“That’s not relaxation,” she observed. “That’s…”
“Attraction magic.” I groaned. “The exact opposite of what I needed.”
Quandary fluttered his wings, sending the butterflies scattering.They’re very pretty, though.
“They’re emitting magical pheromones.”
He tilted his head.Is that bad?
“It is when I’m trying to regain control.” I grabbed a jar, attempting to capture the butterflies, but they dodged, releasing little tittering sounds that showed they were amused by my efforts.
Cordelia had drifted to the ceiling and was watching the mess unfold. “I believe some of them are escaping through the window.”
“What?” I spun around in time to see three purple butterflies flutter through the open casement into the castle proper. “No, no, no.”
I lunged in that direction, but it was too late. My magical pheromone-emitting butterflies were now loose in a castle full of vampires with enhanced senses.
“We’ll retrieve them.” Cordelia waved to Quandary, and the two flew out the window after the butterflies.
“This can’t be happening.” I sank onto a chair. “If Kieran finds out?—”
The door swung open.
Timing was a cruel, cruel thing.
Kieran paused in the doorway, a butterfly perched on the top of his head like a tiny purple crown. His left eyebrow was arched so high it nearly disappeared into his hairline.
Today he wore a midnight blue jacket that made his eyes appear sapphire, the silver embroidery along the collar catching the light. I’d noticed it earlier and almost said something.
Where had he found colorful clothing?
Some would see his formal attire as intimidating, but the butterfly and the barely concealed amusement in his eyes changed him from untouchable monarch into a man I could actually care for.
“Redecorating, I see,” he said, gazing around.
My face burned hotter than a midsummer bonfire. “I can explain.”
“I certainly hope so.” He stepped inside, closing the door behind him. Another butterfly landed on his shoulder, its wings fluttering happily. “Because there are currently several of these creatures circulating through the eastern wing, causing quite a stir among the staff.”
“It was an accident.”
“Mmm. Is that why they’re spontaneously kissing?” His gaze swept the room again, taking in the singing teacups, now performing what sounded suspiciously like a love ballad. “Quite the accident.”
The corner of his mouth twitched, and barely contained amusement shone in his eyes.
“It’s not funny.” I tried not to smile. “My magic’s been unstable since…” I trailed off, not wanting to mention the kiss.
“Since?” His eyebrows lifted.
“Since I arrived at this magically repressed fortress of doom and gloom. Clearly, my powers are rebelling.”
The twitch became a full-fledged smile, brief but devastating. “Is that your professional assessment?”
“Absolutely.” I crossed my arms on my chest. “Your castle is depressing my magic, so it’s staging a revolution.”
“By creating singing crockery and…” He reached up, gently removing the butterfly from his hair. “Whatever these are.”
“Attraction—” I swallowed hard. “I mean, relaxation charms gone wrong.”
