Crown of Moonlight (Court of Midnight and Deception #2) - K.M. Shea Page 0,87

used on these tea leaves has a similar effect to the consumption of spirits.”

Solis slumped forward and hit the table with a thump.

“Heavy spirits,” the Paragon amended.

Birch was still morosely staring into his teacup. “Someone tried to poison Flora again. Even though I’ve been so careful—they slipped it into her bathwater instead of her food. I don’t know how to keep her safe anymore.” He smashed his head into the table and groaned.

“There might also be a little bit of a social spell,” the Paragon said when I stared at him. “Just a tiny little harmless one. It’s supposed to encourage shy people to talk.”

“They’re spilling their guts!”

“They won’t remember it in the morning,” the Paragon said. “The tea leaves perhaps also have a tiny forgetfulness charm added to them.”

“You mean you’ve done this before!”

“I do it to every region, actually,” the Paragon said. “For informational purposes only, of course.”

“You’re drugging them!”

“Yes, well, this is a much faster way of tracking their feelings and goings on than trying to send out spies to watch them,” the Paragon said. “It’s more efficient and less time consuming. Besides, Aphrodite obviously thinks it’s appropriate, or she would have chosen a different tea.”

I scooted my chair back so I was farther away from the spelled tea and drugged food. “This has certainly been illuminating.”

“What do you mean?” The Paragon absently patted Birch’s back—the Summer King was now sniffling into his finger sandwiches.

“I knew you had to be crafty to keep your spot as Paragon, but I didn’t think you’d fight this dirty.” I pointed to Solis, who was still passed out on the table.

“I resent that remark!” The Paragon flicked his glasses off and jutted out his lower lip. “You forget, I have to deal with all the fae Courts in North America—which means I have to deal with the bickering between all the local Courts. I wouldn’t have any time for my quest if I played nice. And besides—we’re fae. It goes against our nature to play nice.”

“Quest?” I asked.

The Paragon balefully eyed me. “If I tell you, will you refrain from running your mouth about my teatimes to anyone?”

“No way,” I said. “I’m telling Rigel everything.”

The Paragon grunted. “I’m fairly certain he knows. I think he broke into my pocket realm once, but I have no proof—the whippersnapper.”

“Then what’s your quest?” I asked curiously.

The Paragon rubbed his eyes and sighed. “I’m looking for someone. The information trail led me here to the Midwest, but my current source is proving to be maddeningly tight lipped.”

“Who are you looking for?” I asked.

The Paragon shook his head, and for a second I could have sworn his appearance—the silvery hair, wrinkles, and beak-y nose—wavered. “I dare not say—not because I don’t trust you, but because I’ve gone through a great deal of peril to get this far, and I dare not risk anyone overhearing.”

I leaned back in my chair. “Okay.”

“Okay?” The Paragon peered in my direction, surprise flashing across his face. “You’re going to give up just like that?”

“In case you haven’t noticed, I already have plenty of issues to handle,” I said. “In particular, I’d like to figure out who keeps trying to kill me, and why the Night Realm hasn’t recovered at all. I don’t need to involve myself in your drama, too,” I said.

Wait. Couldn’t I use this as my chance? Even if the other monarchs are out of it, they still can’t lie!

“Huh. That’s admirably logical,” the Paragon said.

“Hey, Fell!” I said.

“What?” The Autumn King balefully glared at me over his teacup. “What do you want?”

“Are you the one who keeps trying to kill me?”

Fell pushed his nose up in the air. “I—” he started, but his words were cut off when his bones suddenly gave out, and he face planted in his carrot cake, getting frosting all over his face.

“No, no, no! Fell—Fell!” I stood up and stretched across the table to shake him by the shoulder.

Fell snored loudly.

I voiced my displeasure for several minutes as the Paragon watched in admiration.

“I’ve never heard someone so creatively use the term ‘hat’ before. Well done.” The Paragon politely clapped for me.

“Do any of you know who’s trying to kill me?” I asked with zero hope.

Birch was too absorbed with his pity party, and Solis was snoring with Fell, so I didn’t think they even heard me. Verdant’s big eyes started to pool with tears. “Someone’s trying to kill you?” she asked.

“Better watch out,” the Paragon said. “If you get her crying, there’s no