King Athon smiled—all his gleaming white teeth showing. “Yes, the musicians here are extremely talented.”
I tipped my head and hummed aloud, my sweet smile still in place—and only growing. I turned and indicated my companions. “Your Royal Highness, allow me to introduce Willam and Bianca. They were soul mated recently and have already had their first child. It is quite impressive, don’t you think?”
I can show my fangs in all ways, asshole.
The King of Shifters didn’t flinch at my words, though—his royal upbringing just as strong as mine. “That is very impressive. Congratulations on your soul mating and the birth of your child.”
Willam smirked. “Thank you, Your Royal Highness. We couldn’t be happier.”
Bianca touched her soul mate’s chest, her amber eyes on mine. She said proudly, “Our son looks just like Willam. He will grow up to be just as strong as he is, I am sure. Did you know, Your Highness, that Willam competed in our town trials…and won!”
“Oh my.” My grin turned true. “That is superb, Willam. I once watched one in Sugar Cove. Town trials can be trying even for the strongest of us. You must be very happy with the outcome.”
He remarked, “I am, Your Highness. I trained for five years for it. It was rough going for a stretch, but I somehow managed to prevail. I could show you my training regime one day if it truly interests you. Feel free to call upon me at any time. I am at your disposal.” Willam’s smile dazzled for a second, and then he turned his attention to the King of Shifters. He bravely started a polite conversation, “Your Royal Highness, do you have any activities like elven trials in the Shifter Kingdom?”
King Athon lifted one black eyebrow. “My kingdom has challenges. I’ve been in many where I rip the heads off any who face me. Does that compare to an elven trial?”
I blinked slowly.Good Fae, he just couldn’t behave.
Willam’s eyes narrowed slightly at the vulgarity.
Bianca’s face paled.
In the resulting awkwardness, I cleared my throat and looked far,farup at my terrible soul mate. I stated serenely, “I believe a challenge and town trials are vastly different, Your Royal Highness.”
King Athon’s solid black eyes traveled up and down Willam’s frame in a blatant evaluation. He murmured drolly, “I never would have guessed.”
He had ways of showing his fangs, too. Shifter prick.
The King of Shifters stepped to face me fully—situating his body between the other two and me—and held out his hand calmly. “Princess Trixie, would you care to dance?” His mouth curved up on one side, a snark-filled smile. “I do so love the music.”
I gnashed my teeth together, unable to deny his request—which he well knew. I placed my small hand on his large, warm palm, stating courteously, “I would be delighted, Your Royal Highness.”
And, as awful as that, everyone nearby watched as we took the floor, poorly veiled expressions on their faces—none agreeable.
“This was not a great idea,” I hissed through my smile.
King Athon peered down at me, a small, gracious grin touching his lips. He whispered, “It was better than the alternative.”
The two lines of waiting dancers that faced each other made room for us quickly, those individuals on either side of us leaning and whispering to one another while they glared at the shifter king.
“Which was?” I muttered under my breath, turning to face him as he released my hand,
The King of Shifters’ honeyed smile grew. “Me killing the besotted elf who stared at your ass all night long until his innocent soul mate, Bianca, arrived at the party.”
My jaw closed with an audible snap.What?
Right before he stepped back from me, into the line facing the females, hesnarledin his throat. His voice was too deep and low for anyone else to hear—thank the Fae. “And you wanted to play with the tiger back there.” Cruelty curved his lips. “So we’re playing.”
My lips pinched into a thin line.
We were now “playing” in front of my kingdom.
The King of Shifters had positively trumped me. Again.
I smiled with my fangs flashing as we stared at one another from our opposing dance lines. King Athon was truly a malicious bastard when I provoked him, to be sure. I needed to tread carefully where my surreptitious plan was concerned.
But my cruel smirk died a quick death on my face.
