We stand together in silence for a few moments, taking in the wild throng around us, the triumphant orchestra playingfrom a small stage beside the dance floor. Unable to resist, I take a few more sips from my glass, then dare a look up at him.
“You know, you’re much better looking when you don’t talk,” I say lightly, tipping the glass to my lips.
He eyes me, then the drink in my hands. “Careful with that stuff.” His disinterested gaze flickers back to the storm of ballgowns swirling around the dance floor. “It’s known to loosen tongues.”
“My tongue’s already loose,” I boast, swirling the liquid in my glass. “Loose as a goose.”
Glancing down at me with knitted eyebrows, he says, “I meant it lowers one’s inhibitions. Makes you more susceptible to being truthful.”
“Not unlike our liquor back home.”
“I’m guessing this stuff is slightly stronger.” He peeks down and that’s when I notice my chest brushing up against his arm. It dawns on me that I’ve been leaning into him. I spring back quickly, facing forward as my cheeks burn.
“I lost my balance,” I lie as he chuckles haughtily. “Don’t let it go to your already massive head.”
“Don’t be embarrassed. You’re not the first female to press up against me. Certainly won’t be the last.”
“I was not pressing up against you—” My protest is cut short when I see the crowd turning to the majestic white carpeted staircase toward the back of the room.
The music halts, and a steward announces the king, queen, and princess as they appear under the gilded archway. The princess looks stunning in a rosy silk gown with flowers spilling over the bodice and down the length of the full skirt. The long sleeves are set off the shoulder, revealing her delicate neck and luminous skin. Her honey-brown hair is braided and curled around her sparkling tiara. She looks like spring personified.
I glance at Jace, who seems to be watching her descent with bated breath.
The music resumes once they reach the dais at the bottom of the steps, where four silver thrones wait. The princess sits, and the three pretty fae females I recognize from the dining room materialize at her side.
“Time to meet the princess. Officially,” Jace says, turning to me.
My heart starts galloping. “Shouldn’t we wait for Z—” I start, but a gentle touch at my elbow cuts me off.
“Here,” he says breathlessly, like he just ran here. His smile is dazzling, revealing a full set of perfectly white teeth.
“Hi,” I say stupidly. He notices the pink drink in my hand, and his face falls. “You got into the Poison, huh?”
“Poison?” I spit.
“That’s what we call it. Pink Poison. It’s not actually dangerous. I mean, it is if you ingest an ungodly amount, but even then, you’ll just pass out and wake up with your head in a toilet,” he clarifies.
“I’m gonna be honest, guys,” I begin, a grimace taking over my face as I glance between the two of them. “I really don’t want to do this.”
“Do what?” Jace asks.
“See my sis—” I catch myself. “Princess. See the princess.”
Nice save, idiot.
“Well, you’re going to have to get over that, since you are now one of her ladies,” Jace insists.
I let out a whiny whimper.
“Let’s just get it over with,” Zadyn suggests softly. Jace wraps a fist around my bicep, tugging me forward. I dig my heels into the floor and pull back.
“Do I have to stand there with her the whole night?” I complain.
“Dear gods, you are achild.”
And to prove his point, I stick my tongue out at him. He yanks me forward abruptly and growls in my face.
“Put your tongue back in your mouth,” he growls, baring his teeth. Zadyn places a firm hand on his chest and glowers at him.
