Curse of the Wolf King - Tessonja Odette Page 0,100
With Micah and Jenny, I had my shields down, my armor set aside as I let them climb into my heart. There they remain, alongside Elliot and everyone else I’m determined to save from this wretched curse. But once again, my armor is on, my false persona like an iron tank, my jaw clenched as my lips are armed with the ammunition required to further my scheme.
It appears I’ve missed the whole of supper, as the ballroom is full again, the dancing back in session. That must mean Elliot has managed to neither offend nor eat his guests in my absence. It takes me a few minutes to spot the king, but I find him standing amongst the crowd, chatting civilly with Imogen. I wait to make my next move, watching for the perfect moment to get Imogen alone. But as the song comes to an end and new couples form, Elliot extends his hand for Imogen’s. The next song must be the gallopade.
Sure enough, when the music starts, Elliot and Imogen begin to prance and turn. I edge closer to the dance floor, weaving quietly between chatting bodies. I catch strains of conversation, much of which involves the king.
“Mr. Rochester and the eldest Coleman daughter…”
“They’ve danced twice now and conversed all evening.”
“Do you see the way Miss Coleman looks at him?”
“An engagement can’t be too far off.”
“…if I had the wealth of a fae royal. What is his royal lineage anyway?”
When I reach the other side of the room, I assess the dance floor again. I’m pleased to find Nina, dancing happily with the man I recognize as her fiancé. Then I spot Amelie, dancing with none other than my beloved bookseller, Mr. Cordell. I’m surprised to find his dance moves so elegant despite his age. Regret tugs at my heart, and I wish I hadn’t been so busy all evening. Other than orchestrating a quick introduction between him and Elliot, I haven’t had a chance to stop and chat with Mr. Cordell. I’ve been dying to share my thoughts about The Governess and the Earl and hear his thoughts as well. Then again, I’m not sure I have it in me to talk about books tonight. Not when such an important mission rests upon my shoulders.
“Ugh, I wish my mate were here,” Foxglove says, sidling up next to me with two glasses of wine. He takes a sip of one, then hands me the other.
I’m about to refuse—I am working, after all—but consider it just might be what I need for my tightly wound nerves. I accept the glass and take a deep sip, feeling the sweet liquid warm my stomach at once. “Your mate, you say?”
“His name is Fehr. A djinn. He stayed behind while I took this job, which is probably for the best. He’d be far too much of a spectacle for this town, if you know what I mean. His forearms alone would inflict carnal desires upon anyone.”
I chuckle. “Is that so?”
“Trust me, honey. In fact, you should visit us after I return home. We reside at Maplehearth Palace, on the border between Fire and Autumn. Queen Evelyn would love to meet you, I’m sure.”
I can’t imagine why the Queen of the Fire Court would be pleased to meet me at all, but the sentiment warms my heart just the same.
“You could get some sun in Fire and then cool off in Autumn. Get a break from this dreary snow.”
I’m about to argue that snow isn’t so bad, but I stop myself. Since when do I defend snow? Then something else steals my thoughts—the awareness of how many different courts lie just beyond the borders of this one. Although I’ve only ever been in Winter since arriving in Faerwyvae, I know there are eleven courts in all, each hosting a different climate and terrain. Perhaps I don’t have to leave the isle to experience the sunshine I cherish from my childhood. And, considering how Foxglove speaks about Vernon compared to other cities and towns, maybe I don’t have to go as far as I thought to ditch the stifling bonds of human society. What if the freedom I’ve been craving is closer than I think?
Like a magnet, my gaze slides toward Elliot. But there, of course, lies nothing but a dead end. A goodbye. And that’s only if I can get Imogen to break his curse. Otherwise, it will be worse than a goodbye. It will be—