The ball was an opportunity for two to be crowned supreme.
I was already supreme. I knew it in the very marrow of my bones. A ruler, I simply was.
These folk were below me. All of them.
Except for my goddess.
We would reign supreme, both of us.
CHAPTER 14
Ginger
“Gather round, folk of Moonvale!” Mayor Tommins shouted above the clamor of the crowd. “For it’s time to announce the trials!”
The park was decorated beautifully. Twinkly, enchanted string lights draped across the space from high posts, creating the illusion of a magical, star-filled sky, complete with two bright and shining moons. Jasmine and lavender blossoms were bundled in bouquets that perfumed the chilly air.
Kizzi slapped me on the shoulder. “Make us proud.”
Fiella gave me a thumbs up and flashed her fangs in a cheesy grin.
As coupled up folk, they were exempt from the competition. Personally, I thought those rules were stupid. Just because you had a lover didn’t make you any more or less of a competitor.
But, nevertheless, it was tradition. Historically, the ball used to be a method of determining a ceremonial pair of rulers of Moonvale. And though traditions could evolve and change, this particular detail had not evolved quite yet.
I grinned back. “I’ll try my best.”
“Give ‘em all you’ve got, boss!” Tandor said.
“Yeah, yeah. If I win, I’m taking an entire week off.”
His eyes widened. “Wow, Ginny. You should. You’ve never taken an entire week off before.”
That would never happen, I was too much of a workaholic. My pub needed me. But it was fun to joke about. “We’ll see.”
Tommins' voice rang out again. “Ladies, Gents, and everyone else! Any folk who would like to compete! Please move to the front if you’ll be participating.”
I pushed my way to the front of the crowd. I felt like a fish swimming upstream.
I stood among roughly forty other folk. Short and tall, young and old. But most were of the younger adult age.
The competition would be fierce.
Linc stood at the front, writing names down and forming a list. He must have decided to work the event. “Is this everyone?” he shouted. “Last call for the Miss and Mister Moonvale competition! Oh! Looks like we’ve got one more. Come on over, sir.”
My stomach flipped.
Certainly not. It couldn’t be.
I held my breath.
The seconds passed with agonizing slowness.
He stepped forward, emerging from the crowd and slipping into view as though he had materialized from the shadows themselves.
The crowd quieted, all murmurs ceasing. Not even a whisper remained.
The man walked with a rhythm that was almostdisrespectfully slow. It was as though he craved attention. He wanted every eye on him.
