“Yes, you can go too,” I said and held him out. “Make sure your brother doesn't dive-bomb our guests.”
“Yes, Mommy!” Dom shouted as he went airborne.
“Oh, they're incredible,” the man's female companion said.
“See, darling?” the man said. “I told you, being last in line is sometimes a good thing. There's no one behind us to rush us and we get to see things no one else has.” Then he held his hand out to Azrael. “It's an honor and a pleasure to meet you, Faerie God. I'm Elliot Gray and this is my wife, Rose. We're huge fans of what you've done for our world and politics.”
Azrael lifted his brows as he shook the man's hand. “Thank you. It's nice to meet you as well, Mr. Gray. Mrs. Gray.” He shook her hand next. Then he went through the introductions as he had with every guest, finishing with me.
I shook the wife's hand first, then her husband's. “Gray?” I asked with a lifted brow.
“Please.” He laughed and held up his hand. “NoFifty Shadesjokes.”
“All right. As long as you know I'm thinking them,” I teased.
“Everyone does.” Mr. Gray rolled his eyes, but he was also smiling. “Now, I'm sorry to do this, but this is probably the only chance I'll have to speak privately with you, Faerie God.”
“That sounds ominous,” Az said.
“Not at all,” he assured Az. “I manufacture toys, and I washoping you'd hear out a proposition I have for you.”
“You make toys?” I asked, intrigued. I'd never met a toy maker. It felt a little magical. And I wasn't the only one who thought so.
Lesya and Vero drew closer, flanking me as they took my hands.
I glanced down at them, then said to Mr. Gray, “You have our attention.”
“Oh, we brought gifts for the kids,” Mrs. Gray said. “The guards took them from us when we arrived, but there's a big assortment of what we produce. You can have your pick.” She winked at the children.
Lesya beamed at the woman. “Thank you very much.”
“You're welcome.”
“And you can see the quality of our products,” Mr. Gray said to Az.
“I'm sure your toys are wonderful, Mr. Gray, but what have they to do with us?” Azrael asked.
“I would like to sell Faerie God approved toys with magical themes.” Mr. Gray hurried to add, “Not real magic, mind you. Just toys that feel magical. Perhaps we could do a line of Wild Fey dolls and figurines. I'm open to suggestions.”
“Toys?” Az frowned.
“We've been so focused on the way adults view us that we haven't thought of the children,” I said to Az. “This could be a great opportunity for us. There are already many companies that manufacture Fey-themed products, including toys. But we don't have a say in them. We could help the Grays make toys that will encourage young people to embrace faeries and not fear them. In a few years, those children will be grown. It would benice to have them on our side.”
Azrael nodded. “Perhaps.”
“And you'd of course get a percentage of the profits,” Mr. Gray said.
Az looked at me. “We could give it to the Wild Fey kids and their families. Then their trust funds would have regular contributions.”
“Toys supporting children,” I said. “I like that.”
“Very well,” Az said. “I'll consider your offer, Mr. Gray.”
“Great!” Mr. Gray exclaimed as he produced his business card. “My personal number is on there. Please, call me anytime to schedule a proper meeting.”
“I will.” Az accepted the card and tucked it behind a leather leaf. “Thank you. I hope you two enjoy the party.”
“We have been,” Mrs. Gray said. “It's the most wonderful party I've ever been to. Worth every penny.”
