Gargoyles walked around with trays, offering drinks.
The tables were finished with black silk.
And the stage at the front contained a throne in the middle of several other ornate chairs, each one representing a Councilman or a progeny.
I forced smiles as we meandered along, not stopping to talk to anyone and instead plucking two blood-infused red wines from a passing tray. I handed one to Aflora and kept the other for myself, then led her to one of the tables near the back. Other couples had behaved similarly, everyone wanting to select an optimal seat for tonight’s event.
Because this was no ordinary gala.
It was more of a theater production, all meant to honor the current political regime.
There would be mingling and talking over wine.
Then a grand entrance from the Midnight Fae Council, including all second-in-command reps and any progenies.
And then the real party would begin, led by Malik Nacht.
A tale would be woven through the air, accompanied by magical charades as they acted out the scenes with fiery figments.
Following the inaccurate portrayal of our history would be toasts and charming words from each power player, the last coming from the Elite Blood King.
I suspected Prince Kolstov would be forced to speak tonight.
I couldn’t wait to hear what he had to say about all this, particularly as he’d mated a Quandary Blood this year.
Aflora cleared her throat, her eyebrow arching. “Why can’t we hear each other?” she asked in a soft voice.
I set my wine down and reached over to stroke her necklace. “This really is lovely, dear,” I said, hoping she caught the insinuation in my offhanded comment. I wasn’t ignoring her; I was answering her. Or at least providing her with my best guess. We were both wearing power-masking jewelry. It was likely the cause of our inability to hear each other.
Her brow came down. “Oh.”
Yeah, she received the message. “I didn’t realize how impactful it would be against your skin,” I added. “It’s really stunning.”
“Thank you,” she replied, fingering the star pendant, her eyes telling me she received the message loud and clear.
The message was twofold. First, I hadn’t realized the impact it would have on our link. And second, there were eyes and ears everywhere. So we couldn’t exactly hold a candid conversation here.
She went to pick up her drink, but I pressed my hand to her wrist, leaning forward to give the contents a sniff. “Oh, I think they used B negative in this one, darling. I know how much you dislike that. Hopefully, we can find a tray with another flavoring.”
Her eyes rounded as she nearly dropped the glass.
Yeah, I’d only picked those up for show. Hence the reason I left mine on the table.
She carefully set hers down beside it, her nose wrinkling as she cleared her throat. “Thank you, sweetheart. I would hate to drink something so sour.”
My lips twitched. Blood wasn’t sour, but I’d let her have that jab.
“Oh, I don’t know. I hear B negative can be rather flavorful when paired with red wine,” a deep voice said as a Warrior Blood sat right beside Aflora. The hairs along her arms rose in response, her nipples beading beneath her gown. “Maybe you should try it, sweetheart.”
Zephyrus’s green eyes narrowed at her before sliding to me, his expression daring me to react.
I merely shrugged, then eyed the pin on his lapel. “Guardian Zephyrus. Shouldn’t you be with Prince Kolstov, preparing for tonight’s events?”
“You know, I was,” he drawled, relaxing into his chair. “But he sent me down early to enjoy the scenery. I think he wants me to pick out a snack for tonight.” He dropped his gaze to Aflora’s breasts. “I think I found what I want to eat.”
She flushed. “That’s rather forward of you to say.”
“Is it?” he countered, leaning forward to whisper. “I would recognize this body anywhere, pixie flower. But nice dress.” He pulled a card out of his pocket, flicked it through his fingers, and set it on the table. “You have thirty seconds to tell me what the fuck you’re doing here.”