Page 126 of Reaper’s Curse

Camilla pulled away from the corner, her eyes wide, breathing rapidly.

I pressed a light touch between her shoulder blades. “What is it?”

“Nothing. I just wasn’t ready.”

“For?”

She shook her head and straightened her skirt, then turned to me and fussed over my gown. “Every year they have someone represent August at the birthday bash. They make him look as close to the real deal as possible.” She pressed her palm to her heart and took a deep breath. “That guy was just…”

I understood missing someone. Maybe not to the extent Camilla was experiencing, but I could still sympathize. I rested my hand over hers. No words were necessary because what could you really say to someone who was missing a part of their heart and soul?

Camilla sucked back a breath through her nose, then straightened her shoulders and lifted her chin. “Shall we get to the party?”

She directed me in the opposite direction the royals had traveled, but I didn’t move. I glanced down the now-empty hall in the direction Winter’s family had disappeared.

“Aren’t they going to the ball?” I asked.

A careful smile graced Camilla’s lips. “They’ll make an appearance eventually. But that’s clearly not where they’re currently headed.”

Huh.

My thoughts jumbled, I nibbled on my lower lip and followed Camilla’s guidance with no further questions as we made our way toward the ever-increasing clamor of the birthday bash.

Camilla and I entered the social affair from the top of a grand staircase, pausing on the upper landing a moment…or several…to absorb the scene.

White marble floors inlaid with saffron spread out before us, and white ribbed columns stood several stories tall, gilded with gold. Matching staircases fed into the gala from opposite corners on one side of the ginormous space, and a royal box was situated on the wall at the far end.

Lights shimmered along the walls in long strings, and swags of fall leaves draped around the walls and tables. Crystal chandeliers glistened with amber and lemon dewdrops, and flickering candles danced in the air in between. Balloons in fall colors kissed the ceiling, their curled strings, a full two floor-lengths, reaching toward the ground. And itty-bitty orange, red, and yellow leaves no bigger than my fingertip tumbled from above on an occasional whispering wind.

I hardly contained the tiny wheeze of “wow” from rolling off my tongue. The place, the people were superlative.

I pressed my palms to the railing and ogled the unfolding event. Skirts twirled around the main floor, couples already dancing. The colors of the costumes and masks spun into a joyous blur while the band played a wildly sensuous tune. Delighted laughter and the clang of champagne flutes accompanied a magical melody.

Camilla slid into place at my side. “Aren’t you glad you didn’t miss this?”

“Hmm,” was all I heard myself say.

I stood mesmerized. The setting, the exhilaration, the environment… All of it took my breath away. But I didn’t belong here. I was a reaper, and I didn’t belong here. Yet I didn’t turn away. I had Camilla’s gorgeous creation to show off and…

Taking a deep breath, I skittered my gaze over the crowd, searching and searching. Searching for him. He might have yet to arrive, but Camilla said he would come. A light sweat tickled the back of my hairline as my hunt continued.

Camilla leaned near my ear. “I think a few people have already been snared by your beauty. They’re starting to stare.”

“As they should.” Winter’s words whispered over my shoulder.

I flushed and spun to greet him, placing my back against the railing. Always a treat for the eyes, the prince stood before me, regal as ever. He donned the finest of garments, decorated in pale green and bronze and black, beautifully accentuating his pearlescent complexion. A simple bronze band covered the top of his face.

I tapped the edge of my feathered mask. “How did you recognize me?”

“I will always recognize you. In any outfit and in any situation.” A smug quirk leaped to his lips. “A flesh-and-blood raven queen, you’re indeed a most magnificent jewel in all the palace. I am blessed to stand within your brilliant glow.”

A tiny huff of a laugh bubbled up my throat, and I waved the compliment away with a flippant wave. “I am no queen.”

Winter raised an eyebrow. “Then something more preeminent and revered, perhaps.”

I rolled my eyes. His gaze roved over me, and for a moment, I thought his eyes actually twinkled, flashed with crystalized ice slivers.

He twisted toward Camilla. “And you, my dear. A vision in pink diamonds. The palace and all within are unworthy of your resplendency.”