Page 69 of When the Wicked Sing (The Leruna Sea #1)

Mariana felt beautiful. Just like she had when she saw her portrait. His love was evident in the designs and details he put into the artwork covering her body.

The stars and clouds covering her chest merged with beautiful, flowering vines that twisted around her arms. Her stomach and hips appeared like they were wrapped in the sea’s comforting embrace.

Swirling waves descended her thighs, leaving her knees bare.

He left her scales and a few of her tattoos on display.

Fearing she would be too exposed under the watchful and judging aristocratic gazes of the fae that would be attending the ball, she donned the shimmering cover-up from her discarded dress on the floor.

It covered her bare shoulders and was secure at the waist, where it billowed around her hips down to her calves.

“Ophelia will be sad I didn’t wear the dress she picked out,” Mariana mentioned.

Dax shrugged. “You wore half of it.” His fingers glided along the edge of the cover-up, barely touching the skin on her neck. She shivered, a smile playing on her lips .

She laughed when he picked up her hand and spun her around. Then their lips touched, molding together. The heated kiss he gave her had her on the verge of begging for more, but he pulled back with a groan.

“The ball started almost an hour ago. You need to get going. You have a treaty to sign and your people to save.”

Mariana swallowed, her muscles tightening as anxiety reared its glaring head. The crown she wore felt heavier than ever.

“Come with me,” she whispered. “Please.”

“I shouldn’t …” he started. “I wasn’t invited.”

She shrugged, a hint of a mischievous smile pulling her lips. “You’re my guest. You’re coming with me.”

Dax smiled and gave her a sweet peck on her lips. “As you command, Your Majesty.”

He dressed quickly in his finest outfit, made up of a black collared, long-sleeved shirt beneath a black and silver vest, black pants, and polished shoes. Then he took her hand and led her out of his rooms and through the palace.

Mariana struggled to breathe right, not paying any attention to the few looks the passing servants gave them as they approached the entrance to the Spring Solstice Ball.

“I’m nervous,” she whispered as she stared ahead.

The white granite staircase leading into the heart of the palace was practically endless. Daunting. It could lead her to make the best choice for her people or doom them all.

“You can do this,” Dax replied with a squeeze of his hand and began to lead her up the staircase.

Each step Mariana took felt like one step closer to sealing the fate of her sisters. Gravity pulled her muscles, every step straining her, urging her to turn around. But there was no other choice. She had to get the amulet back. For Astra. For Celeste. For Cybele.

Chattering voices and melodic music began filling the space between her heart and her head. Taking a deep breath, she took the final step and entered the fray.

The ballroom smelled of fresh flowers and citrus.

Stunning, vibrant petals covered the floor, soft beneath Mariana’s bare feet.

The ceiling had glowing bulbs and colorful flowers hanging across it in a complicated pattern that highlighted the bright, sparkling chandelier in the center.

Then there were the guests, sauntering around each other like flaunting birds trying to prove who wore it best. At least …

until they noticed her standing there. With Dax by her side.

The crowd gawked, parting a path for them as they began walking through the flock. Eyes roamed over her body like it truly was a masterpiece—or a scandalous statement.

Mariana paid them no mind. Instead, she focused on the small crowd at the back and made her way toward the sound of opulent privilege and egotistical laughter.

Halia’s queenliness was on full display.

Gold seemed to encase her, as though she was a gilded doll.

The long, flowing gown she wore was literally leaving gold flakes behind as she walked.

Perhaps a tribute to her lost father. Her diamond cape glittered down from her shoulders to the floor, making her sparkle so bright that the massive chandelier above her appeared dim.

The high slit in her dress exposed her thighs all the way to her tall heels in a regal ensemble.

And lastly, the final piece that established Halia’s royalty was the shining crown on her head.

The same crown that had lived atop the king’s head.

Mariana watched in amusement as Halia’s dramatic smile disappeared upon seeing her. She sneered when her eyes landed on Mariana’s bare feet.

“I see you took my instructions quite literally. Could you be wearing any less?” The fae crowd around her giggled.

Mariana tilted her head. “In my culture, clothing means nothing. Instead, our bodies are to be cherished. My body is art. You’re just lucky Dax painted it.” She glanced at Dax, who stood beside her, stoic and unwavering.

Halia bristled, her eyes flitting between the two of them.

“I see,” she said slowly, a hint of the venom she loved so much grazing the edge of her words.

“Well.” She cleared her throat, straightening.

“Do try to keep the paint to yourself until our business is completed. I’d hate for any of the pristine furniture to be stained by your …

presence.” Halia turned on her heel and began walking away with her nose high and posture stiff.

“Come along,” she commanded over her shoulder with a quick wave of her hand.

Mariana glared in her direction, then felt someone come up next to her.

“You look amazing, Queen Mariana,” Ophelia exclaimed, and Mariana gave her a small, thankful smile. “Dax did all this?” Ophelia wiggled her eyebrows at Dax, who only chuckled and looked away. “Wow, he knows his stuff, huh?” she whispered to Mariana with a wink, linking their arms together.

Mariana couldn’t help the blush that crept over her cheeks.

“Yes, he does. ”

“I’ll lead her to the drawing room, if that’s okay?” Ophelia asked Dax. He gave Mariana a questioning look, to which she responded with a small smile and a nod before letting go of his hand.

Ophelia led her forward excitedly, Dax a few steps behind them. They followed the trail of gold flakes Halia had left behind as she walked through her parting, gawking guests.

Mariana tipped her head toward Ophelia. “I’m sorry I didn’t wear your dress.”

The Seer shook her head. “Are you kidding? This is so much better. Besides, I just can’t wait to hear about how he convinced you to lose the dress.” She winked. Mariana laughed softly.

As they made their way through the crowd, Mariana had the chance to admire the incredible finery around her.

Every guest wore something unique. A gown that appeared to have been spun of pure starlight.

A dress suit that reminded her of a kaleidoscope of rippling glass.

Robes made from roses, filling the air with their sweet fragrance.

Even one of absolute, swirling darkness.

That was the one that caught Mariana’s eye the longest. It was incredibly difficult to fathom how the dress had been created, let alone made it to the ball filled with so much light.

But perhaps that was why it stood out—shadows were at their darkest when light was at its brightest.

They made it to an open door where Halia stood waiting. Ophelia let go of Mariana’s arm and gave her a reassuring smile before walking back into the crowd.

Halia eyed Dax. “You can stay out here like a good dog and guard the door.”

Dax scowled .

As she was about to close the doors, Mariana made eye contact with Dax. The moment their gazes locked, his expression turned gentle. It seemed to say, I’ll be right here . Then the doors closed with a resounding click, and Halia and Mariana were alone in the drawing room.

“Ready to become part of the fae realm again, Queen Mariana?” Halia asked as she rounded a grand desk where the treaty lay in wait.

“Let’s drop the formalities, they’re pointless here.”

Halia smirked, pulling out a pen. “Don’t like your new title? Well, I’d say the title of queen suits me rather well.”

“I agree.” Mariana’s approval made Halia’s eyes flash in confusion.

“You were already running the kingdom. It only made sense that you finally got the title you deserved,” she added as she scanned the treaty once more.

“Though the circumstances upon which you received it are unfortunate.” Her eyes lifted to Halia’s, a question lingering in her gaze.

Halia only stared at her, impassive and unperturbed.

“It is truly unfortunate. I will miss my dearly departed father with my every breath. May he rest in peace.” Her face said otherwise.

Mariana quirked an eyebrow. “You’re taking this quite well.”

Halia sneered and took a step toward her.

“You want to drop the formalities? Fine. Let me make something very clear. You are in my territory. That means the ground you’re stepping on, the air you’re breathing, and even the male you’re sleeping with are mine .

” Halia stood up straight, peering down her nose at her. “Do I make myself clear?”

Mariana’s fist tightened, holding back from throwing it right in Halia’s pristine face. Gods, I hate her.

Clearing her throat, she cooled her features, masking her hatred with apathy. “It’s clear you’re having fun flashing around your new authority.”

Halia cackled. “Oh, there’s no mistaking the power I have. Now, sign the treaty, and let’s get this over with. I have a party to host.”

Mariana’s brows dipped at the sudden urgency. Opening her senses, she searched for the amulet’s power singing to her, but found nothing. Her stomach tightened.

“Where’s the amulet?” she demanded, and Halia seemed to stop herself from rolling her eyes.

“It’s safe. I wasn’t about to bring it to a party with thousands of people. That sort of power must be protected. Now, sign the treaty so we can continue our evening. You’ll have it soon.” Halia’s voice was firm, and Mariana tried to detect any signs of deceit.

Finding none, she sighed heavily and swallowed the lump in her throat. Without allowing herself any more time to delay, she picked up the heavy pen and signed the treaty.

Her breath left her the moment her swirly signature stained the page.

It was done.

Every siren remaining could now enter the fae realm without repercussion.

They could live without fear of being hunted for bounty.

They could rebuild Sirenia and watch younglings grow up in a safe place.

They could grow old without fear of having to choose to fall victim to the Scourge’s deceptive promise of eternal life.

She had done it. She was under Halia’s thumb, but at least her people were free. And yet, she couldn’t shake off the shivers running down her spine, indicating that something was wrong.

A gust of foul wind blew by, and her eyes landed on a swirl of light forming on the other side of the room. Loose parchment flew off the table before Halia lifted a hand to halt the wind.

The dread Mariana had been ignoring all night raged its mighty fist upon her as she watched a portal open.

A foot the color of pure darkness stepped through, and Mariana’s heart seized.

The Siren Witch smiled at her. The amulet, glowing with power, hung around her ashen neck.

“Hello, little one.”