Lilian stared at him.Realizing all too quickly the obvious flaw in her marketing scheme.“Um… maybe.”
“Women keep taking pictures with me, which isn’t new, but it’s been ten times worse this weekend.The other knights are noticing, and I’m pretty sure Carlisle has, too.I’ve tried to shake them, but they’re a determined bunch.”
Lilian turned to Margo.“I thought you got his permission?”
“I asked Logan and Ian, but I guess I forgot,” Margo offered with a sheepish smile.
It was then David noticed the back wall.“Wait.What is that?”
“It's a promotion we’re doing,” Lilian explained quickly.“Hunt the Hunk.If women take a picture with you, they get a discount.I am so sorry, David.I thought you knew.”
“Oh.”He moved closer to the poster, studying it.“This makes total sense now.”He laughed.“Well, I’m always happy to help out my future wife.”
“We’re not married yet,” Lilian teased back.
“There’s a friar down the way.We can change that.”David flashed her those dangerous dimples that might have once turned her into a puddle on the ground.But this time she was unmoved.
“Thanks, but no thanks.”
“Wow, our love story is already over?I help promote your store, and this is the thanks I get.”He gave a dramatic sniff before turning back to his poster.“At least you guys compared me to Heath Ledger.Thanks for that.”
“Happy to help the ego.”Margo saluted.
“I better get out of here before your customers accost me again.”He winked and set out to patrol the faire grounds.
“Oh my god, he is such a flirt,” Margo observed, watching David’s blond curls disappear into the crowd.He didn't get far before catching the attention of some women, who quickly surrounded him.Without missing a beat, he turned on the charm, his exhaustion disappearing.
Lilian laughed as she reached behind the counter for inventory.The shelves were looking sparse, but there was still half a bin of fantasy and romance books that could go on display.“Maybe it’s Romance Weekend?”
“Or it’s this place.”Margo waggled her brows knowingly before she whispered, “Magic.”
Lilian rolled her eyes as they fell back into the rhythm of the shop.Slowly, the crowd thinned, and the end of the day drew closer.Without the rush of people, Lilian busied herself by taking the day’s sales and what needed restocking.
Her heart soared as she looked at the numbers.Another good day.These were the numbers she’d been hoping for at the start of the season.Things were starting to look up.
A dramatic gasp tore her out of her concentration.“Oh my god!Oh my god!”
Margo was leaning over the counter, her phone inches away from her nose.
“Margo, I know it’s slow, but you shouldn’t have your phone out.If Hawk sees you—”
“Then they shouldn’t make amazing fucking announcements while we’re supposed to be working.”Margo didn’t even bother to look up at her.Her fingers were flying as she typed out a message on her phone.
Lilian frowned.“Who shouldn’t announce things?”
“The Faire!”Margo visibly swallowed down a scream before flashing her phone screen.“They announced the theme for the Winter Ball.”
Her friend’s reaction suddenly made complete sense.
Besides the end of the season Halloween party, the Winter Ball was their big event.One where faire workers, actors, friends, and family were encouraged to dress up and feel like royalty for a single night.It had gotten larger over the last couple years, with more elaborate costumes, themes, and entertainment.
Last year, the theme had been Shakespeare.But this year…
“They’re doingThe Raven King?”
She stared at the artistic announcement.Beautiful curling letters surrounded by a masquerade mask and midnight feathers.This couldn’t be real.
Margo was vibrating in excitement.“Yes!They're going to do the Dark Elm Ball!”
