Just who is this beautiful woman?
“My sweet Lady Ruby!” Queen Plum extends her arms. Oh my god,thisis Moth’s ex. “You were greatly missed at tea yesterday. It seems you have not wasted time becoming reacquainted.”
“I can barely believe my eyes,” Ruby’s voice is light and airy. “But it really is him.”
“Ah yes, I hoped Ruby’s appearance might help my brother’s memory. You see, they were inseparable growing up.”
“So I’ve heard,” I reply, smiling as sweetly as I can manage. A sibling day, huh? Seems Holly and I may be on opposite teams after all.
Moth excuses himself from the tea party—well, sort of. There’s now a toddler with pigtails riding on his tall shoulders, giggling as he approaches. Standing next to Ruby, they are an image of what could have been: a picture-perfect royal family. In our world, their collectable coronation plates would be out of stock in minutes.
“Hi! Oh my gosh, it’s so nice to meet you,” I greet Ruby, extending my hand and swallowing my pride. Years of networking events haven’t only taught me to navigate awkward dinners, they’ve also taught me to keep my enemies close. With those killer legs and bright red wings, Ruby is absolutely a threat, a threat … who is currently hugging me.
Why is she hugging me?
“Oh, it is wonderful to meet you!” Ruby says. Wow, her hair smells a spring afternoon after a light rainstorm. “No wonder the eyes of our prince light up each time he speaks your name.”
“Whaaat?” I blurt out, my face warming at the unexpected compliment. “Oh my gosh, stop.”
But don’t because I could use theego boost.
“My admiration should not come as a surprise to you.” Moth punctuates the sentence by placing a kiss on my hand. It would sound almost cold if I couldn’t see the smirk onhis face.
The adorable toddler riding on his shoulders shrieks and waves as he moves around the room—and wow, he’s good with kids too?#Swoon.It might not be something that’s on my mind right now, but I’ve always felt like you can tell a lot from a person’s character by the way they treat kids and animals. In my former life as an influencer, a few of my ex’s were annoyed when toddlers would mistake me for a Disney princess in public. It’s something that I always thought was adorable. Living in Central Florida with a penchant for floofy dresses meant it came with the territory. The way Moth looked holding a tiny teacup in his claws is proof that he would have had way more patience in that sort of situation—not that we can go trapsing around in public back home.
“The children have taken to him quite well,” Queen Plume says with an amused hum. She leans in close so she can whisper in my ear. “Perhaps you are right about the lack of resemblance to his father.”
I press my lips shut.What is that supposed to mean?Maybe Moth’s father was just as cold and distant as he looked in the paintingafter all.
“Darling!” Ruby comes to life at the sight of someone else in the doorway.
“Baba!” The children race toward the figure, and the toddler who was resting on Moth’s shoulder launches herself into the air, flying toward her parent on adorably tiny wings.
Within seconds, I’m no longer looking at a person. I’m looking at a fae jungle gym. They’re around my height, with tan skin, black and white speckled wings, and hairto match.
“This is Pepper—my partner,” Ruby introduces us with a small laugh. “Moth, you must remember them from the royal guard.”
Moth gives them a polite nod, but the tight smile leads me to believe it’s another memory lost in time.
“Oh, uh … hello.” Pepper pauses, unsure how to greet us all, but lands on a causal-looking bow, which is impressive considering they’re balancing a fairy child on each hip while another flies in circles around their head.
“Sorry for not giving you a more proper greeting, Your Highnesses.”
“I believe your hands are a little too full to worry about such things,” Queen Plume says with a warm, motherly smile. “Tea will be served shortly. Until then, I wonder if a few little fairies might join me for a story.” She plucks a large picture book off an end table, and with a few squeals of delight, the children rush to gather aroundher skirt.
“Mother, surely there are preparations you must return to…” Hollyprotests.
I smile. I don’t think her little reunion is going how sheexpected.
“I cannot think of a better way to spend my break.” Watching the way they flock to her, I have a feeling this is a fairly regular occurrence—or a welcome change in routine. Her musical voice makes for a calm soundscape as the rest of us gather at the far end of the room as to not disturb them.
When tea arrives, she remains with the children, chatting and feeding them countless sugary treats, just like a grandmother might. On our side of the room, Pepper closes their eyes, drinking their second cup of strongblack tea.
“Long may the queen reign.” Pepper raises their glass in Queen Plume’s direction while Ruby snuggles against their shoulder. The two seem more than happy to have this moment to themselves, and their contentment allows meto relax.
If Moth ever had a romantic place in Ruby’s heart, it’s clear that Pepper hastaken it.
“So how did you two meet?” I ask, breathing in the scent of vanilla and cherry from the gorgeous tea service set before us.
