“Sorry. Don’t worry about it though. Most are curious or jealous. Powerful, attractive, and taking one of the most eligible Fae males off the market,” she adds.
“Okay, point made,” I say, raising my hands in mock surrender, and she giggles.
“I visited Seraphina earlier today. She wouldn’t show me your dress, but she said it’s nearly complete,” Flora tells me, taking a sip of her drink.
“I can’t wait to see it,” I respond, excitement bubbling within me.
“Have you two settled on a date yet? Or a location? When I saw Elspeth the other day at the library, I suggested you should have the ceremony at that coastal property in Onyxland I told you about. She seemed keen on the idea,” Flora says, her smile bright.
I return her smile, but a twinge of anxiety lingers within me. I really need to mend things with Elspethand Granger, especially Elspeth. Perhaps tonight, if she seeks me out for that talk she mentioned, I’ll have my chance.
“Hey, can I ask you something?” I venture, taking a few steps toward the edge of the terrace, away from the bustling crowd. Flora follows, placing her drink on the railing.
“Of course, what’s on your mind?” she responds.
I hesitate, unsure if it’s wise to bring this up, but trusting Flora feels right. She works closely with Nyx after all. “Do you know anything about the military camp set up in Vision Valley?” I ask cautiously.
Flora’s eyes widen slightly. “How do you know about that?” she inquires, her surprise evident.
“It’s a long story, but I’ve seen it firsthand,” I admit, watching her closely for her reaction.
Flora takes a deep sip of her drink, seemingly weighing her words. “You should really speak to Nyx about that. I know things aren’t great between you two, but he’d likely explain if you approached him directly,” she suggests, sounding serious.
I nod, already dreading the thought of Colton’s reaction to such a meeting. Perhaps it’s better to wait until after I’ve spoken with him tonight to learn what he’s been up to with Dorian. We all need to be aligned, especially now, and it feels like we’re anything but.
Changing the subject to lighten the mood, I ask, “Is Bim here tonight?” I’ve always sensed a unique chemistry between him and Flora.
She brightens immediately. “He mentioned he might come, but I haven’t spotted him yet.”
A voice calls down from the balcony above us. “Flora, is that you?” a woman shouts.
Flora looks over, and her eyes widen. “Molly!” she exclaims. She turns to me with a quick smile.
“I’ll catch up with you later. Go ahead and mingle,” I encourage her, giving her a reassuring nod.
She gives me a hug and kiss on the cheek before dashing off to greet her friend.
I often feel awkward at events like this, likely a product of my sheltered upbringing. Being the subject of rumors and gossip certainly doesn’t help. “Enjoying yourself?” a man’s voice interrupts my thoughts, and I turn to see a Fae clad in all white. He’s quite handsome, with short dirty-blond hair and hazel eyes.
“Sure,” I respond, offering a half-smile.
“I hate parties like this,” he confesses. “I never enjoy exchanging boring pleasantries with people I barely know. The only good things are the drinks and the food.” His candidness makes me laugh, and I step closer to the bar to grab another of the premade drinks lined up.
“So are you friends with Colton?” I inquire, taking a sip of my drink.
“I don’t really know him or the woman he’s engaged to. My mother is friends with Elspeth, so I end up attending a lot of these parties. I’m Alaric,” he introduces himself, extending a hand. “I don’t think I’ve seen you before.”
“I don’t get out much,” I admit, shaking his hand but withholding my name. It’s refreshing to converse with someone who doesn’t know who I am. “Nice to meet you, Alaric.”
“Have you seen the couple we’re here to celebrate yet?” Alaric asks, taking a sip of his drink and stepping closer. “I hear the woman is mad. Her name is Laura or something like that. My mother says she’s using dark magic to trick Colton into bonding with her. Apparently, she’s here because her own people can’t stand her back in Cloudrum. There’s even a price on her head,” he whispers, cautious not to be overheard.
“Lyra. Her name is Lyra. And I’ve heardshe’s sweet and misunderstood, and that Colton is madly in love with her, no magic involved,” I reply, struggling to mask my annoyance.
“Interesting. I wonder if the wedding will really happen. If it does, maybe we could go together. I assume Elspeth will invite everyone she knows, like tonight,” he muses, and I inwardly cringe, ready to end this conversation.
Elspeth’s voice startles me from behind. “Lyra, there you are! We have so much to discuss,” she says, catching me off guard.
I avoid making eye contact with Alaric as Elspeth hooks her arm through mine. “Let’s find somewhere quieter to talk,” she suggests, leading me away.
