Page 76 of Fey Empire

Peaony steps in and drops into a curtsy. Selwyn sighs even though she hasn’t said a word.

“There is an event I must get ready for,” he says. “I shall have to bid you farewell.”

My heart sinks. We were having such a lovely time. But it can’t be helped. I can draw, or play with Loki until he returns.

Selwyn pauses. He seems almost nervous. I look up at him.

He licks his lips. “Unless you wish to attend a ball with me?”

My stomach flips right the way over and then back again. Not only is it doing somersaults, it is doing full-on gymnastics.

I don’t much like balls, but I like spending time with Selwyn. And I very much like that he has invited me. It means he wants to spend time with me too.

“I’d be delighted to,” I say.

This marriage truly is beginning to blossom.

Balls at the fey court are dimly lit compared to the balls the human nobility have. Well, the ones Mother made me attend were certainly all glitzy and bright. Dazzling chandeliers, so everyone could show off their finery.

Whereas it is positively shadowy in here. And I’m fairly certain there are people fornicating in the alcoves. Even so, this is all familiar enough to not be too alarming.

I’m hovering near the drinks table, trying not to be noticed. Just like I have done at every ball I have ever attended.

Selwyn is a few paces to the right, surrounded by people fawning over him. That has to be one of the worst things about being a prince.

Hopefully, he will be able to break away soon and talk to me. In the meantime, being near him is nice, and I’m still so thrilled that he wanted me to come.

“Hi,” says a voice right beside me.

I swivel around and find Blake getting himself a drink from the huge selection laid out on the table.

He is half-naked as usual, but now also glistening with some sort of oil. It is an effort not to stare.

“Not a party person?” He smiles.

I shake my head. “No, not really.”

Out in the crowd, Prince Mabon is dancing. Swirling elegantly. He looks beautiful, and like he is having the time of his life.

Blake must be taken to a lot of social events, so hopefully he finds them bearable.

I’m so glad that Selwyn is not a social butterfly. Though if he were, I’m sure he would allow me to stay in our rooms while he socialised. He seems kind like that.

“Do you enjoy parties?” I say politely.

Blake comes and stands next to me with his drink, facing the crowd, but it is clear his eyes are only on Mabon.

“I don’t mind them,” he says with a fond smile.

Of course he wouldn’t. He is all big muscles and bigger confidence. A manly man, unlike me.

“You are very good at this.”

He speaks so quietly I only just hear him.

The hairs on the back of my neck rise. His tone has changed completely and is now deeply alarming. Lord knows I’ve been around malice enough to recognise it instantly. My mother practically invented it.

“The innocent, frightened kid act has absolutely everyone fooled.”