“Then go play the part.” I nod. He’s been a cryptid in our world for so long, Moth’s more than earned being a fancy pants prince for a week. Though he’d probably rather be a fancy pants-less prince.
I stand by that. The tight fabric makes his ass look fantastic, and I obviously make sure to get a good look at him walking away before I wander to the banquet table. It seems like a self-serve buffet situation, but I pause, unsure of what side to start at, if there’s a line, and all the usual party anxieties I haven’t felt in ages. Human mixers and events are stressful enough. Is it too much to ask for a tutorial on how this place works? Shuffling past a few guests, I dodge creatures whose animated speaking would be less terrifying if they didn’t have giant stingers for hands. One accidental jab and I could seriously beimpaled.
Swallowing my mounting anxiety, I grab a plate and fill it with pretty looking fruit and a few pastries for Moth. God, they’re so temping. Would a little gluten really bethat bad?
“It is unusual to meet someone new during the social season.” Two women with beautiful ginger hair styled in curls stand before me, breaking me away from the temptation. I plaster on my best smile and extend my hand.
“Hi, I’m Heather. It’s nice to meet you.”
They exchange glances before throwing their heads back with laughter, their mouths filled with rows of sharp teeth… cute.
“She seems very odd.” The second one circles me, eyeing me up and down. Her pale brow wrinkles into a deep burrow.
“Very odd indeed.”
“Her teeth have no points.”
“And her wings have no discerniblepattern.”
“Is one of your parents a part of the Dragonfly Court, perhaps? Someone we know,I’m sure.”
“No—”
“A butterfly then.”
What does that even mean?I curse myself for not asking Queen Plume more questions. Holly has butterfly wings, but she’s part of the Moth court, I think? Oh my god, I’m soconfused.
“Uh … sure.”
“And that’s where our prince has been this whole time?” The first nods.
Do I bother to correct her? Rumors spread fast here, and Moth hiding in theButterfly Courtcould be a better cover story than meeting me in the human realm, especially since I’m not sure how open I’m supposed to be about the whole human thing. Holly made it sound like portal travel ishard—I doubt it’s all that common. “About that—”
“You must regale us with stories of your adventures.”
“Of course.” I smile. “You know, I don’t think I caught either of your names, though. I’d love to know who I have the pleasure of entertaining.”
The scorn radiating off the two identical faeries buzzes through the air, creating tension so thick you could swallow it.
“You mean to say you have no idea who we are?”
“Sister, she must be telling a joke.”
“Sister, I do not believeshe is.”
“Sorry,” I say, the weight of my wings heavy as I shrug my shoulders. It wasn’t meant to be an insult, but clearly these two are micro-celebrities around here. Not knowing their names is a grave offense. I’ve had this happen a few times with fellow influencers. They either think you’re pretending to not recognize them to be aloof or insult them. And while I wouldn’t mind bringing these two down a peg, I haven’t been here long enough to play those kindsof games.
“Odd and rude,” the first sister huffs under her breath. The other elbows her in the ribs. If they’re trying to use me to get to Moth, they’re really blowing their chance.
“Well, this has been a real delight.” I nod, awkwardly excusing myself from the Mean Girls of Eclipsica.
I had enough of that in the mortal realm, I’msonot dealing with it here. But when I turn to leave, the first sister’s fingers grab hold of my arm, lightly guiding me back toward them. Her lips part in a sharp-toothed grin that is anything but comforting. “Now, now, the party has only just begun.”
“Uhm.” I look to Moth to signal an S.O.S, but sandwiched between his mom and sister, he looks just as trappedas I am.
“What good fortune you’ve fallen into by runninginto us.”
“Mmm,” I murmur, unsure I can agree. Studying the shape of their wings, they do appear to be more butterfly-like than moth-shaped. Does everyone here have some kind of winged insect cosplay? The hulking creatures with stingers for hands look a lot like bees, but where does it end? Is there a Ladybug Court? A Flying Cockroach court? The inner Floridian inside me cringes at the thought of aLovebugCourt. Two bugs attached at the butt gave me the creeps in our realm. I do not want to see a giant humanoid version.Bleh.
