“She is. King Julian wouldn’t break a promise like that.”
Casimir came around and opened my door, offering his hand.
“Ready, my love?”
“As I’ll ever be,” I said, accepting his help.
Before we headed inside, Casimir checked each of us over, straightening Foster’s tie one last time with a scowl.
“Photo.” Koa held his phone out to a guard standing nearby. “Take several.”
The wide-eyed guard took the phone after a single look at my monsters’ faces and told us to smile. Zane, of course, struck a pose as Brummy circled his legs excitedly. When Foster tried to sneak out of frame, Casimir reeled him back in with narrowed eyes.
“If anyone asks,” Zane chirped as we walked inside, “I’m the pretty husband, Cas is the scary one, and Koa is the sexy brooding one.”
“And what am I?” I asked, playing along.
“You, my gorgeous moonbeam, are the one who had the exquisite taste to marry all three of us. A victorious warrior queen with three smoking hot husbands.”
I rolled my eyes as I slipped my fingers in Koa’s elbow, Casimir on my other side. Zane bounced ahead, Brummy at his heels. Foster trailed behind, maintaining a careful distance that marked him as both part of our group and separate from it. It was the space he’d chosen for himself, and I tried to remember to respect that.
As we approached the ballroom, my husbands flanking me like avenging angels, nerves made me shake under my beaded lavender silk.
“Beloved, you survived Arabesque,” Koa breathed in my ear. “You can survive a royal ball.”
“And you’re not alone,” Casimir added. “You have three husbands and a dire wolf who would kill and die for you.”
“And a Foster,” Zane called over his shoulder with a smirk at Foster’s deadpan expression.
Lifting my chin, I nodded, and Zane led us into the ballroom, which glittered like a winter night, all crystal and soft light as if someone had captured the stars and strung them from the ceiling. Everyone’s eyes went right to us, unsurprisingly. The Cimmerians were infamous enough on their own; with me on their arm and a dire wolf in tow, we made quite an entrance. Brumous leaned against my leg, offering comfort in his own way. His top hat somehow stayed on despite his excitement. Every few steps, he’d pause to sniff the air or stare curiously at the ornate decorations. He drew almost as many stares as we did, but no one dared to question.
“Everyone’s staring.” I fought the urge to shrink into Casimir’s side.
“Let them,” Koa scoffed. “Let them see what strength looks like.”
“Breathe, badass.” Zane gave me a wild grin.
“The king and queen are at the far end.” Casimir pointed with his chin. “We should pay our respects first.”
“Code for, ‘Let’s get the boring part over with so I can go stand in a corner and glare at everyone,’ ” Zane stage-whispered, earning him a withering look from Casimir.
I followed his gaze to where the werewolf monarchs stood greeting guests. Queen Lilah was a vision in a copper gown that made her red-gold hair look like living flame, while King Julian cut an imposing figure in a formal navy suit that brought out his blue eyes.
We crossed the ballroom, the crowd parting before us like water around stones. King Julian spotted us first, his eyebrows rising slightly as we approached. We stopped at a respectful distance, and I dipped into a curtsy.
“Your Majesties,” I greeted them. “Thank you for including us in your celebration.”
“The whole party is for you. You, Foster, and this handsome fellow.” Queen Lilah smiled at Brummy, who sat at attention beside me. “Mr. Brumous Cimmerian! Look at you in your fancy hat!” she cooed, scratching him gently under his chin. “You’re so handsome!”
“He’s quite the gentleman,” I said as pride swelled in my chest. His coat gleamed with health and his blue eyes sparkled with joy.
“His condition has improved remarkably since you first brought him here,” the king noted. “Well done.”
At a subtle gesture from Casimir, Brummy extended his paw to the king, who shook it with appropriate gravity, as if conducting an important diplomatic exchange.
“We’ve been working on his manners, although some members of the household are better influences than others.” Casimir’s eyes slid to Zane, who clutched his chest in mock offense.
“I’m an excellent influence! I taught him how to high-five! Essential life skill!”
