Page 68 of Fallen Star

“Zoey,” I introduce myself, although I can barely focus on the exchange.

Because Matt’s here.

In the Night Court.

With me.

Out of all the things I was expecting, it certainly wasn’tthis.

“Go to your table.” One of the fae women materializes beside us, her voice like ice. “Now.”

Matt sits back down and nods at me to comply as well.

Reluctantly, I let Sophia guide me back to the table where Victoria’s waiting for us.

I barely have a chance to get comfortable before the fae servants glide into the room with silver platters. The food looks incredible—roasted meats, fresh vegetables, fresh bread that makes my mouth water, and more. We’re even given wine.

After the past few days of barely eating, it’s like a feast from a fairy tale.

Which, I suppose, it kind of is.

Just not the kind with happy endings.

“Time for the run down on who’s who around here,” Sophia quietly says to me as we’re served. “You already know Matt and Elijah. The other one at the queen’s table is Henry. I think he’s flirted with every girl who comes through here.”

Henry shoots her a smirk, as if he knows she’s talking about him.

Victoria laughs, as if she and Sophia are in on some private joke.

Sophia blushes, straightens, and looks away from Henry. “The quiet ones at the end are Prince Malakai’s. Lacey, Katerina, and Brenda. They don’t spend time with anyone other than each other,” she continues. “And the king’s are the three pretty ones over there—Aurora, Genevieve, and Isla.”

“How old’s the little one?” I ask, referring to Isla, who looks like a tiny China doll.

“Thirteen, I think,” Sophia says. “She’s new. The same age I was when I was brought here.”

I look back and forth between Sophia and Isla in shock.

“I’m sorry,” I finally say, since I can’t imagine being thrown into something like this at such a young age.

“Don’t be.” She shakes it off and motions to a blond, lanky guy sitting alone. “That’s Nathaniel. Princess Mirena’s only pet. She doesn’t like to share. And those three at the far table are Princess Cierra’s—Jake, Tanya, and Sebastian.”

My attention catches on Jake. And it’s not just because he’s watching me with an intensity that makes my chest tighten.

It’s because he reminds me of Patrick. My ex-boyfriend. The one I’ve been hoping to get back together with for weeks now.

Maybe it’s the way he holds himself—that same quiet confidence Patrick had on the soccer field. Or maybe it’s the slight curl to his dark hair, just like Patrick would get after practice.

Patrick liked playing soccer with me during my short stint on the girls team at school. Then I dropped soccer for tennis, and that was it for him. Suddenly we didn’t have enough incommonto be together anymore.

Jake offers me a small smile that’s so much like Patrick’s it makes my heart ache.

“Jake’s nice,” Sophia says, apparently noticing our little exchange. “One of the few here who hasn’t let this place change him too much.”

Victoria scoffs. “Give him time.”

I scowl at her, and one of the fae women—I suppose they’re sort of like our handlers, as awful as it is to think of it that way—clears her throat.

The message is clear: no more bickering

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