The pair she brought with her tonight chat not too far from us, and she glances longingly at them.
“Go ahead,” I say. “Enjoy the rest of the ball.”
Clara starts to dart away but stops mid-step. Turning back to me, she gives me a curtsy and a smile, then leaves to join her friends. With a tired sigh, I seek the exit in search of a respite. Just when I’m nearly to the throne room doors, someone steps swiftly from the wall to intercept me.
It’s a man with blue skin and gills at his neck. He clears his throat. “Miss Montgomery, I am ambassador to King Ronan.”
A wave of shock runs through me. King Ronan is Princess Maisie’s father. Last year, Franco sent a letter to inform him of his daughter’s absence from Selene Palace, but we never heard back from him.
He lowers his voice. “I’m here to deliver a message from my king. He wants me to tell you that if you’ve heard anything from Princess Maisie—and please, do not tell me if you have—then keep that information to yourself.”
I furrow my brow. “Is she all right? Is there anything I can do?”
“The best thing you can do is keep her whereabouts a secret.”
“I promise.” It’s an easy promise to keep, considering I have no clue where she is.
“Thank you.” He offers a stiff bow, then disappears into the crowd.
I exit into the hall, worry tugging my mind. I may not know Maisie well, but I’ve thought of her often. Where did she go after we made our bargain? What kind of danger is she in? Where is she now?
I shake my head. Apparently, it’s safer for her if I never discover the answer to those questions.
* * *
FRANCO
I’m relieved when the ball comes to an end and my guests finally leave. Beneath the open night sky, I stroll through the gardens, letting the gentle breeze cool my cheeks. I feel like I’ll need to nap for ten days straight just to recover from all the talking and mingling I’ve done. And that’s on top of all the social interactions I’ve immersed myself in for months on end before this.
As fatigued as I am, I regret nothing. I’ve spent the past year getting to know both the humans and fae of my court on a personal level. Ember and I have dined with aristocrats, danced in the woods with brownies and sprites, had luncheons with dragons in caverns and caves. We’ve also walked through the slums, visited orphanages, assessed the needs of the people in surrounding cities. Ember was right when she told me there are humans living too far north to benefit from the seelie king’s reign, and there’s only so much Lunar’s human representative can do. But there are thingsIcan do. Things I’m already doing.
And more I can soon begin…
I pause as I catch sight of movement nearby. It’s Nyxia and Lorelei in one of the garden courtyards. Lorelei’s arms are draped around my sister’s neck as Nyxia gazes affectionately down at her. They turn and sway slowly over the obsidian floor to music only they can hear.
Keeping my steps quiet so as not to disturb their romantic moment, I continue down the garden path in search of the energetic signature I know is out here somewhere. Finally, I find her, wandering leisurely through a maze of bright, glowing mushrooms. Three wisps float over Em’s head, and I hear their tiny, animated voices as she chats with them.
She hasn’t noticed me yet, so I stop at the entrance to the mushroom maze, taking the opportunity to observe her beautiful smile, the elegant sway of her steps, the breathtaking glow of her energy. Without even trying, she’s become a favorite of our court, and it’s no surprise why. She’s kind yet unafraid of facing conflict. She’s empathetic yet bold. I harbor no doubts that she’ll make a wonderful queen.
I step onto the path, and one of the wisps spots me, making all three turn. With a chortling squeal, they taunt, “Kissy, kissy,” then fly off.
Ember turns to face me with a grin. “Is everyone gone yet?”
“Finally,” I say, closing the distance between us. “How long have you been hiding out here?”
“An hour, maybe,” she says with a shrug. “I’m starting to understand why you chose to spend last year’s New Moon Masquerade disguised as a fat raven.”
“It was truly a moment of underrated brilliance.”
She throws her arms around my middle. “Can we go to bed now?”
The glint in her eye makes me want to lift her in my arms and take her straight to my room. But there’s a specific reason I came to find her. One I’ve been agonizing over for days. Perhaps I should wait…
Yes, I should wait.
Another day.
Any other day.
