Page 50 of Hell Fae Prince

I had not been overlooked by anyone in, well, ever. And the sensation that gave me made my entire mood shift to something lighter, something ready to play with this enticing female who clearly didn’t fear me like she should.

Melek summoned over one of the gargoyles and took another one of the drinks, then glanced at the Selkie candy on the tray and snatched it up, too. “You’re looking parched, little angel. May I suggest a fizzy drink and a little sugar to dip in it?”

I could practically feel Norden’s approval from across the ballroom.

Camillia waved the beverage and treat away. “N-no, thank you. I just want to know what you did to this dress and why I can’t take it off.” She swallowed, her focus returning to me again. “Or is this… another punishment?”

I stared at her, a myriad ofpunishmentsspilling through my mind.

But then I caught the edge of Az’s ire, the wall between us beating with a hint of barely restrained fury.

I glanced at him.What is it?I asked him, aware that he could hear me now since I could feel him.

The chain dress.The anger underscoring his tone caught me by surprise.

What about it?

It left an impression,he told me.Look at her, Typhos. She’s angry, but she’s also terrified. You obviously traumatized herwith that damn spectacle, and now she’s anticipating another one.

I frowned. “I’ve never seen this dress before in my life,” I informed him—and Cami—out loud. “Melek?”

“I selected it, but I didn’t bespell it.” His brow furrowed as he reached for the fabric, but Cami took a quick step back like she was terrified of his touch. His arm fell to his side, his hurt at her rejection whipping through my mind and heart.

I barely suppressed a growl in response.

This female was a menace.

Melek hid his pain behind an apologetic look. “I went shopping with Zakkai for your dress, but I promise, I didn’t enchant it.”

“Then who did?” Cami demanded.

Melek and I shared a look.

Is Melek telling the truth?Az asked me, his tone a little less irritated.

Yes.I didn’t elaborate because it wasn’t needed. Az knew Melek and I didn’tlie. Melek liked to play, yes, but he wouldn’t outright deny something in this manner. He would be coy and maybe counter with aWould I do that?

“Maybe the figments did?” Melek suggested. “I asked Zakkai to give you the dress, as I knew you wouldn’t wear it if it was from me. The figments heard me. Perhaps they did something to prevent you from removing it before the ball ends?”

Cami gaped at him. “That’s your story? That a figment did it?”

Melek’s lips curled downward into an uncharacteristic frown. “If I bespelled it, I would tell you.”

“As would I,” I added. “It seems plausible that the figments enchanted the dress. They’re meddling little creatures. Which explains their love for my prince.”

That comment chased away Melek’s frown, causing him to glance at me. “Thank you, my love.”

“I’m not sure thatmeddlingis a compliment,” I replied dryly, fully aware that he could hear the teasing in my mind.

Because while Melek’s meddling created certain annoyances, his devious nature was what had initially drawn me to him.

Cami plucked at her dress, that hint of fear still lurking in her eyes.

Fear of what?I wondered.

Or maybefearwasn’t the right term.

Hauntedseemed more accurate, like she was reliving some memory that deeply upset her.