Xander leaned into me, silver eyes sparkling as he raked his eyes over me with admiration. “Did I tell you you look absolutely amazing? I feel very lucky right now. However, I do prefer you without clothes. We’ll have to make this a short event.”
I, myself, did feel like a pretty, pretty princess in a form-fitting ombre gown that was burnt orange at the top and slowly blended to red at the bottom. It was a deep V-neck in the front and flaring out at the end in a mermaid style. My white hair was loose around my shoulders, and a thin crown of sparkling flowers adorned my head. The only other accessory on me was a gold link bracelet.
Yosef and Xander flanked my sides looking dapper in well-tailored formal military suits. While all eyes weren’t on us exactly, a good portion were. Normally, I would have reveled in the attention, but I was a little on edge about being snatched up by a guard. However, an hour into the affair and no one seemed to think I was anything other than fae.
I’d heard that fae knew how to have a good time, and I was not disappointed. The ballroom was large and seductive. Nothing like the Cinderella ballroom I expected. The walls were deep gray and held portraits of the royals. Maroon curtains flanked floor -to-ceiling windows, and the floor was a black and gray marble. Floating orbs continued to dimly light the room. Tables and chairs remained at the edges of the room, and far off against the right of the room was a stage where an intimidatingly beautiful king and queen were perched. Their nutmeg and onyx complexions almost glittered under the light as they observed the crowd with neutral, yet regal eyes.
Xander touched the base of my back, leaning into me. “We’re going to introduce you to the king and queen now.”
I gave him panicked eyes. “No, do they need to know anything about me?”
Xander gave me a lazy smile. “They want to know strangers to the court who are connected to military leadership. People know that you live with Yosef. It will be fine.”
Yosef turned to me, an aristocratic air to his face. He offered me his hand. “Just let us do the talking. Stick to what we discussed. You will be fine. It’ll be brief. They won’t care that much about you. However, pretend you actually like me. It will lead to less suspicion.”
Less suspicion might mean they would allow me to go home without a problem. I gave him a curt nod and grabbed his hand. There was a short line of people waiting to speak to the royals, but when the king leaned sideways and caught Yosef’s attention, he waved us over. The crowd parted as my heart leaped into my throat. I prayed that my food and drink would stay in my stomach. I had to trust that Yosef would not put me in danger. What would be the point of claiming me only to lose me?
I curtseyed, not sure what I was supposed to do, but Yosef and Xander bowed before them, so I suppose I did the right thing.
Yosef waved his hands in the direction of the royals. “This is King Obram and Queen Tunisa.”
Queen Tunisa smiled, looking regal in a violet gown, the color popping against her sparkling black skin tone. She was bald with gold tattoos covering her head and bright blue eyes under long lashes. She was definitely otherworldly. “You must be the woman our Yosef and Xander have become so smitten with. I was told you were beautiful, and the rumors are true. What is your name, child?” she asked. She looked forty at best, and that was a stretch. However, her tone held an elder wisdom. I wouldn’t be surprised if the king and queen were hundreds of years old. Fae had very lengthy life spans.
“My name is Lila. I come from the human realm.”
King Obram nodded slowly, his shocking orange eyes assessing me. “An earth faerie. So glad you came to us. Your kind is always welcomed.”
That kind greeting should have put me at ease. It seemed fae were kinder to each other than humans, but I was still too wound up to relax. Just because the lion was not pouncing didn’t mean he wouldn’t later. “Thank you, your majesty. This is a lovely city that you run. Not that my opinion means anything, I’m just a baker, but this place is amazing.”
Yosef gave me an encouraging squeeze of the hand, and I had to admit, it did calm my nerves a bit. Damn alpha bond.
Queen Tunisa chuckled. “Everyone’s opinion means something. And you’re a baker? I’d love to try something you make.”
King Obram nodded in agreement. “The queen has a love of sugar, and I’m not far behind her.”
Xander reached out and rubbed my back. “And she makes ice cream. A treat the humans eat. It’s delicious.”
Queen Tunisa’s eyes widened. “Oh, I’ve heard of it before but never had the pleasure. I would be most interested in sampling that.”
Okay, their interest in my dessert making did make me a little giddy. “I would be honored.”
She clapped her hands in delight. “Wonderful, then we shall arrange it.”
“Any flavors you prefer?”
“Surprise me, dear.”
I liked her more and more. “I should go back to the human realm and get some ingredients.”
Yosef squeezed my hand tightly. “Relax,” he said through clenched teeth.
Queen Tunisa gave me a tight smile but didn’t say anything.
It wasn’t a yes, but it wasn’t a no, either.
The king and queen chatted a little more with Yosef and Xander about a Nodoor matter. I hadn’t spoken much about their issue with the opposing fae court, but I had overheard them talk about the captured fae, including their friend Luca, several times. I had a strong feeling that an all-out war was imminent, and I really wanted to be home before then.
Once we left their presence, I felt a great weight come off me. Who knew I’d bond with royalty over dessert? The place wasn’t so bad, actually. If only I could come and go as I pleased.
