She shakes her head with a bitter laugh. “You will obey me, Ember. You can’t fight it. The longer you hold out, the more additional punishments I’ll find for you.”
I’ve heard that before, which is why I now find myself the sole servant of the household. It’s why Mrs. Coleman sold my pianoforte. She’s made several demands in the past that I tried to ignore, tried to take the pain and bear it. Maybe this time I’ll succeed. Maybe this time I’ll outlast her…
“Ember, please!” Clara shouts. “After everything we’ve done for you, it’s the least you can do for us.”
Her words drench my rebellious fire, leaving me chilled to the bone. They reverberate through my mind, echoing memories I’d rather leave forgotten.
It’s your fault he died, Ember. After everything you’ve done, after everything you’ve taken from us, it’s the least you can do.
Father’s eyes flash before me, so bright and alive as he grins at me over his teacup. In the next moment, they turn empty, hard. His hand clenches over his heart. My voice, rich with song, shifts into a scream—
“Obey!” Mrs. Coleman shouts, and I jump at the sharpness in her tone. I shudder at how it mingles with the wail still haunting my mind. My head begins to spin as the memories refuse to abate.
The clatter of tableware.
Father’s lifeless eyes.
It’s your fault he died…
His hand clenched over his heart.
After everything you’ve taken from us…
“Obey!”
“All right,” I say, the words coming out with a gasp and leaving me trembling, breathless. “I’ll go to the ball.” The pain releases me, but the memories linger at the edges of my mind. My knees buckle, sending me sprawling to the ground. I heave a sob as tears stream down my cheeks. When did I start crying?
“That’s more like it,” Mrs. Coleman says. “Now, get this dress out of my sight and finish cleaning the floors.” She stalks away, as does Imogen, but Clara remains before me. I only know by her shoes, for I can’t bring myself to lift my head.
“You’re so selfish,” she mutters coldly. A second later, my silver mask lands on the floor in front of me, thankfully unbroken. Then Clara follows the other two.
Unable to stand, I remain with my sobs and a tear-stained ballgown.
6
FRANCO
Standing on Selene Palace’s rooftop balcony, I rest my forearms on the railing and stare down at the sprawling lawn. Beyond it, the forests and mountains gather shadows as the setting sun leaves inky blue twilight to descend upon my kingdom. Soon night will fall, which is when most of the Lunar Court population comes alive. I can already see tiny blue wisps bobbing over Lake Artemisa as well as the flaming tails of a few kitsune who dart between the trees.
It’s peaceful up here, alone, with everyone else inside preparing for tomorrow’s ball. I dread how busy the palace will be in the coming month. Several elite families will be taking rooms at the palace, and overall, we’ll be hosting far more guests than usual. Many have already arrived in anticipation of tomorrow, filling the palace with dense, unfamiliar energy. Energy I can taste and feel with every inch of my being.
As a rare type of fae that feeds on emotion—a psy vampire—I sense energy as easily as I breathe. When I’m used to a person’s energy, or their energetic signature, as I call it, it’s easier for me to tune them out at will. But when I’m near too many new people at once…it’s a lot to get used to. It’s one reason I’ve never been great at making new acquaintances. I much prefer a quiet palace, solitude, and spending my time at home with the very few people I know and trust.
Sudden movement catches my eye, and I straighten. From the line of trees emerges a carriage coming down the road from the north. It’s too dark to see much detail from where I stand on the rooftop balcony, but as it approaches, I note the pearlescent sheen of the coach and a pair of puca that draw it. I furrow my brow. The vehicle can belong to none other than the Sea Court. However, as far as I know, we aren’t entertaining any fae dignitaries during the social season, since it’s a human centric event. Could Nyxia have invited sea fae to attend the ball?
I ponder the question until the answer becomes painfully clear.
Damn it, I know exactly what this is. I’m willing to bet my wings Nyxia has invited a princess to parade before me. It’s been years since she’s meddled in my love life, although she has dropped several hints as of late.
Are you still courting so-and-so?
Any prospects for a future mate?
Have you called on such-and-such? They have a daughter you’d find pretty…
Is this the real reason Nyxia appointed me to host the social season? So she can display me front and center in hopes that I’ll finally snag a mate? Why does she care so much? I grit my teeth, fingers clenching tight around the balcony rail.
Footsteps sound behind me, shaking me from my aggravation. The balcony was empty when I arrived, so curiosity has me turning toward the newcomer. An enormous glass dome rests at the center of the circular rooftop, obscuring my vision of the staircase on the other side. I extend my powers and quickly recognize the energetic signature of my unseen guest. It’s my sister’s mate. “Greetings, Lorelei,” I call out.
