“And as for Lady Korinna—”
“I shouldn’t mention the store she runs on Main Street since Queen Nyte once visited and ruined a display, then later raised a fuss about a noble working for a living—talk aboutstupid. Instead I should invite her out to the mansion and imply I would appreciate her thoughts on the stable since she is an accomplished horsewoman,” I said.
“Yes. Although you should perhaps refrain from mentioning the stable almost exclusively holds night mares now,” Skye said. “And what of Lady Lysandra?”
“Avoid her like the plague since she has a thing for Lord Linus and probably isn’t going to forgive me for being born.” I shivered and looked around as if saying his name could summon Lord Linus.
He was here tonight—I didn’t think he’d miss the chance to publicly remind everyone whose daughter I was. Plus, since the food and alcohol were free, he would have been here with or without me.
“Excellent. You’ve done well. Let’s go in.” Skye motioned for me to lead the way inside since Azure had dropped us off right at the curb.
“Okay—thanks Azure.” I twisted around long enough to wave at my chauffeur—which still felt bizarre to eventhink.
She bowed her head to me, bringing out a shimmery dark blue hue in her aqua colored hair.
I smiled at her, then stepped through the gateway of the wooden fence that surrounded the restaurant.
It was a beautiful Italian restaurant that was fairly large and overlooked one of the lakes that squatted in downtown Magiford. They had a pretty garden with a bunch of outside seating that was illuminated by twinkling fairy lights and beautiful lanterns.
Based on the delicious smells, the buffet had been set up outside since the weather was nice and mild—warm, but with a cool breeze that rolled in off the lakes.
My stomach growled at the scent of basil and garlic.I should be able to eat here, right? The fae aren’t making the food, the restaurant is, and it’s human owned and run.I pressed my clutch into my stomach as if I could forcibly make it shut up, but it only growled louder.
“Ahh, there she is—the woman of the hour!” The Paragon strolled up to me. He was wearing his typical robes, but I was most drawn to the gray baby sling he was wearing, and the pink, hairless head that popped out of the top.
“Hello, Paragon.” I dipped my head in reverence. “Thank you for organizing this dinner for my Court and me.” I tried to look him in the face, but my eyes kept getting drawn back to the animal sitting in the sling.
It took me a few quick glances before I realized it was a pink skinned, hairless cat peering up at me with a wrinkled forehead.
“Yes, yes, of course! It’s my pleasure—you have been plunked down in the middle of things. But the only reason I could do this without ruffling any feathers is because of the Day King, you know! When word got out I was doing this, he took the other monarchs to task and said you deserved it since you were half human and still adjusting to your own kind, much less your new station. He told me he found you charming when he visited my personal study the other day—he likes to do that a lot, and he doesn’t shut up.” The Paragon squinted at me. “I hope with you around he’ll stop fretting that the Night Court is going to bring about the destruction of the Day Court, too.”
He seemed to expect an answer, so I ripped my fascinated gaze from the yawning hairless cat—its expression making it closely resemble a goblin. “Yes, I’ll do my best.”
“Oh, listen to me, gabbing on when I ought to introduce you. Queen Leila, this is my dearest darling, Aphrodite.”
“Hello, Aphrodite.” I held out my hand, and Aphrodite sniffed it before rubbing her forehead against my fingers. Her skin was a weird sensation. “Do you often bring her to social events?”
“No—she’s a magical cat, you know. Very choosy about who she wishes to associate with. Naturally she doesn’t want to come to most socials. When I told her about you, however, she insisted. I knew you’d be delighted to have her bless you with her presence!” The Paragon beamed.
It’s always reassuring to meet someone who is even more of an animal nut than I am.It makes me realize I’m really not so bad after all.
“She’s very beautiful,” I said.
“Thank you! It’s refreshing to meet someone who can see that!” The Paragon huffed. “But as much as Aphrodite and I enjoy your company, we must move on—there are still a few last-minute details we must see to. We won’t be long, though!” He wiggled his fingers at me and wheeled off, barging through the crush of fae that were slowly meandering into the restaurant.
Rather than push my way inside, I moved to the edge, nodding and greeting the lords and ladies I recognized from Skye’s quizzing and picture games.
“What’s this?” Indigo muttered under her breath as I slowly edged closer and closer to the buffet. “Are you actually considering eatinghotfood?”
I grinned at my companion. “Shocking, isn’t it? But I think the food here will be safe.”
“Indeed, it will be,” Skye said.
“And if it can get you over your paranoia, that’s all the better,” Indigo said.
“What was that?” I asked.
“Hmm? I didn’t say anything.” Indigo innocently adjusted her sweater—she was wearing a cute black one matched with a flowered skirt tonight.
