gasp and roar of the crowd, but it had no effect on Regan.
“The Festival of Beltaine is all about expressing love and putting peaceful thoughts out into the world for the coming season,” Regan began, lifting her hand to wave at the crowd. “It’s no secret that relationships between the fae courts have seen better days. I’ve invited delegates from both Iskalt and Eldur to celebrate with us tonight with the hope it will foster more positive communication among the leaders of our world. You will help me charm them, won’t you, dear?”
“Oh, Aunt Regan, I seriously doubt you need my help charming anyone, but I will give it my best.”
“You flatter me, dear. Come sit with your auntie while we watch the festivities.“ Regan made her way to the raised dais where a throne waited for her. A miniature version of that throne sat to the right of the queen’s chair and just slightly back. Regan made herself comfortable and gestured for Brea to take her seat beside the queen.
Brea felt like a piece of fine jewelry on display. The crowd had grown quiet at the queen’s entrance, waiting for her permission for the merriment to continue.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I present my niece, daughter of my late brother, Brandon, Breanna Louise O’Rourke. You may call her Lady Brea.”
“But, that’s not my name,” Brea tried to say, but the queen didn’t seem to hear her. She felt Griff standing behind her and wished he could sit at her side.
When he leaned in to explain, his presence calmed her, and she could breathe again.
“Relax. It’s just a formality. She hasn’t taken your name away. She’s just given you a proper title—giving you her last name, no less. This is a good thing, Brea.”
“Thank you, Aunt Regan,” she managed to murmur, smiling shyly for the crowd.
“Please continue the festivities,” the queen said with a wave of her red-gloved hand.
Brea took a deep breath, gazing around the park at the hundreds of fae celebrating the holiday. Bonfires roared in every corner, lively music played, and people danced under the stars. Gymnasts on stilts took great lumbering steps through the crowd, wowing the children from their great height. Fire-eaters and jugglers performed, each trying to outdo the other. Beautiful women wrapped in yards of silk hung suspended from the trees, performing amazing feats high above the crowd.
The evening was perfect. The weather was beautiful, as if Regan ordered a balmy night with cool breezes just for her guests. Servants buzzed around the park offering drinks and the most sumptuous finger foods. Brea and the queen sampled their fair share of the food and wine while they gossiped about the lords and ladies of her court.
“Your Majesty, you do us a great honor introducing your beautiful niece to Fargelsi on this lovely Beltaine evening.” Brea had heard a version of this speech throughout the night. This time the nobleman was young and quite handsome, if a bit stuffy.
“Lord Tadleigh Bainebridge, always lovely to see you.” Reagan turned her charms on the smitten young man. “Lord Bainebridge oversees one of the largest estates in Fargelsi,” the queen explained.
“At the queen’s pleasure, of course.” The man offered a curt bow to Brea. “It would be my honor, Lady Brea, to escort you this evening.” He took her hand, placing a kiss there like all the gentlemen before him.
“Thank you, sir,” Brea stuttered.
“I’m keeping her all to myself this evening, Tad.” The queen batted her eyes at him. “Another time.” Her tone was one of dismissal.
His expression fell, disappointment in his gaze. “Of course, your Majesty.” With that, he turned on his heel and walked toward a gaggle of ladies nearby.
Regan’s fan unfurled in front of her face. “He may be handsome, but he’s older than he looks, that one. I’m told he uses a tonic to keep his hair like that. And he’s such an incredible bore.”
“With a bit of a brown nose, too.” Brea giggled.
“Brown nose? What an odd phrase.” The queen took a sip of her wine.
Oh crap. How was Brea going to explain such a saying? She needed to start watching what she said. “Um, well he’s rather good at kissing your … royal … bum.” Brea’s cheeks flushed in the firelight. She turned begging eyes to Griff who leaned into the queen’s ear and explained.
“Brown nose indeed!” The queen roared, and Brea relaxed. “Don’t be so shy, Brea, dear. You can say anything to me. I don’t offend easily.”
“Perhaps Lady Brea would like