Page 187 of Blood of the Fairest

"Look, Mom. I'm famous," I mutter as we begin walking into the room.

Anika is on my left. Tonight, her A-line ball gown is the most vibrant, rich shade of purple, with shimmering silver accents to match her silver mask.

"I get the feeling they're not just admiring these lovely gowns you created," she says, pointedly side-eyeing the Pied Piper walking behind me. He's keeping a respectful distance so us ladies can walk together, but her voice drops to a whisper. "Should I ask why he is with us, Verena?"

"Really long story," I whisper back. Then I tilt my head. "Nope, actually it's short—the Faerie of Wrath put a spell on poor Fritz so now he can't leave my side."

She's speechless. I nod, because that's pretty much how I'm feeling about this whole scenario.

When we finally reach a part of the ballroom where the staring is less noticeable, I turn and take Snow White's hand, smiling at her, Ingrid, and Anika.

"Can I ask you all for a favor?"

"Anything, Vera," Snow White says at once, with Ingrid nodding eagerly.

Anika eyes the Pied Piper again before asking, "What favor?"

"There's a girl here tonight that I need your help tracking down. It's really hard to explain right now, but her name is Cinderella, and I need to talk to her."

I describe the gown I saw yesterday and add that she should be a young woman, closer in age to Snow White and Ingrid. I add that I was looking for her yesterday when I ran out of the festival.

"We'll go look for her right now," Snow White says, determined. Then she pauses, worry in her blue gaze as she looks me over. "Is that the only reason you left the dance early yesterday? I was worried for you—and even though you look splendid, as usual, you also seem…tired."

"Apologies," Eris smirks from one of the reflective silver accents on my dress.

He's so smug, and I can't even blame him. My Adonis did not let me sleep—thank god, because I was in desperate need of a good fuck.

"I'm great," I beam, reaching up to fix a curl in her hair. "Thanks for worrying, kiddo, but everything is fine. Go enjoy the dance, but if you see Cinderella, let me know."

Ingrid and Snow White nod and leave to join the dancing. People are still staring, but Anika sticks by my side, scanning the crowd.

"I can help you search for Cinderella," Eris offers quietly. "Simply promise to ask her benefactor to send me to your world, too. If you're feeling particularly kind-hearted, you might ask to have Wulf sent along, unless you don't mind leaving the Huntsman to his heartbreak."

I want to insist that the Huntsman will be fine when I go, but…will he?

Would his pledge still hold up if I'm gone? I know I would miss him, but it's hard to imagine that powerful Viking-like man heartbroken over not seeing me again.

No. He'll be fine. And so will Eris, because Wulf will make sure they find his body. I'm not about to trap Eris in a world where he will have absolutely no chance of getting out of that glass again.

I'm having a really fucking hard time not focusing on every blood-red dress or cape suit that passes by, and the glasses of red wine are starting to drive me insane—but then Anika nudges me.

"The princes are headed this way."

"Plural?" I ask, alarmed. Looking up, I see that she's right. Both Prince Leif and Prince Konrad are making their way through the crowd toward us, the stepbrothers drawing even more attention our way. "Fuck."

"Fuck," she agrees.

"Do we run?" I hiss.

"In a ballroom? I'll leave that to you," she teases. "The staring is bad enough. No need to make it worse."

The two princes are standing in front of us suddenly. Thanks to my status, me, Anika, and the Pied Piper still have a nice bit of space around us, so at least all the avid onlookers probably won't overhear.

Prince Leif is in a white cape suit and mask that contrast beautifully with his skin, his smile bright as he looks at Anika.

"Lady Bellevyr. The only thing that could complete a vision as stunning as you would be if a crown that matched mine rested atop your head."

Holy fuck, he's smooth. Is he implying what I think he's implying?