Page 6 of Monster’s Consort (Blackthorn Academy for Supernaturals #18)

“There are some people I would like you to meet,” she said as she tugged my hand and I let her lead me. The King and Queen rose, along with their son.

“Violet, this is King Sirus and his wife, Queen Lithia, and their son, Prince Desmond. They come to us from the Dark Fae lands.”

I tried my hardest to quell the fear. The Dark Fae was known to oppose my kingdom. They’d squandered my mother out of her castle, forced her into hiding. They’d kidnapped us, fully intent to sacrifice us in order to preserve their reign.

And now they were here ?

In my mother’s castle?

Dining with us?

I didn’t understand, but I knew I needed to be polite and receive them if only to prove to my mother that I was indeed, cut out for a future throne.

“It’s lovely to meet you,” I said, all the while screaming in my brain, “You took me! You almost killed me and my mother!”

The king and queen nodded their acknowledgment as Desmond bowed to me, before grasping my hand and placing his lips on the back.

“It is a pleasure to meet such an... inspiring faerie,” he said smoothly.

I did not miss the sparks that emanated from his lips. They were shades crimson and burgundy, dark and red.

My own magic responded, jumping with sparks and fractals of purple and orange, the true evidence of Bane’s claim.

His fire was and always would be a part of my blood, now.

Even if tomorrow the council rejected his courtship, told me he could not be my consort, they could never erase him from my life.

He would always be mine despite his title, and I would fight that ruling until they understood that.

That was when I felt Bane at my back, hot like a fire.

“And I’m Bane Lock, Violet’s consort-to-be.”

Desmond smirked, and for a moment, I could have sworn I saw his eyes flash red. Like Bane’s.

“Ah, yes, Bane Locke. What is it they call you? The Cursed Cock?” Desmond said, his voice barely a whisper.

I was well aware my mother and Desmond’s parents were watching us, but Desmond spoke in a hushed tone that only we could hear.

Bane let out a low growl. “What are you a fan or something?” he nipped.

Desmond chuckled. “Why would I be a fan of a murderer ?”

Bane’s gaze turned to ice and he stepped forth, pushing me back.

He’d told me about Anne. The human he’d had an affair with who’d gotten too attached.

I understood it was inevitable. She was not his mate, after all, and she was not touched by magic.

His toxins drove her mad. To the point of death.

But that was beyond his control. He hadn’t known what could have happened and from what he’d told me, he made every attempt to break free of her obsession.

He’d tried to save her, too. But he was too late, unfortunately.

So the tone of Desmond’s voice didn’t just irk Bane, it irked me as well.

I stepped in front of Bane, catching Desmond’s smirk. “You are a guest here, Desmond, are you not?” I asked in a low whisper. I could feel Delaney, Wanda and Norman watching us as well. Perhaps waiting to see if the other shoe would drop. Preparing for a fight.

My friends didn’t always get along with one another, but I knew if I needed them to fight, they would not ask questions. That was something we could all agree on.

“Are you threatening me, little faerie?” he asked, his lips pulling back into a most charming grin.

“No,” I said as Bane gripped my waist tight. Sparks formed at my fingertips. “I’m simply reminding you that you are a guest in my castle, and as such, you will treat me and my guests with the respect we deserve.”

Desmond chuckled. “I like you, Violet. So I’m going to take your reminder for the moment. After all, I’m fucking starving.” He licked his perfectly designed lips, opening them just a fraction so I could see a hint of fang.

The sight called my magic and I had to focus on stifling it.

He grinned, turning and changing his entire demeanor.

“And these are my daughter’s companions,” my mother said and it was then I noticed her pushing my friends toward us.

Desmond grinned as Norman extended a tentacle. “Norman Chee. Nice to meet you, Your Majesty.”

Desmond wrinkled his nose and did not take the tentacle.

“Wanda Fischman, long time no see,” Desmond said, biting his lip.

Norman’s face paled.

Wanda, true to her nature, did not seem bothered in the least.

“You know the Prince of Tír na nóg ?” Bane asked in surprise.

Wanda shrugged, inspecting her nails. “It’s a small ocean,” she said.

Desmond chuckled. “I would have thought you would be?—”

Before he could finish, Delaney sighed loudly and Desmond turned his face in her direction, his lips curling up into a smile.

“And who may this be, Violet?” he asked, licking his fangs.

Delaney cast him an annoyed glare. “Your worst nightmare if I don’t get my dinner,” she nipped.

Desmond’s eyebrows shot up and he laughed.

He just... laughed !

“That would be Delaney Caldecott,” Wanda drawled with equal disdain.

Desmond sauntered toward Delaney, taking her hand in his, and she pulled it back only slightly but his fingers still grabbed onto her.

She sucked in a breath, pursing her lips.

“The pleasure is mine, Delaney,” he said as he kissed the back of her hand the same way he had mine.

I didn’t miss the faint blush in her cheeks or the scowl on her face.

And then he simply dropped her hand, turned to my mother and grinned that charming grin that spoke volumes.

“Thank you so much for being so kind as to host my family, Queen Amaranth.”

His tone was sweet. Decadent. So different than it had been moments ago.

“Of course. I do hope you find your stay here... most inspiring,” she said as she guided us all to the table.

We took our seats in silence, which stayed until the first course was delivered.