“Maybe tonight?” I suggested instead. “I can still close my eyes.”
He stepped back and bent in a deep bow from his waist. “I would be honored.”
I curtsied, dropping to the floor in the most awkward tangle of my own legs. Luckily, my dress covered my legs, and I was almost certain nobody realized my curtsy was an elaborate fall.
Except Bylur.
He smiled and offered me a hand, neatly helping me to my feet and tucking my arm around his.
* **
Bylur introduced me to several nobles before escorting me to the thrones.
I eyed the jewel-covered padded chairs suspiciously. “I thought we weren’t doing the king and queen thing?”
He laughed. “We’re hosting the ball, so we have to sit here. It has nothing to do with ruling.” He tipped his head at the ornate chairs. “And nobody has been attacked by a throne in all our recorded history.”
I folded my arms. “There could always be a first.”
He sat down. “Please join me.”
“Fine.” I sighed and slid carefully into the throne next to him.
An hour passed faster than I expected. People lined up to speak with us and introduce themselves to me. I had no hope of remembering everyone, but Bylur whispered they knew that. They still wanted the chance to tell everyone that we’d spoken.
Eventually the music stopped, and Bylur turned to me. “Now is the typical time for announcements. Do you want me to include yours?”
I nodded. This was my plan to end my life as a thief and embrace my new life as a lady. It might be humiliating, but I needed it to make the change in my mind.
I walked with Bylur to the edge of the stage the thrones sat on. Bylur thanked everyone for coming, made some compliments with his dry humor about the masks, and introduced me. “Auria has given up a greatmany things to be here with me, and I care for her deeply.” A hushed murmur rippled through the crowd. Caring must not be a thing fae admitted to out loud.
His voice lowered into a rumble that reminded me of his bear form while his shadows rolled out from him and across the ballroom floor. “If any of you have a problem with her, bring it to me. Her happiness is worth more than any of your lives.”
He stretched an arm out to me, and I slid under it. His hand wrapped around my back and settled on my waist, silently claiming me in front of everyone. Of course, he’d also claimed me out loud a moment ago too. And he’d done it knowing what I planned to say next. That thought, more than any other, filled me with a warm confidence as he added, “She has an announcement also.”
My finger automatically traced my thumb in the spot my mother’s ring used to be. Bylur gestured to a guard, who handed me my box.No fear. I cradled the box in my arms, and shifted one step closer to the crowd. Bylur rested a hand on my back.
I looked at the sea of people and froze. If Bylur had possessed an ounce of greed, I’d be their queen. But instead I was just like them. A noble among nobles. One with a crazy powerful husband who happened to be hosting tonight’s ball. Brielle and Orla stood next to each other, their brothers flanking them. Orla waved at me, and my mouth relaxed.
I gave them a practiced smile. “I’d like to thank everyone who has already welcomed me to Kalshana.”My voice carried magically throughout the entire ballroom. I raised a brow at Bylur, and his lips twitched up into a smile. Of course he’d done it.
Brielle and Orla encouraged me to keep talking with their big smiles. “It’s an honor to join you, and I’m grateful for the chance to get to know you.” I lifted the box away from my body to draw their attention toward it. “I also have a confession to make tonight. When I arrived, I was intrigued by a number of jewels. I borrowed them without informing many of you during my first weeks here.”
I focused on Brielle. “I remember some of you well enough to return them, but I’m afraid I’ve forgotten who I took several of them from. I will bring those I remember to you shortly. I hope the rest of you will take a moment to check this box and collect any that belong to you.”
I avoided looking at Dedalus—I felt his glare without even making eye contact. Brielle looked more confused than anything else, so I kept my eyes on her. “I hope you can forgive this awkward introduction, and we can still be good friends.”
Bylur stepped closer to me. “The box will remain on the edge of the stage. I put an enchantment on it so each jewel may only be retrieved by its owner.” His voice lowered. “I also know most of you have no moral issues with stealing, only being stolen from. It is good for you to know that despite my wife’s humanity, she is faster and smarter than all of you.” He lowered his voice to a whisper just for me. “Also braver.”
I smiled up at him, and he waved a hand at the orchestra. As they started playing again, I took a deep breath in and out. “So that’s it? They just won’t care?”
He shrugged. “Some of them will. But they won’t complain. Not now.”
I slid closer to him and wrapped an arm around his waist in a one-handed hug. “Thank you.”
He pulled me closer with his arms. “Of course.” He pressed his lips to the top of my head with enough pressure that I felt it through the fabric on his mask. He straightened up and pulled away from me. “Do you want me to accompany you to return the ones you’ve chosen?”
“No. I can do it.” I opened the box to pull out Brielle’s ring, Dedalus’s cuff link, and a bracelet from Orla. Before I reached in, I looked up at Bylur. “Will your enchantment stop me?”
