“The princess said she would hear no more of those fanciful ideas of yours, ” the artist says, sucking air through his pointed teeth. “But I made no such promise.” He places his hand in mine. “Oak.” The young man bows slightly, a glint of mischief dancing lightly inhis eyes.
“Heather.” I return the firm handshake.
“My prince.” Oak stands at his full height. He’s the closest person to my height I’ve met. Though I note that his heeled shoes might be what’s giving him an edge. “May we move this session to the gardens?” Oak asks, bowing with more formality than I was granted—which like,fair, Moth is a prince after all.
Moth looks at me and grins. His claws trail up the small of my back, and my knees quake in response. “I will followher lead.”
It’s been a long time since I’ve had a creative collaborator. Despite working with photographers all over the world, I’ve never played art director to a painter before. Oak, with his brown mop-like hair and subtly striped wings, nods in approval at the set we’ve pulled together. “This is very interesting indeed.”
“Youlike it?”
“No one would have thought to use such a soft setting for a royalportrait.”
“And why is that?” I ask, glad Oak doesn’t seem to mind a little conversation whilehe paints.
“King Death liked to show a strong front, as did the rulers before him,” Oak says, shifting slightly to paint the outline of Moth’s jaw.
“Okay, I’m new here so bear with me. Why all the armor, training, and serious stuff? Is there a war I haven’t heard about?”
“Not in centuries,” he says, more to Moth than me. He is the one who lost his memory, after all. “But you would know that, my lady, if you had been residing in the Butterfly Court as the rumorssuggest.”
“You can’t always believe rumors...” I trail off. Oak seems nice, but considering Queen Plume’s warning, I probably shouldn’t just tell him the truth.
“No, I suppose not.” Oak nods with a knowing smile. “Regardless, visiting a new kingdom, even one as humble as ours, can certainly cause confusion.”
“Honestly, I have no idea what’s going on,” I admit. Wow, does it feel good to be truthful. Apfffftof laughter escapes Moth, who is doing his best to stand still, and Oak, who I like more and more by the second.
I glare at Moth, who has about a teaspoon more knowledge of this place than I do but decide not to tease him. It’s bad enough that everyone knows Moth is suffering from partial memory loss. I don’t need to rub it in.
I know there are different types of fae, and their wings seem to mimic winged insects from the human world, and everyone—and their mothers—wants a taste of the long-lost prince.
Other than that, I’m totally lost.
“Now, how can that be?” Oak asks, giving me a side eye. “I did not realize your memories had also been affected.”
“Hah, surprise.” I choke out a less than convincing reply, earning another laugh from Moth. Oak narrowshis eyes.
“Right, well, my lady, what would you liketo know?”
Tutorial mode unlocked. Thankyou, Oak.
“Everything,” Moth answers, and the painter’s suspicion seems to lessen at the sound of his low voice.
“You stand in the Moth Court, filled with the most attractive and talented members. As you can see, art is showcased from the highest of stations to the night markets, where you can find all manner of creation.” He skillfully moves his brush across the canvas, marking out Moth’soutline.
“This year, we are the hosts of the social season. It is early yet, but members of the Dragonfly Court, Butterfly Court, and the Bumble Court will all be in attendance at the ball. You have no doubt already seen them at various social events thisseason.”
“The Bumble Court… right.” I nod. I remember most of these titles from addressing invitations and from getting thrown in the deep end of society at the garden party.
“Correct. Their territory encompasses most of the crystal caverns. We have only one cavern on our side of the border, but it is enough for us to drown in silk andsparkle.”
“Does everyone try to one up each other? Like, I’m guessing they have the fanciestclothing—”
“Oh no, the Bumble Court will take to their ‘true forms.’” He makes air quotes while rolling his eyes. “They will not debase themselves with something as lowlyas skin.”
That confirms the fuzzy bee-like creatures I saw in the crowd during the lawn party.
“Unlike those of the Dragonfly Court, who hardly ever transform. Can you believe Lady Emerald’s family set a match between her and some unknown Bumble count?” He scoffs. “I pity her, moving from her lily pad palace to their crystal hives in themountain.”
