Page 117 of When the Wicked Sing
Halia bristled, her eyes flitting between the two of them.
“I see,” she said slowly, a hint of the venom she loved so much grazing the edge of her words. “Well.” She cleared her throat, straightening. “Do try to keep the paint to yourself until our business is completed. I’d hate for any of the pristine furniture to be stained by your … presence.” Halia turned on her heel and began walking away with her nose high and posture stiff. “Come along,” she commanded over her shoulder with a quick wave of her hand.
Mariana glared in her direction, then felt someone come up next to her.
“You look amazing, Queen Mariana,” Ophelia exclaimed, and Mariana gave her a small, thankful smile. “Dax did all this?” Ophelia wiggled her eyebrows at Dax, who only chuckled and looked away. “Wow, he knows his stuff, huh?” she whispered to Mariana with a wink, linking their arms together.
Mariana couldn’t help the blush that crept over her cheeks.
“Yes, he does.”
“I’ll lead her to the drawing room, if that’s okay?” Ophelia asked Dax. He gave Mariana a questioning look, to which she responded with a small smile and a nod before letting go of his hand.
Ophelia led her forward excitedly, Dax a few steps behind them. They followed the trail of gold flakes Halia had left behind as she walked through her parting, gawking guests.
Mariana tipped her head toward Ophelia. “I’m sorry I didn’t wear your dress.”
The Seer shook her head. “Are you kidding? This is so much better. Besides, I just can’t wait to hear about how he convinced you tolosethe dress.” She winked. Mariana laughed softly.
As they made their way through the crowd, Mariana had the chance to admire the incredible finery around her. Every guest wore something unique. A gown that appeared to have been spun of pure starlight. A dress suit that reminded her of a kaleidoscope of rippling glass. Robes made from roses, filling the air with their sweet fragrance. Even one of absolute, swirling darkness. That was the one that caught Mariana’s eye the longest. It was incredibly difficult to fathom how the dress had been created, let alone made it to the ball filled with so much light. But perhaps that was why it stood out—shadows were at their darkest when light was at its brightest.
They made it to an open door where Halia stood waiting. Ophelia let go of Mariana’s arm and gave her a reassuring smile before walking back into the crowd.
Halia eyed Dax. “You can stay out here like a good dog and guard the door.”
Dax scowled.
As she was about to close the doors, Mariana made eye contact with Dax. The moment their gazes locked, his expression turned gentle. It seemed to say,I’ll be right here. Then the doors closed with a resoundingclick,and Halia and Mariana were alone in the drawing room.
“Ready to become part of the fae realm again, Queen Mariana?” Halia asked as she rounded a grand desk where the treaty lay in wait.
“Let’s drop the formalities, they’re pointless here.”
Halia smirked, pulling out a pen. “Don’t like your new title? Well, I’d say the title of queen suitsmerather well.”
“I agree.” Mariana’s approval made Halia’s eyes flash in confusion. “You were already running the kingdom. It only made sense that you finally got the title you deserved,” she added as she scanned the treaty once more. “Though the circumstances upon which you received it are unfortunate.” Her eyes lifted to Halia’s, a question lingering in her gaze. Halia only stared at her, impassive and unperturbed.
“It is truly unfortunate. I will miss my dearly departed father with my every breath. May he rest in peace.” Her face said otherwise.
Mariana quirked an eyebrow. “You’re taking this quite well.”
Halia sneered and took a step toward her. “You want to drop the formalities? Fine. Let me make something very clear. You are inmyterritory. That means the ground you’re stepping on, the air you’re breathing, and even the male you’re sleeping with aremine.” Halia stood up straight, peering down her nose at her. “Do Imake myself clear?”
Mariana’s fist tightened, holding back from throwing it right in Halia’s pristine face.Gods, I hate her.
Clearing her throat, she cooled her features, masking her hatred with apathy. “It’s clear you’re having fun flashing around your new authority.”
Halia cackled. “Oh, there’s no mistaking the power I have. Now, sign the treaty, and let’s get this over with. I have a party to host.”
Mariana’s brows dipped at the sudden urgency. Opening her senses, she searched for the amulet’s power singing to her, but found nothing. Her stomach tightened.
“Where’s the amulet?” she demanded, and Halia seemed to stop herself from rolling her eyes.
“It’s safe. I wasn’t about to bring it to a party with thousands of people. That sort of power must be protected. Now, sign the treaty so we can continue our evening. You’ll have it soon.” Halia’s voice was firm, and Mariana tried to detect any signs of deceit.
Finding none, she sighed heavily and swallowed the lump in her throat. Without allowing herself any more time to delay, she picked up the heavy pen and signed the treaty.
Her breath left her the moment her swirly signature stained the page.
