I eyed the fae lord. “Ahh, yes. You mean hisdrinkingsong?”
“It’s anIrishdrinking song that I learned while touring the UK,” Lord Linus said. “That makes singing it a cultural celebration!”
“Whatever. The important thing is, I’m glad you enjoyed it, King Solis,” I said. “I know it was a bit of an unusual party by fae standards.”
King Solis laughed. “Of course! It was a marvelous time. I hope you hold similar functions in the future.”
“You can plan on it,” I promised. I blinked when I saw two familiar faces in the crowd. “Oh—did you bring your acquaintances to this party as well?”
“Angstra and Manith? Yes, they’re somewhere around.” King Solis peered around the room without much concern.
“Do I need to let you leave so you can entertain them?” I asked.
“Nonsense,” King Solis said. “They’ll be pleased with their activities tonight regardless of whether I’m with them or not.”
“I see.”
I didn’t, actually, but it was my prerogative as a half fae to lie as I liked, and I was willing to agree for Solis—the one monarch I actually liked.
I glanced at the nearest fae ruler—Queen Verdant, who was laughing with enough enthusiasm that she could be heard above the stringed quartet and the accompanying piano player.
“I wouldn’t recommend it,” King Solis said.
“Recommend what?” I asked.
“Approaching the other monarchs,” he said.
“I wasn’t planning on it, but now you have me curious. Why shouldn’t I?”
King Solis’s lips quirked in a cryptic smile, and for the first time since meeting him months ago, I saw the renowned fae cunning make his eyes glint. “Because.” His voice was far deeper and less balmy—more like the enigmatic way Rigel talked sometimes. “They were the ones who underestimated you and attempted to give you the cut by failing to attend your party. Your rather illustrious guest list was a far bigger coup, which means their showmanship was for nothing andtheyare now the ones who look foolish.”
I glanced at Queen Verdant again. “I understand it, but I don’t like it,” I said. “I hate double meanings, and when people use innocent things to struggle for power.”
“You’re the Night Queen. This will be your life from now until the day you die,” King Solis said.
I shivered. “Don’t say it like that, please.”
“My poor daughter,” Lord Linus soothed. “Don’t worry. They’ll approach you soon anyway, just wait for it.”
“What is she to wait for, Lord Linus?” King Solis asked.
At that moment Hazel popped out of the crowd. “Oh good—you’re still here!” She beamed, totally oblivious to the giant vampire that flanked her. “I’m sorry, Leila, I want to catch up, but Elite Bellus keeps dragging me off to meet more people. But he said I should tell you he and Pre-Dominant Harka enjoyed themselves, and he hopes you throw another party again, because he’ll be the first to arrive.”
“Thank you, Hazel. I hope you and Killian had fun?” I asked.
“Oh yeah.” Hazel wildly nodded her head, making the perfect curls her blond hair was coiled in tumble over her shoulder. “That shooting range was excellent, and next time I’m bringing a change of clothes so I can really fight dirty against Killian in laser tag.”
“No burning my shrubbery next time,” I warned.
“Got it!” Hazel gave me a thumbs up, then made a face. “I better get back to Elite Bellus—but call me!”
I waved to the petite wizard as Lord Linus made a show of adjusting his cufflinks.
“She was waiting for that,” Lord Linus smirked.
Ahh yes. More politics. It’s now obvious that we’re friends, and our conversation was a reminder that all the big players in Magiford came to my party. I’m sure there’s some kind of power play there—at least the other fae will interpret it that way.
I wanted to massage my forehead. Seriously, the fae could turn a bowling game into a political maneuver if they were given the opportunity.
