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“You must eat, my lady,” Martin the minotaur said, picking up her spoon and stirring the soup. “We all have a long night ahead of us of dancing and revelry. We simply will not let you faint on our watch.”
He lifted the spoon to her lips and she parted them, accepting the decadent bite.
“It is delicious,” she said.
“Simon will fix you a plate. We know that nerves can get the best of you your first time here. Please, let us show you a good time, my lady.” Martin lifted another bite of soup to her lips.
Someone cleared their throat loudly, and Phillipa turned to find Master Bow, looking a bit cross. “Gentlemen. I know that you are quite notorious fixtures at our Balls, but I dare say this isn’t the first time that we’ve asked you not to be so forward with the newcomers on their first evening. The ladies we invite here have impeccable manners, as you know. While both of you make extremely tempting offers, you do have a tendency to overwhelm some of our ladies.”
“We’ve been very clear with our intentions to Lady Phillipa, Bow.” Martin pushed his chair back. “Our only intention is to make sure she has the full Monsters Ball experience.”
“She will.” Master Bow offered his hand to Phillipa.
“Gentlemen,” she said as she rose. “I’m sure this is not the last we’ll see of each other this weekend.”
“It would be a pity if that was all.” Simon said, letting his tongue flicker again. “I, for one, would like to see a lot more of you.”
She followed Master Bow out of the dining room.
“Please forgive me if I interrupted something that you wanted to participate in, but also, on the other hand, let me apologize on the behalf of Martin and Simon. The countess is aware of their behavior, and they have been getting more forward with every event.”
“They were quite clear with their intentions.” Phillipa smoothed her skirts and took the opportunity to draw a steadying breath. “I quite enjoyed their camaraderie, even if their advances were a bit shocking. I do have a question for you, however.”
“Ask away.” Master Bow reached forward and tucked a piece of hair that had escaped from her topknot. “Any time you are unsure of yourself, orneed some assistance, I am at your service.”
“I do appreciate that, more than you know.” She gave a slight curtsy, unsure that she should involve Master Bow in her plans. If the wolven in attendance was indeed the Wolven King, and she had a chance to carry out her plan, he would know that she had motive. “Martin and Simon made the monsters sound like a brotherhood. Have there ever been any disagreements?”
Master Bow hesitated. “Most of the monsters are familiar with each other, and have formed a fraternity, of sorts. But we have had disagreements, especially when two of our gentlemen set their sights on the same lady.”
“I’m not surprised that would be the cause.” She chuckled. “How are such disagreements settled?”
“Oh, that sort of business is of no concern to a lady.” Master Bow put his hand on her shoulder and led her further from the dining room. “Don’t let such things cloud your experience at the Ball. Have you had a chance to dance?”
“No. Not yet.”
“Many say that the dancefloor is where the magic happens at Broadstone Hall.” Master Bow gave her a devilish grin. “Do you see any monsters that you would like me to introduce you to?”
Phillipa scanned the room, hoping to catch a glance of a wolven. The creatures were fascinating, dapper, and very handsome, but none of them were wolven.
She wasn’t sure if she was disappointed or relieved.
“When we were upstairs, you’d asked about a wolven,” he answered.
Phillipa cursed herself silently. Master Bow would think he was making a grand gesture if he told the wolven she had inquired about him. She needed the element of surprise on her side if she had any chance of pulling off her plan.
“That was just excited curiosity.” She gave the room another glance and spotted Antonia on the dancefloor. “Thank you for your kind offer, but I believe I shall let the night unfold naturally, and see what happens.”
“Oh, that is an excellent choice.” Master Bow clasped his hands together. “But if you feel a match needs a nudge in the right direction, I will never hesitate to help.”
The High Tea
Dearest Reader
It wouldn’t be a Monsters Ball without our resident rakes in attendance, would it? Yes, Lord Martin, Baron of Bristol, and Lord Simon, Earl of Swindon have returned to Broadstone Hall, and are ready to feast on the delectable ladies who are not interested in taking a mate.
The minotaur and serpent duo frequently work as a team, more than happy to share the most adventurous ladies in attendance at the Ball.
At this Ball, they quickly set their sights on Miss Phillipa Willoughby. The lady from Woodhaven Manor in Southbridge did not seem interested in their bold advances.
