“Yes, King Rory.”
“Then welcome, Rivella.”
“Thank you.”
They stared at each other. Love is in the air, yada yada. I waited, giving them their moment. And waited. And waited. I was all for the faerie tale, but I couldn't wait forever.
Finally, I said, “Why don't you two go back to the ball and enjoy yourselves?”
Rory blinked, then looked back at me. “And leave you here alone?”
“I promise not to have a wild party in your suite.”
He chuckled. “You are so odd.”
“I get that a lot.”
“You don't want to join the celebration?”
“I think it might be better if I'm seen by as few people as possible. I have a big mouth and tend to say things I shouldn't.” I kept it to myself that the main person I needed to avoid was his brother. That would entail some explanation and the explanation would involve how he isn't King in my time. Did he step down like the last king? I hoped so, but I didn't think so.
Rory scowled at my mouth.
It took me a second to put together his attention with what I'd said. “I didn't mean that I literally have a big mouth. I mean that I speak without thinking a lot.”
“Ah.” He sighed and sat back. “You may be right. Would you like me to have some food brought here for you?”
“That would be wonderful! Thank you.”
“Very well.” King Rory nodded and stood.
Rivella hurried to her feet as well, then took the arm Rory offered.
“I shall be back anon, Queen Vervain,” Rory said.
“Take your time,” I said breezily. “Ah, maybe some wine too?”
He chuckled. “Red or white?”
“Red.” I grinned.
“Of course. What else would a Dragon-Sidhe drink?” The King shook his head in wonder. “What a night.”
Chapter Eleven
Two trays of food and a bottle of red wine were delivered shortly after King Rory left. I ate it all, drank it all, and passed out on the couch amid the leaves. I was hungry, okay? Anyway, I don't know how much time went by but I was awakened by a servant who politely asked if he could escort me to another bedroom for the night. When I asked about the King, he said the King would see me at breakfast.
I trudged out of the royal chambers and down the hallway, but not too far. So that was nice. I could easily find my way back to Rory in the morning.
As it happened, I didn't have to.
A knock woke me the next morning. I frowned and rolled over. Something tickled my face. I opened my eyes into a half-awake state. All I saw was leaves. Groaning, I turned my head. A vine fell on my face.
“Agh!” I batted at it, thinking it was a snake.
It made sense to me in my still-waking-up mind. I mean, obviously, I was in a jungle and therefore—snakes. Batting at the snake/vine didn't help. It only got me more tangled. I turned and tore, petals falling over my guest bed. The vines instantly regrew and regrew and regrew like a damn hydra. I screamed in frustration.
“Queen Vervain?” someone called.
