“You’ll want to pace yourself with those,” I said, nodding at the Dragon’s Breath she’d gotten from Dec.
“You’ve been here before, I take it?”
“Every year.” I tried not to let the cynicism creep in.
“Cool. Any more advice from a seasoned vet?” she asked, smiling.
“Don’t trust a warlock,” I said, grimacing. “And if you get into trouble, find Imperia.”
She nodded, wide-eyed. “Thanks.”
Imperia set my drink down, an extra tall glass complete with whipped cream and a cherry. “Brought you a double,” she said with a wink aimed at the new girl then flounced off.
Two kisses later—drinks, not the real thing—I decided I’d better distance myself from Imperia. Boredom or not, a water fae princess wasn’t permitted to have flings with other species. Being the heir to the sea meant sticking to my own kind. Unfortunately, there were zero options that interested me when it came to the choices in my own kingdom.
In fact, in all of the kingdoms and realms in the world, there had only ever been one.
Sighing, I made my way to the stairs, winding up and around the catwalk, floor by floor. I found myself level with the band and paused, admiring Bardou, the bass player. Long, wavy brown hair and a beard gave him an attractive roughness. From here, it was easy to recognize his signature as a wolf shifter. For the second time tonight, my mind wandered to another.
Not a wolf shifter but their opposition: a werewolf hunter. Or half-hunter, anyway. The other half of his heritage was a secret no one knew about. No one except me. And I’d never betray him. Nor would I ever see him again.
My heart ached, and I turned away from Bardou, heading up the stairs again.
On the rooftop, the music seemed softer than inside but still just as electric. The urge to dance was strong, thanks to Marina’s siren lure. I ignored it, crossing the dance floor, and headed to the bar. I felt the prickle of eyes against my back as I went. Not that I wasn’t used to it by now. I was watched everywhere I went. But this felt different.
Familiar somehow. And not in a good way.
I reached the bar and turned just as Priscilla stepped in front of me. Her black gown swirled around her ankles, and her sharp green eyes flashed with something devious.
“Princess, what a surprise.”
“Indeed. I wasn’t aware they allowed criminals to attend the Ball.”
“You wound me, Aqua. Is that any way to speak to your only living relative?”
“You’re my third cousin, Priscilla. By marriage. Hardly a relative and not by blood, thank the sea gods.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Nonetheless, I am all you have and deserve the respect due my station.”
“Your station consists of suspected murder and treason,” I hissed. “My level of respect is appropriately served.”
“There was no proof I was involved in what happened to your family. These accusations only remind the kingdom you never moved on from their deaths. A princess stuck in the past cannot possibly build a future for her people. It makes me wonder… Is that why you’ve never taken a husband? The rumors say you spend time pining for mortals though I know that’s not true since the law prohibits you from mingling with anyone but your own kind.”
My hands tightened into fists at the reminder of my lack of a partner. “On the contrary. I spend many hours a day dreaming of the future. Especially one that involves serving you justice for what you’ve done.”
Priscilla’s features hardened. “Your threats are tiresome, little girl. I think I’ll wander where I’m more welcome. And, frankly, more entertained.”
“I’ll be watching you.”
“I’m flattered.” She stalked off with her gown swishing at her newly donned feet.
I watched her go, my emotions churning.
Damn.
Monroe had been right. Priscilla had come here tonight after all, and that meant trouble couldn’t be far behind.
Chapter Five
Breck
Damn. My honesty had cost me. As Priscilla had walked away, I’d kicked myself. Fae of any kind didn’t appreciate a direct approach. They liked double talk, riddles. Everything I found annoying and suspicious. I nursed my drink, casing the room for another water fae who might be able to give me what I wanted. But Priscilla was apparently the only one lucky enough to score a ticket.
There were dozens of vamps, werewolves, and witches everywhere I looked.
Movement above caught my eye. I looked up just in time to see a flash of neon green fabric being tossed over the balcony. It floated down and landed before a petite woman with long black curls streaked with red. She stopped and looked up, searching. I followed her gaze until I spotted a man in a thin red tie, winking back at her. She scowled and stepped over what looked suspiciously like women’s panties before disappearing toward the stairs.
Amused, the man flicked his attention to another female in the crowd. She was striking with purple hair and a silver nose ring that made her stand out among the other creatures. She stared up at the panty-flinger, slack-jawed and red-faced. The male stared down at her with an interested gleam that made me want to punch him in the throat.
I was considering doing just that when a voice in my ear distracted me.
“All right, half-mortal. Come with me.”
I looked up in surprise as Priscilla ushered me from the bar.
I slid off the stool and followed her to the second floor, wondering what had made her change her mind. We sat on a glowing chair away, and I braced myself for nosy attention, but no one so much as glanced our way. Everyone was too wrapped up in their own debauchery to notice a water fae witch and a werewolf hunter looking for a quiet corner. At least she hadn’t led me to one of the privacy pods on the second floor.
“What do you mean by admittance?” she asked when we were seated.
“You know what I mean.”
“I’d like to hear it from you.”
“I want entry into the kingdom under the sea.”
She didn’t bat an eye, which only confirmed my suspicions. She hadn’t happened on me by accident. Somehow, she’d marked my fae blood and come looking.
“And what makes you think I can help you with that?”
“Because no one enters Nerida without a resident escort born of its blood. You’re water fae, which means you can get me inside the gates.”
Her brows rose. “You’ve done your homework, I see.”
“I know what I want.”
“Hmm.” She looked me over appraisingly. Magic hummed along my skin, poking and prodding. I forced myself to remain still underneath the weight of her perusal. Whoever this woman was, she was powerful.
“And what exactly is it you want once you’re inside Nerida’s borders?” she asked.
“That’s my business.”
She frowned.
“Regardless of the lore you’ve heard, Nerida is no place for half-breeds. I can sense the earth-bound heart inside you, and it’s not nearly strong enough to survive the sea. Enjoy your evening.”
She rose, and my panic spiked.
“Wait.”
She turned, but I could see the dismissal in her eyes.
“I’ll make a deal.”