Page 166 of Blood of the Fairest

People are giving her plenty of space too, which makes me feel better about my little outcast bubble. Maybe it's just a respect thing people have for queens here.

The only person near her is the second prince—and by near her, I mean Queen Gisela has her son by the arm and is practically pulling him toward me.

Maybe she's just bizarrely eager to introduce him to me, since he's the only member of Aurefeld's royal family I haven't met yet.

Which sounds good to me, because I'm really fucking excited to meet Cinderella's future husband…and subsequently stalk this guy all night to get the chance to meet her.

Aurefeld's queen flashes a bright smile as she comes to a stop before me. "What a stunning dress that is! As is befitting of Isenmere—you've certainly made Ayna proud. I'm even hearing rumors you had a hand in the designs of your party. If so, you are extraordinarily gifted."

I don't understand why she's suddenly behaving so warmly toward me, when she was standoffish just yesterday, but I beam in return.

"Thank you, Queen Gisela. Your gown looks fantastic, but then I'm sure anything does on you."

The middle-aged woman looks speechless for a second before outright blushing.

"Pardon me, but I simply cannot believe I just received a compliment from the Veiled Queen herself. I think I value your opinion on my appearance more than my king's compliments, for you certainly have taste! Are you enjoying the festivities so far?"

"I am. That was quite a way to kick off the festival."

"Wasn't it? I'm simply obsessed with the Pied Piper," she gushes.

Then she gestures at the masked man standing beside her, so I prepare myself for a formal royal introduction.

"My son Konrad has been telling me all about meeting you, and I must say, I am so thrilled!"

"Me too, I'm so pleased to meet—huh?" I fumble as her words sink in.

That's when Cinderella's prince removes his mask to flash me a heated smile…

With a tiny cut healing above it.

Oh my god. This little shit.

41

Verena

I'm still not done processing this slew of emotions about being lied to when the knight I kissed yesterday—no, Prince Konrad—holds out a white-gloved hand.

"Care to dance, Ruby?"

I'm about to tell him hell no and that he can stop with that knowing little smirk and the warm brown puppy dog eyes.

But Queen Gisela gasps softly, her hands clasping over her heart.

"You already have a pet name for her? Thank Affelia—my prayers are answered and my son will not die alone one day without a flicker of romance ever having warmed his heart!" Then she looks at me. "You have my eternal thanks for proving this rapscallion even has a heart. He's not pleasant company to most, I'm afraid, but I'm certain he will behave for you."

Prince Konrad looks both abashed and embarrassed, but fights a smile. "Thanks for that dog-like description, Mother. As if I wasn't already fighting an uphill battle here."

"Just try to be charming for once," she stage-whispers.

He rolls his eyes and puts his mask back on, offering his hand to me again.

"May I beg you for a dance, Ver—Queen Reinhilde?"

Did he just almost call me by my real name? I narrow my eyes suspiciously at him.

Still, Aurefeld's queen looks so damn happy that I decide there's no harm in dancing with her son one time, just to keep her high going.