Page 39 of The Mirror and the Curse

Fidelio’s expression as he waltzed with The Enemy struck Eddi as somewhere between goofy and pathetic. He might look ridiculous in his costume, but Raquel looked stunning.

“Score one for Raquel,” she muttered.

Not that Eddi was a wallflower. Another young man asked her to dance only moments after Fidelio deserted her, and she spent the next hour dancing with a succession of young men who were evidently pleased to partner her. Then Fidelio cut in and whirled her away.

Eddi’s heart rate kicked up several notches, but she outwardly kept her cool. At least, she hoped so. “You look like you’re having fun,” he observed, treading on the edge of her slipper. That poor foot still hadn’t completely recovered . . .

“I am. Are you managing to entertain yourself?”

He nodded earnestly. “I just finished talking with a famous orthopedic surgeon from Khenifra who came with Prince Omar’s family. Remarkable woman. I’ve read about her work in medical journals.”

“How interesting,” Eddi remarked, making every effort to sound interested. “Where’s your partner?”

“You mean Raquel? She’s not my date; I told you that. She just loaned me this costume, is all.”

“How kind of her.”

“I know, right?” He chuckled. “Crazy. A few years back, I would never have guessed she would ever even talk to me, let alone become a friend. I mean, she’s older than us, and she always moved in the inner circles of society. But flying horses brought us all together, you know?”

“Is that what did it?” Eddi inquired sweetly.

Her sarcasm entirely escaping him, he glanced toward the refreshment tables. “Would you like something to drink? I’m parched.”

“A glass of water sounds wonderful,” she admitted. Warm bodies crowded the ballroom. Thanks to magic, the heat never became unbearable, yet Eddi glanced more than once toward the open doors leading to the gardens. Several couples danced out there on the lighted deck. It looked tempting.

While letting Fidelio tow her through the crowds, she saw the back of a waiter about her height. His thick brown hair was neatly brushed, and his black trousers and vest highlighted his physique. Short though he was, Eddi noticed several young women doing a double take when he approached, and the punch-filled cups on his tray disappeared rapidly.

But Fidelio led Eddi directly to the punch bowl, so she accepted a cup and sipped, trying unobtrusively to locate Kai again in the crowd.

“I think I recognize that tall man,” Fidelio said abruptly. “The one over by the refreshment tables. He’s Lord . . . something. I’ve seen him on news reports—a rising marine biologist and oceanographer, I think. And his date is . . . wow!”

Eddi took one glance toward the door and lit up. “It’s Kammy and Tor! Come on. We’ve got to talk to them.” Grinning from ear to ear, she gripped his free hand and dragged him along.

After some quick introductions, Tor was happy to talk science and university with Fidelio while Kammy and Eddi claimed a small table and put their heads together to exchange confidences.

“Thanks for bringing Tor a science geek to talk with,” Kammy said with a wink. “He’s being a good sport about the ball, other than totally refusing to wear a mask or costume. He enjoys being seen with me on his arm nearly as much as I love showing him off, but this break for a science chat really helps.”

“I’m sure Fidelio will enjoy it too.”

Kammy gave the chatting prince a quick scan. “He seems like a nice person,” she observed. “Such a friendly smile! And he’s nearly as tall as Tor, which I don’t often see. That costume doesn’t do a thing for him, but I can tell he’s cute. In an adolescent puppy sort of way.”

She then gave Eddi a close look. “But you’re not enjoying your date much.”

Eddi brushed that off. “It’s not really a date, but I’m having fun.”

“Nice try.” Kammy’s delicate brow arched. “I’m a siren, honey. You can’t fool me.”

Eddi’s façade dropped, and she muttered, “He says he didn’t invite anyone, but Raquel Cambout provided his costume. They’re dressed ‘matchy.’”

“Ouch. I remember that one and her ditsy sidekick.”

“Yeah, well, she’s my nemesis.”

Kammy waved a dismissing hand. “Nonsense. If the gawky prince is foolish enough to choose a girl like her over you, good riddance.” She fixed Eddi with a look, her lips curving in a sly smile. “Any news of Kai?”

Eddi carefully schooled her face. “Nothing new. He’s here serving drinks somewhere.”

“Too bad he can’t dance with you.” Kammy leaned closer. “Did anything interesting happen this week? After that note, I mean.”

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