Our arms rested on the thrones, which were so close it felt more like a joined seat. He was deep in conversation with the dwarf, laughing at something he said.
He didn’t even realize how close we were.
The deep-blue ivy design weaved around his thumb, crawling up to the nail. If you looked at our arms next to one another, the image lined up like the magic had wrapped around us in a long string.
All that magic had fed into us, yet I didn’t feel any different.
Was I supposed to?
Laughter and drinks flowed around me in a sea of unending revelry.
A brownie jumped on our table. Its long pointy ears twitched back and forth under the beige hat it wore. It held a round, slimy green ball in its hands and chattered in weird tones. When I didn’t respond, the chattering became louder and more incessant. The fae bounced back and forth on bare feet, its wide-eyed yellow gaze looking too much like the bogey in the pond.
“Thank you.” Kane reached over and held out his hand.
The brownie smiled and surprise! It had pointy teeth. It dropped the round object into Kane’s hand. I cringed at the slimy thing and almost vomited when Kane tossed it into his mouth.
Satisfied, the brownie vaulted off the table and scattered back into the crowd.
“What did you just eat?” I whispered.
Kane’s face paled a bit. “It’s better if you don’t know.”
He held a fist to his mouth, burping into it, his eyes going wide, then grabbed the entire carafe of wine in front of us and guzzled it.
Wine dripped down his chin. With a deep sigh, he leaned back, closing his eyes. “It’s best to digest the egg before it hatches.”
Before I could ask any more, the master of coin approached the table holding a golden box. “If the king would allow it, I have brought a gift from the faeries of the Nightsong Jungle for the new queen.”
Kane nodded and Riddik walked around the table to my throne and kneeled.
“May I?” He held out his hand, pointing to my feet.
Unsure of what he was going to do, I grabbed the sides of my gown and held out one foot, thinking it would be better if I played along.
He opened the box, revealing a pair of ruby-red ankle boots. Tufts of white fur lined the top. Taking my foot, he removed my shoe and slipped one boot on. The soft material melded to my foot and instantly warmed my skin.
“These boots will always keep your feet warm and dry, regardless of the terrain.” He spoke in a soothing voice.
“They feel incredible,” I said as he placed the other one on. “Thank you.”
“You’re very welcome.” He glanced up at me with those golden eyes and smiled. “May they bring you comfort on the coldest days.”
Taking the box, he disappeared back into the throng of guests.
The warmth from the boots instantly sent a wave of relaxation through me.
Taking his place, the three pixies fluttered over to the table.
“Your Majesty,” the three said in unison, which was surprising. Olivia disliked me, but it seemed she would at least be cordial.
Anna fluttered forward holding a leather bracelet with three colored stones. “A gift for our new queen.”
“What is it?” Leaning forward, I examined the bracelet. The color of each stone sparkled.
“Each stone contains a powerful pixie dust.” She placed the bracelet on the table in front of me. “The gray, bone dust, turning anything to stone. The cerulean, renewing dust, which will heal any ailment, and finally, the carnelian, which will create fire.”
“How does it work?” I asked, mesmerized by the powerful gift.
