“Lord Dion asked me to come over to see a sword he purchased,” Rigel said.
Lord Dion was Rigel’s best and only friend—although Rigel would never own up to the relationship. Lord Dion was charismatic, bright, and had a law practice for supernaturals.
In other words, he was the total opposite of my dark, brooding, assassin husband.
“I see.” Before I could ask anything more, another cluster of Night Court fae slipped through the doorway.
I slapped a smile on my face and grinned. “Good evening—and welcome to our celebration!”
Since none of the other fussy Courts are coming, tonight is going to be fun! I’m determined to enjoy it!
Chapter Four
Leila
“How are you holding up, my Sovereign?”
I glanced down at Indigo and flashed her what I hoped was a pleasant smile, even though I was so exhausted I was desperate enough to consider drinkingtea.
“I could really use a latte, but it’s been enjoyable!” I backed up a few steps and pushed my back against the wall, barely avoiding one of the exuberant wizards who was dancing wildly to a song.
“Are you hungry?” Indigo asked.
I glanced from my sharp-eyed companion to the guests. “Nah. I’m okay—”
“I’ll make something for you.”
I hesitated, caught between the hunger gnawing at my stomach and my unwillingness to make Indigo work tonight. “That’s okay. Your parents are here tonight. You should have fun with them.”
“They won’t miss me for the twenty minutes it will take to make you a quick meal,” Indigo said. “In fact, I’ll tell them, and they’ll come with me—my mother would love to see the kitchens.”
“I couldn’t ask you to—”
“Leila, I want to.”
I chewed my lip. “Okay. Then yes, please. Thank you, Indigo.”
“You’re welcome.” Indigo had already turned away from me, adjusting her cat eye glasses as she looked over the crowd.
“I really mean it—and I want you to know I’ll never take you for granted.”
Indigo shot me an amused look. “My Sovereign, I don’t think you’re capable of truly using people. I see my mother—I’ll get her, and we’ll be back with food for you.”
She was off, her green skirts twirling around her—yes, she’d deigned to wear a dress for the occasion instead of one of her much beloved t-shirts—as she hunted down her parents.
Warmth fluttered in my chest, and I smiled like a goof.
Although she’d taken the position for the salary, Indigo had become someone I counted on, which was fantastic, because she was the only one I trusted enough to cook for me.
I hadn’t eaten anything all night because fae can easily bespell food and drinks. I’d actually nearly died at my first Night Court social with my nobles because I’d tried eating a bit of food a fae had bespelled.
I’d lived off protein bars for weeks before Indigo started cooking for me—she was anexcellentchef, and loved to recreate food she’d seen in her favorite movies, books, and TV shows.
A faun and a dryad who were walking together paused long enough to bow to me.
“Good evening, Queen Leila!”
“Such a marvelous party, Queen Leila!”
