Page 49 of Heir of the Beast

If I were to bet, Laura and Apollo will be seated there. There are curtains around a luxurious lounge area, almost like it is the V.I.P area at a club.

I bite my lip, praying she is getting a little drunk and leaves her glass unattended. This is the perfect setting to catch Laura off guard.

I’m hoping this can be a quick mission so I can enjoy the rest of the night. She still thinks I am locked away—licking my wounds, no doubt.

I also want to be out of Apollo’s view.

He will not know it’s me, so I doubt I will draw his attention for more than a minute or two. There are tons of women here, and more importantly, he is an engaged man now. That makes me want to vomit.

I wonder, as I make my way down to the throne seating, what dress Charming made for Laura. Hopefully, a brown gown with an itchy turtleneck. A little wishful thinking never hurt.

“Excuse me, madam,” a male voice says next to me as I still. “You are a vision in yellow. Please allow me a dance.”

I turn to see an average-height male with a purple feathered mask on.

His black-and-plum finery is appealing enough, and I do a quick glance at the dance floor, which happens to be right in front of the throne seating.

That will give me a great view of Laura—if she is there, that is.

Perfect.

I smile at him and hold out my hand for him to kiss.

He raises his blue eyes up to mine and sighs. “We were trying to guess what kingdom you belong to, for I don’t remember seeing you at the feast.”

Oh, I was there, cleaning up your messy dishes.

I wave my hand. “There are so many people. You must have just overlooked me.”

He laughs and tucks my arm in his. “Impossible.”

“Oh.” I laugh, feeling nervous, and glance around for a sign of Mort.

“You flatter me, sir. I would absolutely love a dance with a gentleman as charming as you,” I say playfully, hoping I sound like a well-bred woman.

Actually, I have no idea what the hell I’m doing.

He looks a bit intoxicated as he peers down at me with heavy lids, his gaze drifting to my chest.

“I will be the envy of every male here. You honor me. You look so exquisite, I almost forgot to breathe when I caught sight of you.” He laughs and leans in like he is going to tell a secret.

“And, my dear, there is no such thing as a gentleman. Just a patient wolf.” He leers at me, and I catch his meaning loud and clear.

He’s going to have to be very patient then.

Indeterminately.

He talks about the vast estate he holds in Mont Gallow like that should make me swoon or something. I just nod with the occasional giggle as he leads me to the dance floor.

My gown is sparkling beautifully as I twirl and get into position. Now I must say that I know how to dance perfectly. My knowledge is on point.

I guess along with the language we also know the customs like dancing. Thank goodness, or this would be a very awkward encounter.

Their style of dance is a little like the classic ballroom but with added spice. A little tango here and a little close dancing there.

There are a lot of people on the dance floor, but as we start to move to a waltz-like dance, I begin to move closer to see the occupants in the elevated lounge.

I only have a few seconds with every turn to get as much detail as possible.

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