Page 61 of Incurably Cupid

Mesmer nodded. “We appreciate that.”

Sebastian handed me a card. “This is my personal line. If you need anything, anything at all, please let me know.”

“Thank you.”

He nodded and briskly left, probably to go hunt down his wife and check that she was alright. I’d heard from two cupids talking in thelogicians'break room how he’d discovered his wife was pregnant, and I almost fell out of my seat laughing. Of course, everyone had looked at me oddly because I’d been sitting alone, but it didn’t matter. Just that little story had made me chuckle for weeks.

I wasn’t one to gossip—I thought it was rude and sometimes cruel—but Mesmer looked in need of a pick-me-up, and this wasn’t really gossip since the whole ship had seen it happen, so I dragged him into my room and told him the story.

His laughter was much more controlled than mine had been, but he still left my room looking cheerier than he had been.

Mission accomplished.

Later that evening,we had dinner in the Starlight Lounge, a private venue on the top deck. Sebastian had closed it off to everyone else but those in our group, and I got to meet his wife, Grace, and their tiger, Kazi.

King Draven was waiting with Sebastian, but I didn’t see Mia anywhere yet. Mesmer greeted him and looked happy to be back with his king.

Grace hugged me, looking stunning in a white, shimmery mermaid gown with a little baby bump. “I love your hair andwings!” she said. “Do you mind if I use you as my inspiration for a cupid romance I’m writing?”

I laughed. “Of course not. But if you really want a great cupid for your book, you should meet my friend Mordecai.”

Appetizers arrived—crab-stuffed mushrooms, bacon-wrapped dates, lobster cheddar rolls, and more—and everyone fell silent as we focused on eating. I was starving since I hadn’t eaten since yesterday. Grace was slowly tearing pieces off a lobster cheddar roll but wasn’t really eating, and Mesmer was pushing his food around his plate. Sebastian and I exchanged rueful smiles before we quietly encouraged our partners to eat something. They both needed the nourishment.

Consort Mia arrived late, accompanied by a slew of bodyguards who all looked like they were taking their job of protecting her very seriously. She hugged Grace, greeted me and Mesmer warmly, and then took a seat.

“Sorry I’m late,” she said, placing her napkin on her lap. “I was trying to win a hand of poker against Grace’s mom, Mamma Liora, but she cleaned me out,” she added ruefully.

Grace took a sip of her ice water and shook her head with a knowing grin. “I tried to warn you. Mama’s a card shark.”

Mia laughed and kissed her husband, who was seated next to her. They spoke quietly for a moment, probably him checking on her, before the king returned to his discussion with the other men at the table, and Mia turned to us, holding up a bright pink bat.

“Mama Liora has instructed me to carry this with me at all times," Mia said, her tone amused. "Even to the bathroom.”

Grace nodded, her expression serious. “That bat has come in handy one too many times in our lives. Follow Mama’s advice.”

We all placed our dinner orders, but as we were a large group, it took some time for our meals to arrive. Sebastian had mentioned earlier that each dish for the king and consort wouldbe tested for poisons or sleeping draughts before being served. I think they even had a shifter and a vampire in the kitchen testing it by scent. I was just relieved when the main meal finally came out.

I wasn’t a fan of seafood, so I ordered a chicken salad and a bowl of chicken tortilla soup with buttery, soft rolls on the side for dipping. I’d also pre-ordered dessert, much to the amusement of the girls.

“I need something sweet,” I explained. “It’s essential for survival. Besides, it makes me nicer, I’m sure of it.”

Grace chuckled, but Mia gave me a bemused look, then squinted at me until she burst into laughter. “You and my friend Dice are so much alike. I wish she were here so I could introduce you two.”

I waved my fork. “Did you just... do a little reading on me?”

She smirked and shrugged.

I set down my fork. “What did you find?” It had to have been something harmless, right? Otherwise, she wouldn’t have laughed.

She shrugged again. “You have a good heart, but you’re... prickly on the outside.”

And Mesmer, demonstrating his ability to follow two conversations at once, squeezed my hand in agreement with Mia’s words.

Mia turned toward Mesmer. “I’m so glad to see you’re doing better, Mes. I was really worried about you.”

Mesmer gave a modest nod, his eyes softening with affection. “I was concerned about you too. I’m glad you’re feeling better. I’m sorry I worried you. Indie’s been taking good care of me.”

Mia glanced toward where our clasped hands were hidden under the table, and her expression softened. “I can tell,” she teased, causing his cheeks to turn pink.

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