cinderella,” Seven says, “now that you’ve made it to the ball, is it all you imagined it would be?”
I lean in close and say in the most seductive voice I can muster, “Oh, I made it to the ball last night, and I found every inch of it worth the effort.”
Seven makes a choking sound, his eyebrows lifting. A rush of luck bubbles through me, and I miss a step. He lifts me and sets me on my feet again.
We stop dancing, and he leads me to the drink table opposite the one where Edmund and Arden are now talking with Edmund’s mother, Alicia.
Seven’s expression sags when he sees her. “Is it too early to call it a night?”
“I have until midnight with these crystal slippers.” I glance around the room again. “Besides, I’m just starting to enjoy myself. Not as many people are hatefully glaring in our direction as before. I think the shock has worn off. Oh wait. That person looks overly interested.”
“That’s Fredrick Graceling. He’s provost of Elderflame University and rumor has it quite the playboy. I’ve caught him staring at your ass since we took the floor.”
“How charming,” I say sarcastically, glancing back at the bearded leprechaun dressed as a wizard. “Although he is quite attractive for a man whose sole purpose is to smoke a pipe and tell others they’re going on a quest.”
Seven smothers a laugh. “Be nice. He’s coming this way.”
“Delaney, will you introduce me to your lovely friend?” Graceling flashes a warm smile.
“I can do the honors myself. Sophia Larkspur. And you?”
“Fredrick Graceling.”
“Are you sure your name isn’t Albus or Gandalf?”
He breaks into a low chuckle. “This one is clever, Seven. Wherever have you been hiding her?”
“In my poker room. She teaches there five days a week,” he mumbles.
But Graceling doesn’t even hear him. He’s studying me, his gaze lingering where my dress meets my skin. I feel his luck rise and circle me like a massive gray owl. “Delaney, do you mind if I borrow Sophia for a dance?”
“Sophia can decide that for herself,” Seven deadpans.
Graceling extends a hand to me and I take it.
“It’s your feet,” I warn him, loud enough for Seven to hear. I catch him chuckling behind Graceling’s head.
We begin to dance. Graceling is barely older than Seven but far less nimble on his feet. I try my best to follow his lead.
“The Titania costume suits you,” he says. “You might as well be the queen of the fairies for how much attention you’re commanding tonight.”
“It’s not hard—just grow a set of wings.”
He gives a light laugh. “I find it refreshing honestly. We at Elderflame have long thought it was time to break the gold ceiling on this gala.”
“Oh? It’s a wonder I’m the first one then.”
“I know what you’re thinking, that I sit in my ivory tower talking about it when people like Delaney and yourself do it, but what you don’t know is that I’ve invited a number of pixies over the years and all have refused me. No one wants to open themselves up to the possible backlash.”
“Then I’m proud to be the first.”
He spins me around and I feel his thumb stroke along my spine. A glance toward Seven and I know he hasn’t missed it. The look he’s giving Fredrick could bend a silver spoon in half.
“I wonder, are you and Seven exclusive or are you here together to support your daughter, Arden?”
