Page 44 of A Touch of Poison
“I thought fae couldn’t lie?”
“I meant forhim.” His smile gentled as he took me in. “And perhaps for you. Though, hopefully not for me.” He angled his head a touch, a question there that I chose not to answer.
Perhaps I should tell him about Robin—scare him off. But Bastian’s warnings to, essentially, not tell anyone anything chimed in my head.
“I always did like that necklace.” It was only when his gaze rested on it that I realised I was pulling on it.
Maybe I could get him to help me find its maker. He might recognise the style and be able to point me in the right direction. If I could get him to ask for me, the Dawn jewellers would be more likely to speak to him. He was clearly still attracted to me, and I wasn’t above using that to my advantage.
Women’s weapons. We had to use what we could.
I gave a half smile, letting my gloved fingertips stroke my collarbone. “And here I thought it wasmeyou liked.”
His sky blue eyes followed the gesture, pupils expanding. “I liked it even before I saw you wearing it.”
I drew in a long breath, barely controlling my reaction. He’d seen it before unCavendish had given it to me. Washebehind the changeling? But, no, if that was the case he’d be more careful about slipping up.
How to poke without being too obvious, though? I stalled by giving him a flirtatious look from beneath my lashes.
“Looking for jewellery?” A man’s voice behind me, smooth and confident.
Caelus’s eyes widened and he took a step back, inclining his head.
When I turned, I understood.
Prince Cyrus, teeth brilliant white, golden hair perfectly tousled around his face, eased into the spot beside me. “But such a pretty lady has no need of further adornment.”
Caelus muttered a brief goodbye, and my heart sank at losing this opportunity to ask about the necklace.
Yet a prince stood before me, so I bowed. “Your Highness.”
“Oh, no, we don’t do that here, Katherine.” He wrinkled his nose. “Perhaps if you were presented to me more formally, but we’re not such sticklers for etiquette as I hear your people are.” He cast his gaze over the jeweller’s window display, eyes half closed. “Doing a spot of shopping?”
“I wanted something new for a ball.” It was easy to shrug and lie—my name didn’t feel like a threat as it had coming from his father. It made sense that he knew who I was, either from the rumours about Bastian arriving with me or from the king.
“Ah, but you’re being humble.” He chuckled. “This isn’t justanyball—you’re the guest of honour.”
Behind the smile, my teeth were gritted. “Her Majesty has paid me a great compliment. I’m sure I don’t deserve it.”
“I’m sure you must’ve done something most impressive.”
Rose gave me a meaningful look. “We have that appointment.”
“Well, I can’t have two such lovely ladies late on my account.” The prince clutched his chest. “You must allow me to walk you to this ‘appointment,’ whatever it is.”
“It isn’t far, you don’t need to—”
“I insist.” For a second his easy smile hardened, but it was gone so quickly, I questioned whether I’d seen it. He gestured along the street, and Rose and I had little chance but to fall in at his side. He ducked a little closer and raised an eyebrow. “After all, it will give me the opportunity to secure a dance with the woman of the hour.”
“A… a dance?” He couldn’t mean—
“At the ball in your honour? Or have you forgotten already? I heard you’d been ill, but I didn’t realise you’d taken a knock to the head.” He chuckled at his own joke, and I forced out a faint laugh.
“I hadn’t realised members of your court would be there.” That had to be why Bastian had seemed so agitated when he’d told me about it—the dangers of mixing with Dawn.
Yet, they would also bring opportunities. Perhaps Caelus would be there, too.
“Oh, yes.” He waved at a man across the street, flashing a charming smile. “Her Majesty has extended an invitation to us. She’s holding it in the shared ballroom. I’m sure you know all about lodestones by now. Will you grace me with a dance, then?”
