Page 30 of Felix and the Spy
There were a lot of people in the ballroom, standing around sipping champagne, and talking to each other. They all seemed to be important dignitaries. At the center of it were Princess Noire and Princess Blanca, standing on the elevated stage like fairies. They wore little gold and diamond tiaras, running around in frilly dresses. One of them wore black—King Delton’s official color—and the other wore light blue, which was Queen Xara’s official color. With rosy cheeks, blue eyes, and dark hair, the princesses looked like angels, contrary to their demon blood.
“Aren’t they so cute?” General Darius’ deep voice brushed her ear. Amara found him smiling next to her. “I see you’ve decided to put in an appearance, Felix.” His eyes twinkled in Amara’s direction. “And who might this be?”
“It’s me,” Amara said. “Good evening, General Darius.”
“Amara?” Michael’s jaw dropped. He appeared next to his partner, white wings trailing behind his form clad in a baby blue and gold robe that matched his eyes.
“Amara!?” Darius and Michael stared slack-jawed at each other.
“Well, you look very different tonight. I didn’t recognize you,” Michael said. “You’re stunning.” He blinked rapidly, ending the awkward greeting with a cough. “Darius is much better with compliments than I am.”
Darius cleared his throat and found his voice. “I had no idea you were so beautiful.”
They were both speechless. Amara didn’t think she looked all that different from her usual self, but maybe she did. “Thank you for your compliments. I’ve never been to a royal ball before. Did I overdo it?”
“No!” they both called out at once.
“We’re a little surprised, that’s all.” Darius’ green eyes cut to Felix.
“I’m surprised myself,” Felix said, trying to deflect any suspicion. But the way he looked at her, with a mixture of longing, lust, and pride, might’ve just given them away. It was a good thing Darius was too dumbstruck to notice. “We should go pay our respects to the king.”
Darius nodded vigorously, holding his champagne glass up. “Go on.”
It was going to take him a while to recover from the shock. Amara walked hand-in-hand with Felix to the stage where the King and Queen sat on their respective thrones. The princesses circled around energetically, their high-pitched shrieks filling the air.
“The princesses are high-spirited,” Felix said, his lips moving close to her ear. Warm air brushed her earlobe, making shivers run all over her arm. “We should pay our respects to the king and retreat to the back of the room.”
King Delton sat on a throne next to his wife, wearing his official black and gold costume. A crown of bones and rubies sat on his dark hair, shot with a single bolt of white. The princesses excitedly bounced around, entranced by the sight of Amara.
“Mommy, who is she?” One twin asked. Before Amara could answer, the other came running toward Felix and grabbed his leg.
“Felix!”
“Princess Blanche.” Felix extended his hand to the young princess. Her small fingers wrapped around his long forefinger.
“They are happy to see you,” King Delton said. “Blanche missed you this weekend.”
“I was away on a mission,” he told Princess Blanche. “I’ll be back next weekend.” She smiled and moved away. Amara wondered if Felix was close to the princesses. “Happy birthday, Princess Blanche.” He looked up at Princess Noire, who was standing next to Amara. “Princess Noire.”
“Thank you.” The twins chirped in a rehearsed tone.
“Your Majesty.” Amara bowed before King Delton. Then, she moved to Queen Xara who eyed her tensely. Amara had suspected her in the Ifer case, but it was a long time ago. “Your Majesty.”
“Amara, how delightful to see you this evening. I haven’t seen you in years.” Queen Xara was a picture of grace. Dressed in a blue gown with a crown sitting atop her dark hair, her fleshy, rosy cheeks glowed with happiness. So different from the last time she’d seen her. Her fingers interlaced in King Delton’s. “You look beautiful this evening.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty. I am honored to make your acquaintance once again.” The words poured out mechanically.
“I’m glad you made it, Felix. After what the twins did last time, I wasn’t sure you’d be up to it.”
Amara crooked her eyebrow at him.
“The princesses are adorable,” Felix said neutrally. “I’m sure they’ll grow up to be wonderful rulers.”
His face was an unreadable mask of composure. If she’d never read his letters, never been made love to with so much passion, never seen the man underneath the surface, she’d think he was just another bland, uninteresting person. What a tragedy that would’ve been.
“Mummy, I’m going to be a wonderful ruler!” Princess Blanche repeated. She ran to her mother. The queen put her arms around her daughter and hugged her.
“Yes, my dear.” She pressed a kiss on the princess’s cheek. Amara’s heart lurched. Princess Noire joined her sister. She looped her arms around her mother.
