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No one was paying attention to them.
“Have you seen the pleasure gardens yet, my lady?” The minotaur put his lips against her neck. The serpent’s hand slid further up her thigh. She couldn’t breathe.
“No,” she said quickly, sliding her chair back. Her new friends jumped back, startled. “No, I have not. I appreciate your attention, fine sirs. But it is a bit more than I was expecting.”
“Of course, my lady.” The minotaur reached for the napkin and lay it in his lap. Phillipa couldn’t help but watch the motion, swallowing hard when she caught sight of his breeches, and thought about what the beast might look like without them. “Our sincerest apologies for coming on so strong. But yours is an uncommon beauty. If I may be so bold—”
“Bold is your middle name,” the serpent added.
“Simon jests. Oh, how could we be so rude? I am Martin, Baron of Bristol, and this is Simon, Earl of Swindon.”
Phillipa wanted to introduce herself asduchess, but that would land her in the next issue ofThe High Tea.
“Miss Phillipa Willoughby.”
“My friend and I were stunned that a beauty like you would be at the Monsters Ball.” Baron Martin raked his gaze over Phillipa. “I can’t imagine you would make it through a Season unclaimed.”
It was on the tip of Phillipa’s tongue to say she didn’t.
“You must forgive my friend. As you can imagine, he failed every Season in theton.” The serpent laughed. “Which is just as well because Broadstone Hall is much more fun.”
Phillipa had to think fast. She had a rapt audience, and they would tell her anything she wanted to hear if they thought it would serve their purposes. They wouldn’t realize that she had intentions very different than theirs. She smiled, thinking of Ainslee probably watching from the corner, cheering her on.
It only encouraged her brand new suitors.
“Is this a repeat appearance for all the monsters in attendance?” she asked.
“Some, but not all.” The serpent took on a much more formal tone. “Many of the guests do find mates. At the last regalia, a gargoyle, a fire frost demon, and a viper all asked human ladies for their hands.”
“It sounds like congratulations are in order,” she said. “What about a wolven? Have you made the acquaintance of one?”
The creatures shared a look. “A friend of yours, I presume, my lady?”
“Oh no, I have made no friends here as of yet.”
“You have us,” the minotaur said, moving closer once again.
“Yes, that is now true. And also Lady Antonia, but I didn’t know any of you before I came.” Phillipa swallowed hard, feeling the heat of the giant creature’s body once again. “The wolven has quite the reputation as a wicked beast.”
“Sounds like we have some worthy competition.” The serpent chuckled. “I dare say we should ask to have spots on your dance card now, in case this wolven thinks he can commandeer your evening.”
“I would love to dance, and I don’t think that will be a worry. I do not know this wolven. But you know how gossip circulates,” Phillipa said. She hoped she would not be caught in her lie. “If the wolven did want my attention, what would you do to make sure he wouldn’t get it?”
“Once we get you on the dancefloor, we can guarantee you won’t be thinking about any other beast,” the minotaur promised.
These creatures had a one-track mind. “What if it progressed further than that? Would you have a duel at dawn in the garden?”
Her new friends laughed, which was somewhat her intention. “There is a brotherhood here, my lady. Honor among beasts. If you desired a wolven’s charms over ours, there would be no hard feelings. For we do not plan on claiming you at the end of the event.”
She twisted her hands in her lap.
“Oh, my lady, please do not be disappointed. We made our intentions quite clear at the beginning of our encounter.” The serpent put his hand over hers and squeezed. “It would be our utmost pleasure to entertain you beyond your wildest dreams over these next few days. The man that you marry will thank us heartily.” He chuckled. “But that is all it can ever be. It is not my or Martin’s nature to ever settle down.”
“Indeed, you made your intentions clear. You must forgive me, for this is my first Monsters Ball, and I’m unfamiliar with the traditions. If you don’t mind, I must excuse myself. But I will see you both on the dancefloor.”
The serpent frowned. “You haven’t had anything to eat.”
She looked at the bowl of white soup in front of her. Platters of game and fowl were being passed around the table.
