“Point us in the right direction,” I said to Justin. He turned and pointed behind him. I could see Dylan’s mop of blonde hair above the crowd in the distance.
“Let’s go,” I said happily, tugging on Justin’s arm as I passed him to make sure he followed.
We found Edward laughing with Harris and Ana. Dylan was speaking with a tall, dark-haired shifter.
“Percy,” Ana greeted, leaving Harris’ side to take my hands in hers and take in my appearance. She wore a pale-yellow dress that stopped just below her knees, and her red hair was up in a fancy do.
“You look pretty,” I told her. She looked girly and soft. Ana blushed slightly.
“Thank you, Percy, you look stunning yourself,” she replied. “Did you arrive with the Princess and Lord Halvorsen?” she asked.
I shook my head, “I travelled separately.”
“Are you sitting with us?” she asked.
“I’m sitting with the Princess,” I told her. “You can choose where you sit?” I asked her.
“Yes, servants are not assigned a table. We sit where we want on the other side of the hall,” she said, pointing across the room. I realised that the tables on that side of the room held no numbers or cards at chairs.
“Percy baby is special, Ana,” Dylan interrupted, turning from the young man he spoke with.
“Is this the Percy I’ve heard so much about?” the unknown shifter asked.
“Percy, this is Arvid. Arvid, Percy,” he said, introducing us.
“Arvid Halvorsen,” he introduced himself, bowing slightly. “I am cousin to Oskar and Orion.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” I told him.
“The pleasure is all mine. I’ve been dying to see the half-witch that has captured the attention of so many nobles,” he said. Dylan elbowed him in the side.
“Give it a rest, Arvid,” he laughed. “Ignore him Percy.”
“You know the Halvorsens?” I asked Dylan.
“Of course, we’re neighbouring Houses,” Arvid answered. “Dylan here, like you, enjoys playing a noble. We’ve known each other many years.” He laughed. Dylan glowered. “I apologise, Lord Viridis.” Arvid laughed more. His hand fell heavily on Dylan’s shoulder. “Right, enjoy your night, servants,” he said before shoving past Harris as he left.
“That guy is horrible,” Edward said, and I nodded in agreement.
“He’s not usually such an ass,” Dylan said.
“You sure? Cause I’ve never known him to be any different,” Harris said irritably, and I noticed how Ana took his hand in hers.
“Do you know Lord Halvorsen too?” I asked, turning my attention back to Dylan.
“Yeah, my grandfather takes me along when we have interhouse meetings to discuss joint interests,” he told me.
The music stopped, and a voice spoke over a microphone, “Ladies and gentlemen, please take your seats.”
“Percy,” Dylan began as I turned to return to Selene. “Dance with me later?” he asked hopefully.
“I’d rather not, Dylan. I don’t think you’re interested in being my friend, and I don’t want anything else from you,” I replied as I left.
When I reached the table, Heidi was back by my side. “What did Orion want with you?” she whispered.
“I don’t know,” I told her, remembering the odd and unpleasant interaction.
“Well, I’ve got his seat, so he can creep out the Lords and Ladies of Vouna and Arbor.” She giggled.