Crown of Shadows (Court of Midnight and Deception #1) - K. M. Shea Page 0,54

forth, but he apparently had worked up the gumption to interrupt, because he jumped forward. “I told Lord Dion about your fondness for the night mares, Leila.”

“Your devotion to them is admirable.” Lord Dion’s smile and pleasant voice were a stark contrast to his deadly friend. “I’ve heard you are selling all but one sun stallion?”

“Yes. Fax is staying—the night mares are incredibly fond of him,” I confirmed.

“Lord Dion loves all types of animals!” the Paragon bragged. “He’s very thoughtful toward creatures.”

I took a sip from my water bottle as I watched the Paragon. “I see.”

He sounds like a neighborhood matchmaker—wait…is that what this is? Does he want me to choose Dion as my husband?

“In case you’re not keeping track, he’s a fae lord, a lawyer with a successful practice, he loves animals, he’s single, and he’s handsome to boot! What a catch, right?” The Paragon winked at me.

Wow. He’s certainly not trying to be subtle about it.

I took another swig of my water so I didn’t have to answer.

Lord Dion laughed. “You can’t talk about me like that, Paragon, or she’ll have such great expectations for me I’ll never be able to meet them.” He flashed that smile of his. “And I would never want to disappoint Queen Leila.”

Ahhh, he’s in on this.

I glanced at Lord Rigel and was surprised to see that his eyes could hold something besides death: boredom.

His eyes were still a fathomless black, but the soulless look had faded due to the obvious boredom flickering across his face.

That’s something to tuck away and remember later.

“You sound like a very inspiring person, Lord Dion.” I finished my water because I’d been using it as a delay tactic for talking, so I looked around for a recycling container.

“Not at all, Queen Leila.” Lord Dion gently took my bottle from me, his smile devastating. “I merely love my Court and wish for what’s best for it.”

And that’s why he’s willing to get saddled with a half human. I tried to smile back, but some of my bitterness might have leaked through. I guess I can’t complain. He’s actually been decent, and I don’t think the Paragon would recommend him like this if he didn’t have a track record of it. I’d been hoping I’d be able to avoid thinking about the required marriage part of this job for at least a few more weeks, though.

I opened my mouth, intending to say something, when someone crashed into me.

“Paragon,” Lord Linus drawled. “I told you—no dragging my daughter off to secret meetings without me! Who knows what sort of stuff you’d get her involved in?” The dark haired fae peered at Lord Dion and Lord Rigel with suspicion. “Aha!” He pointed at Lord Rigel. “See?”

It’s 100% confirmed. Lord Linus is a blockhead.

“I’ve told you clearly, Lord Linus, that you are not to refer to me as your daughter.” I don’t think Lord Dion and Lord Rigel could hear my teeth cracking as I gnashed them together, but the Paragon must have from the wide-eyed look he gave me.

“Oh, posh. Yes, Saul is your dad, but you’re still my daughter—or we wouldn’t be standing here!” Lord Linus said.

“His name is Paul.”

“Yes, my apologies—Paul. Got it! I’ll remember next time.” He grinned at me, not at all chastised, then turned to Lord Dion. “Since everyone here is a dead bore, what say you, Lord Dion, to a game of cards? Perhaps a little wager, to make things interesting?”

I’m going to kill him.

I hefted my clutch and considered bludgeoning him or whipping out my can of bear mace. “Lord Linus.”

The fae lord glanced guiltily at me. “Whoops. Sorry, daughter. I’ll behave.” He slightly shook his head, making the ponytail he kept his dark hair tied back in sweep over his shoulder. “So. What are we talking about?”

My throat ached dully as I made myself smile at Lord Dion. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Lord Dion. But it seems Lord Linus and I need to find my steward.”

“Of course, Queen Leila.” Lord Dion bowed slightly. “I look forward to meeting you again.”

I glanced at Lord Rigel. “Next time you decide to visit the mansion, Lord Rigel, I would appreciate it if you wore a bell or something.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

I grabbed Lord Linus by the arm and dragged him away from the duo.

“Why are we going to find Skye?” Lord Linus asked. “She is a likable girl, but she strikes me as being a bit too proper for a good party.