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Raucous laughter vibrates the air. Tears wet my eyes, but I blink them back, my jaw grinding so hard my teeth ache.
“Every queen needs her king. Or in this instance, a prince.”
My blood goes cold. I glance to the right where a figure begins slowly ascending the stage.
No, it can’t be. I freeze as I take in the midnight-blue hair, for once combed neatly into submission. An ink-blue waistcoat so dark it appears black hugs his lithe form, and diamonds sparkle the length of his delicate pointed ears.
He lopes to the stage taking long, powerful strides, every movement screaming power.
A flicker of hope pierces my chest.
Inara beams as she settles a heavy silver crown over his head, just between his sharp ears.
Why is he playing along with this farce? Look at me. Please look at me—
“You never smiled for me that way,” Rhaegar whispers. He’s come up behind me. I guess he’s sided with the Unseelie now. Their mutual hatred for me a glue that binds them all together.
And I am smiling, I realize. Because if Valerian is here, he’ll put a stop to Inara and Rhaegar’s cruel game.
My gaze slides to the prince. Despite the fear rushing through my veins, I feel a twinge of happiness at seeing him. Last night’s events flash in my mind, so real I can almost feel his lips on mine, crushing me with his need. The sensation of those same lips dragging over my body is enough to make me blush.
Only now that mouth is mangled in a smirk.
n Court shadow from my Gaelic studies class runs by, tears melting her mascara down her cheeks. In place of her nose and mouth is a pig’s snout, and her ears and feet have suffered the same fate. A coiled pink tail sticks out from her dress.
Two Summer Court Fae chase after her.
Thirty minutes later, Mack comes running up, her eyes frantic. Asher stands beside her looking bereft, his mouth tugged into a frown. A giant silver heart-shaped stain mars the front of her beautiful dress.
“I have to change. We have pictures in like half an hour!” She dabs at the stain with a stack of napkins, her eyebrows gathered. “Will you be okay? I’ll be back as soon as possible and then you and I will dance. I promise.”
I’m already uncomfortable, and the thought of standing here alone for another thirty minutes sucks. But I want her to look beautiful tonight, and there’s still hours of the dance left.
So I plaster a smile on my face and shoo her away. “Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine. And take dragon boy with you,” I add. “Just in case.”
I think about the Fae males chasing that poor girl. Tonight is not the night for humans to walk alone on campus.
Asher gives me a solemn nod, obviously taking his job of protecting my best friend very seriously.
As soon as they leave, I lean against the tree and drop my head back. This is going to be a long night.
53
It feels like years since Mack left to change, and I’m relieved when someone approaches, asking for a dance.
Until I turn and see who it is.
Rhaegar grins at me. “Surprised to see me, Summer?”
His voice is soft and, yet it carries through the loud music. Basil stands a little ways off, frowning as he watches Rhaegar and me. But he doesn’t intervene.
“No, I . . .” I smooth my hands down my dress, staining it with sweat. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“Are you now?” He’s still smiling, but his grin doesn’t reach his eyes. A stunning emerald waistcoat melds to his daunting figure, and a twisted crown of golden ivy twines around his head.
But there’s something in his face that makes me recoil from him. I’m shocked to see he’s half shifted. Dark fur runs along his arms, black talons curving over his fingertips. Bright silver paints his cruel lips.
And his eyes—
