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“Even more than you?”
His lip twitched in what might have been a smile. “He knows his limits. But he bested my father many times. I fully expect more games tonight, since he invited the other four kings to watch.”
I jittered with relief. Every king would be there.
“You are still new to our realm, and your best move would be to cling to the shadows like a guard against tonight and whatever mischief it brings. I suspect many fae will lose possessions in deals before the stars brighten to morning, and it would look bad for me if you made a wrong deal.”
We ducked under an island, and for a moment there was nothing but black. But then we resurfaced, and the stars shimmered in greeting. A cool mist hung in the air and wafted over our cheeks. “Can’t have your new alliance be with a foolish girl.”
“It wouldn’t be ideal. To convince my islands I’m strong, you must also be strong. Tonight, that means following my lead and staying silent.”
I tensed. “They will respect me when they see I am strong. If I am quiet, I will appear confused.”
“Or you will appear wise,” Bash countered. “And you’d be lying if you said you weren’t a little confused by our realm.”
I gave him no answer to that.
The chariot slowed and his eyes focused on mine. “Being in an alliance means you work in the interest of us both. This is what I need from you tonight. Trust me, a distant, beautiful queen is something the fae respect.”
I wasn’t liking this. “Gaia plays that part well. Perhaps you should have asked her to align.”
“I did,” he grunted. “She said something about my being ill-tempered and walked away.”
I bit down a laugh. Above, an island lined by celestial gates loomed, sparkling brighter as we rode close. It quieted me with its beauty.
“Be on your guard,” Bash broke the silence to warn again. “I can smell a trick.”
I tore my eyes from the shimmering island to see him. “I wasn’t invited tonight, so I doubt it’s laid for me.”
Still, he scanned the home with feral eyes as we approached, shifting closer until he was almost pressed against my side. His hand brushed mine. But when I looked up, his focus was on the fae in the courtyard. They watched us, taking note of our closeness.
This is what he needs, I remined myself. He needs to not look cold-hearted. I left my hand by his as the chariot touched down. He laced my fingers between his as he led me off the chariot. Then, with a dramatic flourish, Bash lifted my hand to his lips to give it a tender kiss.
I invited the warmest smile to my face. It was easier to summon than I cared to admit.
He dropped my hand and turned to sift through the crowd. I stood dutifully at his side with my head held high. Groups had begun whispering upon our arrival, and through it all, a familiar face came into focus. Odette stood in the entryway with a sly smile.
I slipped from Bash’s side to pull Odette away. “Spying on me again?”
She ducked under a draped curtain as the marble stone gave way to grass that tickled my ankles. King Vern’s home sat outside a forest with many trees peeking up from within the home as if it had been built into the trees themselves.
“I’m not spying. I was properly invited this time—I’m a cousin of King Vern. Distant, as he likes to remind people.” She took a sip from a goblet the same color as her ivory gown. Gold accents graced her lips and feet. “Talen mentioned you had a run-in with Bastian. This looks interesting.” She glanced at the fae king who stalked through the crowd. “He doesn’t come to these very often.”
“Is he shy?”
“Some say that. He does look ready to flee at a moment’s notice, doesn’t he?”
Bash’s eyes found mine and his lips tightened. Those eyes darted to the spot next to him then back to me. I sighed. “I think I’m being summoned.”
“Have fun,” she sang. “I’m here if you need anything. I would happily steal more wine for us.”
“Yes, please,” I said while moving away, once more grateful I’d chosen an alliance with the House of Delvers.
I didn’t pause until I reached Bash’s side. “Are you lonely or merely incapable of conversing with people without me here?”
He didn’t smile. “I’m watching over you.”
“You’re very kind,” I quipped. Once more, no smile. I gave up and searched through the faces for a gold band of the fae kings.
