Crown of Moonlight (Court of Midnight and Deception #2) - K.M. Shea Page 0,21
the local supernatural movers and shakers. “Considering someone attempted to kill you at your own wedding not long ago.”
I gloomily sighed. “Good point.”
“It’s just as well,” Skye said. “I would expect tonight you will officially meet the other monarchs.”
“Yeah, except we’ve been here for nearly two hours already and none of them will even look at me.” I tried to discreetly twitch my skirts, which had gotten a slight wrinkle in them.
Indigo had stuffed me in a mermaid gown—which was fitted all the way from my hips to my knees, making it a little hard to run away and was probably why Indigo had chosen it.
Tonight’s dress was a dove gray color, with silvery lace applique over the bodice and sleeves. My crown was nestled into my thick hair—which Indigo had braided and pinned up—so the metal band didn’t squeeze my head.
“Patience,” Lord Linus advised. “They’re trying to assert their power station by refusing to greet you.”
“Does that mean I should remind them how the night mares absolutely trashed all the other Courts in the summer race?” I asked.
Lord Linus grinned. “Absolutely!”
“No—she should not!” Skye loudly and firmly said.
Lord Linus immediately shook his head. “I mean, no. Nooo, definitely not. Wouldn’t be a very mature thing to do.”
I cracked a smile at Lord Linus, but before I could say anything, King Solis joined us.
“Good evening, Queen Leila, Lord Linus—and to you as well, obviously, Skye, Indigo, and Chase.” King Solis smiled as he warmly greeted my employees, his golden hair twinkling in the radiant light cast by the chandeliers.
“Hello, King Solis,” I said.
Skye, wearing a peach colored dress that wonderfully complimented her golden hued skin, bowed. “I am gratified you remember me, King Solis.”
King Solis laughed. “Of course I remember you—you and Indigo were backup singers for Queen Leila during our karaoke sing off, and I believe even Chase sang a line or two. You’re all very skilled singers, and I look forward to a rematch.”
“Even if we do, no one could defeat Pre-Dominant Harka, her mate, and Chase’s pack,” I said. “They were amazing—I almost cried.”
Chase bowed. “Thank you, Queen Leila.”
“They were unbeatable,” King Solis agreed. “But each performer brought so much to the table. For example, I also deeply enjoyed Lord Linus’s rousing song.”
I eyed the fae lord. “Ahh, yes. You mean his drinking song?”
“It’s an Irish drinking 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 and they are 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.