“I believe we are about ready to leave. Lasinda, any last-minute corrections?” Selene asked the stylist.
“None. You are both spectacular summer stars. You will surely shine brighter than any other guests tonight. The pictures in the society pages tomorrow will be phenomenal,” Lasinda replied. I thought Lord Halvorsen looked nothing special. A black tux with gold lapel and handkerchief; he was boring next to Selene.
Once Lasinda and her team had left, Lord Halvorsen turned his attention away from Selene and eyed me.
“Your pet shapes up well, Selene,” he complimented, but his tone and the twist of his lips were all wrong for his words.
“She is a treat to the eye,” Selene responded, stepping away from him and coming to my side. Her closeness settled my unease in Lord Halvorsen’s presence.
“That may be. Are you planning to show me up tonight?” he asked, turning his face towards the door. Even from the side, I could see the frown on his brow.
“Show you up?” Selene asked, and I noticed how she moved forward half a step and that I was now partially shielded by her body.
“With your pet, Selene. You flaunt your half-witch in front of everyone. In front of me. Is it not enough that she walks around with your mark so potent others mistake her for you, until they see? Even now, you’re wearing that charmed bracelet, her scent even on you. What do you think others think? What do you think they are saying about me?” he hissed.
“I have little concern with what others think or say about you, Oskar. But if you must know, when I hear talk concerning you as of late, it is focused on your temper. This union is to benefit both our Houses, not simply your ego. Do I concern myself with your exploits?” she responded and while her tone was calm, the way the muscles in her back tensed put me on edge.
Lord Halvorsen growled loudly, and I stepped back in fright and concern when Selene responded with the most ferocious snarl, her hands splaying at her sides.
“You will control yourself in my company, in my home,” she told him, her voice low and dangerous.
He tensed, turning to face her. The silence in the room seemed to stretch on, broken only by Selene’s snarl.
“Yes, of course,” he spat. “I feel that, after tonight, all talk concerning you and your pet will cease.”
“Explain yourself,” Selene demanded, her back remaining rigid.
“I have a horse-drawn carriage, as we spoke of,” he said. “We will travel alone,” he told her, looking at me pointedly. “Our arrival will be the most anticipated of the evening, and we will put on an expert display and convince all onlookers that we are deeply in love. The photos will hit shelves tomorrow morning and the entire kingdom will be focused on our courtship. It will do us both good.”
I watched Selene’s shoulders as they lifted and fell with her deep breaths.
“Very well,” she finally responded and her back relaxed fractionally. She turned half to me, not turning her back to Lord Halvorsen.
“Percy, darling, you will travel with my guard. There will be flash photography when you enter the ball. You may not be used to such bright displays. It will only last a minute. Exit the car and walk at a regular pace to the entrance. Do not stop, and ignore any shouting for your attention,” she told me, bending to press her lips briefly to my forehead.
“Yes, Ma’am,” I answered and followed behind her and Lord Halvorsen as we left.
16. Panic at the Ball
Persephone Flores
Despite Selene’s warning, I was unprepared for what awaited me on my arrival at the summer ball. The location was unexpected to start. The ball was being held at the nobles’ residence hall. The car stopped in front of a gold carpet, and I saw Selene and Lord Halvorsen posing for flashing cameras through the window. She had her hand on his chest, looking at him with adoration. And even though I knew it was only for the cameras, watching her look like that towards another was painful.
The car door was opened, and the noise of the photographers hit me. They continued to shout for Selene and Lord Halvorsen even as they disappeared through the entrance.
I walked swiftly, ducking my head. I heard my name be called and I almost turned to look. How any photographer knew my name was a mystery. Thankfully, I made it to the entrance quickly.
Inside, I was greeted by an Academy administration worker at a big wooden desk.
“Name, please?” the woman behind the table asked.
“Percy Flores - Persephone Flores.”
“Yes, table twenty-two, seat six,” she told me and pointed down the corridor. “Follow the noise, find your table, have a good night,” she said. I walked down the corridor decorated with golden lights that cast shadows in the shape of stars and with silver streamers that hung from the ceiling.
The doors to an impressively large room were propped open and as I entered, I looked around at a sea of beautiful people in formal dresses and suits. For a moment, I felt overwhelmed with everything to see. Around the room's edges were tables decorated with various pots, containing glowing stars. I recognised the enchantment as one similar to what I had seen in the enchanter’s store. Each table had a number on a stand, and each placing held a small numbered card. I began to look for my table and found it swiftly when I saw Selene laughing with Heidi across the room. Selene turned as if sensing me. Perhaps she could, even in such a crowded room. She casually waved me over and I made my way quickly to her.
“Percy, you are gorgeous,” Heidi greeted me by kissing me on each cheek, her arm moving to my waist and staying there.