Lady Migina’s smile doesn’t falter, but her eyes harden. “Just know, human, they will take what they want from you, and when they’re done, they’ll move on.”
I say nothing, shrinking into myself, wishing I could disappear from this grand spectacle. Everything about it feels wrong, like I’m caught in a web of manipulation and deceit. I can’t shake the feeling that I’m being watched, judged, analyzed by every fae in the room.
Finally, she stands up, her silk gown flowing around her as she steps away, blending back into the crowd like a shadow, and I’m left sitting there, my heart pounding, replaying her words over and over in my mind.
My experience with men is absolutely zero. The idea of any of them wanting me in that way hadn’t even crossed my mind until now. I try to tell myself I don’t care what ulterior motives they might have, that none of it matters, but deep down, part of me does care.
I don’t want to be anyone’s pawn. Heck, I don’t even want to be part of their game.
Then, out of the corner of my eye, I catch sight of King Ashton, his laughter carrying through the room, a sound that feels like sunlight breaking through dark clouds. His smile is wide, mischievous, and for a moment, I forget the tension, the fear that wraps around me like a shroud.
But when he turns and his eyes meet mine, everything changes.
It feels like the world stops spinning, like time itself takes a breath. His smile softens, and something in my chest twists painfully, an unwelcome flutter of confusion and longing. I can’t explain it. It’s pure trouble.
But I can’t stop my heart from flipping in my chest at the way his smile actually reaches his eyes when he looks at me. Does that mean something? It feels like it does, but I can’t allow myself to think that way.
Is this what Lady Migina was warning me about?
I turn away, trying to ignore the fluttering in my chest. He’s trouble. They all are. It’s strange. I’ve never considered myself a smart woman, but I pray I’m smart enough to not forget for a second that these kings are nothing but my enemies.
14
Ashton
I’m surroundedby a group of fae women, each more stunning than the last, their laughter like music vibrating through the air, wrapping around me in an embrace. Their coy smiles beckon me closer, a siren's song promising delight and distraction. Any other night, I’d lean into their charm, savoring the effortless banter, letting myself forget the weight of the curse for a while. But tonight, my focus is elsewhere. Or rather, on someone else.
Alette.
Across the room, she sits awkwardly, a stark contrast to the effortless grace of the fae women around her. There’s a stiffness to her posture that catches my attention, the way she fidgets slightly, her fingers tapping anxiously against her thighs.
My gaze keeps drifting back to her like a tether I can’t break. There’s a magnetic pull that draws my attention, a hunger that gnaws at me and refuses to let go. It has to be the dagger, or maybe the goddess's magic at work.
Why else would I feel this pull toward her, this strange connection?
I can see something in her eyes, even from across the room. It’s more than just that she’s out of place here. It’s something deeper, a wound she doesn’t let anyone see but can’t quite hide. I find myself wondering what she has been through, what darkness lurks beneath the surface of her guarded demeanor.
What is it about her that has all the fae kings staring at her instead of the banquet of women in front of them?Whatever it is, I’m determined to find out.
Flashing a smile at the women around me, I murmur a quick goodbye before weaving my way through the crowd. The closer I get to the tiny human, the more that feeling inside of me intensifies. That pulling feeling from me to her. Maybe it’s my powers. Maybe it’s the dagger. But whatever it is, I want to be near her.
“Alette,” I say, liking the feel of her name on my lips. It rolls off my tongue with a certain warmth, as if it were meant to be spoken, as if it were a song that needed to be sung. “Would you do me the honor of having a drink with me?”
She hesitates, her brow arching as if she’s trying to gauge my intentions, which bothers me. I’m not used to people being reluctant around me.
With a breathy sigh, she finally nods. “Fine.”
“Wonderful.” I grab two goblets from a passing servant, the cool metal glinting in the light, and gesture toward the balcony. “Shall we?”
As we step outside, the cool night air wraps around me like a soothing balm, a welcome reprieve from the stifling heat of the ballroom. The stars stretch endlessly above us, twinkling like diamonds against the deep blue canvas of the night sky, a sight I’ve seen countless times, but somehow it feels new with Alette standing beside me.
I hand her a goblet and lean against the railing, the smooth wood pressing against my back, grounding me. I steal a glanceat her, watching her expression shift from guarded to hesitant curiosity as she studies the night sky.
“So,” I say, keeping my tone light, “how are you doing?”
She gives a strange stare. “You’re asking how I’m doing?”
“I am.”
