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Me:Yes.
It was a simple reply, and I stared at the screen before sending. I didn’t know what else to say, although I felt like I should say more. I pressed send and waited for him to add something, but there were no more messages from him.
Hastily, I packed up my jewelry and crammed it all back in the box, suddenly very eager to ready myself for the evening ahead. My nervousness had returned full force now, and I hoped a shower would wash it away.
I waitedon the broken stone steps of my building for the car. Fidgeting with the strap of my small purse, I glanced up and down the main road and then at my phone.
You’re the one who’s early. He’s not late,I reminded myself, rolling my eyes. It wasn’t Nyx’s fault I’d gotten ready far too soon for the date or that the weather had turned bitterly chilly as the sun set for the night.
It was difficult not to want to put on the stunning dress—now covered by my coat—that had arrived at Maximo’s just as I had been leaving, one of Nyx’s liveried drivers delivering it.
“What’s this?” I’d demanded, confused by the sight of it.
“Compliments of the king,” he’d answered stonily before turning away.
I looked nervously over my shoulders and rushed off before anyone could see or hear the conversation. Thankfully, I found myself alone, and I ushered the driver out as I made my way home on foot, careful not to crumple the garment in my arms.
But in the safety of my apartment, I unwrapped the dress, shaking my head at the handstitched display of black and red, gasping in awe. A shimmer of magic shook off it, indicating that the seamstress had used her powers to create the piece in record time, but I couldn’t tell. The work was exquisite. I’d never worn anything so expensive in my life. I loved the way every line caressed my curves, snugly, as if the dress had been made for me.
Just as I stood to wait in the entrance doors, I saw a tinted SUV slide up the avenue, and my heart roared in my ears.
Inhaling, I headed down the steps in my heels, careful not to make a fool of myself by falling on my face. Of course I waswell versed in the shoes, but given my mounting nervousness, I wouldn’t be surprised if I tripped down the steps.
Nyx jumped out of the vehicle before his driver could make it around the side, another car pulling up behind them with his guards.
His eyes lingered on me as he moved forward, his tongue lolling out to wet his lower lip.
“Wow. You look breathtaking, Maren,” the king told me, hurrying to greet me, his arm extended.
The appreciation in his eyes reddened my cheeks, and I curved my head away as he led me toward the now open door on my side of the car.
“Thank you,” I murmured demurely. “And thank you for the dress.”
“No, thank you for agreeing to come out with me tonight,” he replied, sliding in beside me. His leg pressed up against mine, and he made no move to pull away as the driver secured the door behind us.
“You really do look incredible.” He brushed his lips against my cheek lightly. The feel of his mouth sent shivers through every pore in my body. “I can’t wait to see you in that dress.”
“We’re not going to be outdoors, are we?” I asked worriedly, closing my coat around the short dress underneath. “I might freeze.”
“I’ll keep you warm,” he promised, and I flushed again.
He was already doing a good job of that.
“Where are we going?” I pressed.
“Dinner first,” Nyx replied. “Then…” He shrugged, his hazel eyes twinkling mischievously in the accent lighting of the car.
“Sounds dangerous.”
His face fell serious as he took my hand. “Nothing is dangerous as long as you’re with me.”
My heart pounded so furiously, I thought it was going to explode, but I willed myself to calm down.
Maybe he says this to all the faeries.
There was a simple way to find out, of course. I could have asked the other dancers, but I didn’t. I was comfortable living in this bubble, at least for now, where I felt so incredibly special to the king, even if I knew it couldn’t last.
“I didn’t ask if there’s anything you don’t eat,” Nyx sighed. “But the menu where we’re going is extensive. You should find something you like, regardless.”
