Page 72 of Beauty At Stake
“And I'm Nassar.”
But Anong was more interested in Star and me. “Your Majesties.” She inclined her head. “Welcome. Please, come back to the kitchen. My parents would love to meet you. And you can tell them what you'd like to eat. Please.” She waved us into the restaurant.
“Thank you,” I said.
But Anong didn't take us back. She remained at her post while Ravee led the way past tables full of Fairies. A few humans ate among them, completely unaware of the company they kept. I noticed them immediately. They were the only ones who didn't gape at us as we passed by.
Ravee took us into a large kitchen where several Fairies were busy cooking. The smell was amazing, full of the local spices and tinged with unusual things like fish sauce. The Fairies there called out greetings to Ravee but then stopped what they were doing to stare at us.
With a wave at the workers, Ravee led us through the kitchen and to a couple of Fairies at the back of the room. They were talking together over a book, the woman pointing at a page while the man nodded.
“Mom. Dad.” Ravee stopped before them.
They looked up with little frowns, then smiled at their daughter. And then they saw us.
“Who are these people?” Ravee's father asked.
“Ambassador Seren Firethorn, King Astaroth of Hell, Nassar, Apitron, and Rathi.” Ravee motioned at each of us as she made the introductions. “These are my parents, Krittin and Sasi.” She motioned at her father and then her mother.
“The King of Hell?” Sasi whispered. “You brought the King of Hell into our kitchen?”
I blinked, a little surprised that she was more impressed by Star than me. Oh, that sounded narcissistic. But she was a Fairy. That made her one of my subjects. I was her queen. What was with these Unseelie?
“We're helping him on a hunt,” Ravee said. “He's not going to hurt you.”
“I'm just interested in lunch,” Star said.
“Oh. Okay. For six?”
So, it was worry, not awe. That made me feel a little better.
With a wincing smile, I said, “No, we have about thirty people.”
“Thirty?!” Then Sasi blinked. “Oh, dear Danu! You're Queen Seren!OurQueen!” She bowed. “Welcome, Your Majesty.”
Yup, feeling better and better.
But I held my composure. “Thank you. You have a lovely restaurant.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Krittin bowed as well. “We're honored to have you here.”
“Can we take a picture with you?” Sasi asked.
That was new.
“Uh. Sure.” I went to stand between Ravee's parents as she blushed.
“Come on, Ravee!” Sasi said. “Take picture for us. We can put in restaurant.”
“Okay.” Ravee pulled out her cell phone and snapped a few shots.
“Thank you, Your Majesty!” Sasi bowed to me again. “Our Fey customers will be so excited to see that you ate here.”
“I'm glad to have made you smile.” Yeah, honestly, I was happy to get some positive PR. I guess it was that whole thing with Malai that was bothering me. I was butt-hurt and their picture request eased the ass pain.
“So, uh, can we get lunch for everyone?” Ravee asked.
“Yes, of course!” Krittin said. “You like spicy or not so spicy?”
