Page 96 of The Poison of the Earth
His eyes widen and he stares at me second, perhaps considering the two sword-happy Fae behind me, but turns on his heel and leaves the hall.
Korben reappears. “Sounds like they’ve kept their word about keeping your identity secret so Alder doesn’t get wind. Also, the bookies have money on Adrian. Ellis second.”
I recall speaking to Adrian during our first meal here. He gave off a real pompous vibe. I doubt I’ll pick him. Ellis was the curly black haired one. They were all handsome enough, not that that mattered given what I’m after. A malleable partner. Or one uninterested in ruling for whatever reason. I drain my wine glass and Kai replaces it with a full one, wordlessly. I can feel his nervousness.
The door opens and two more male Fae enter. First is Blake, the one with the long orange hair and a haughty face. Behind him must be... a servant. But he’s too well dressed. When this Fae walks to the last dias and steps up, looking around nervously, I blink in shock.
Dark mossy green hair is tied half-up but flows straight and long down his back. His skin is a lighter shade of green, a pretty seafoam color almost. I study his face; sure enough, he has the same bone structure as the rest. He stands, hands behind his back, looking awkward.
I walk slowly towards them, rather surprised at this obviously not-fire Fae in the Larkstead family. I am hoping I can speak with them each without the entire crowd listening. When I get close, I wave Lo and Kai back.
“No,” Kai says gruffly.
I roll my eyes and he growls. “The next time you roll your eyes at me, princess, you’d better be cumming in my mouth.”
I blink. “Or else what?”
“Or else you’re going to be ass-up over my knee,” he whispers into my ear.
I shiver but manage not to roll my eyes again. “Korben will stay near me. I’m not at constant risk of assisination.”
Kai glares.
Korben offers his arm and I smile at him. “Let’s go meet those cows, milady,” he says in his silly voice and I giggle.
I sip my wine as I approach the first. Adrian, I recall. The one the Ordained said was after me. I dislike that idea. This isn’t a chase. They don’t get a godsdamn vote.
Adrian’s ivory skin is the same shade as his father’s, but his hair is the bright red of his mother. It’s cut shorter, but long enough to have a wave to it. His dark brown eyes are upon me greedily.
“Lady Oleander, I’m glad you’ve decided to speak with me,” he purrs. I can feel him mentally undressing me.
“Lord Adrian.” I nod. “Tell me something I don’t know.” I smile, determined to give them all a chance.
He blinks. “How am I to know the breadth of your knowledge?”
I raise an eyebrow. “I didn’t say tell me something important. For instance, I don’t know what you had for breakfast this morning.” I smile, letting it take a friendly teasing edge.
Adrian frowns and huffs, looking down at me. “Such a silly question. Why don’t I instead tell you about the striking glow your eyes have, hm?”
I nod, pursing my lips. “Lovely to see you,” I say over my shoulder, headed for the next.
Blake, the supposed heir. His skin is a pretty dove gray and his long, smooth hair a startling orange.
“Lady Oleander,” he greets politely.
“Lord Blake,” I say, “And who are you to marry?”
He has the manners to look embarrassed. “Lady Ricia, of the Singehands.”
I smile evilly, “We’ll see about that.”
Korben leans in, giggling, “You didn’t even stop walking.”
Chase and Dante are the bold, red-skinned sons, one with gray hair, the other with white. I notice it’s cut to the same length, just brushing their shoulders.
“Lord Chase,” I greet with a smile.
“Lady Oleander,” he begins, a worried look upon his face, “I must tell you something before we speak.” His eyes flick to Dante who nods reassuringly.
