Page 154 of Kingdoms of Night

“You’re one of Puck’s couples,” said a woman with one violet eye and one brown one. She had an overly broad but pleasant smile as she reached for a man in a gray-green suit. “So are we. Congratulations.”

“One of Puck’s couples?” Feron frowned. “We’re looking for two little girls.”

She flinched inwardly.

Maybe the magic had led to the kiss. Happy as they were to see each other, they weren’t a couple. That was true.

She swallowed hard and looked at the gathered partygoers. “We came here to find my cousin and his niece. They’re very small.”

Laughter erupted among the gathered individuals.

“Of course you did,” a charming man with stunning eyelashes said. He kissed the silver-gloved hand of the man beside him. “Puck has a way of getting everyone here. Looking for your cousin. Trying to find the right pair of slippers. Escaping an ancient curse. Don’t worry. You’ll be happy when it’s done.”

His partner beamed as well. “We all came for different reasons, but we all stayed for the same.” More laughter followed.

Feron raised an eyebrow, but his arm around her tightened protectively.

“Do you know where we can find the girls?” Idalno demanded.

“You’ll want to go to the sixth floor, then go all the way to the end of the east wing. It’s the turquoise door.”

His partner placed a hand on her arm. “I promise. Your girls are fine. Puck would never hurt a child. Nor would he put one in danger.”

“No, apparently he just steals them to play his little games,” Feron growled.

The laughter that followed suggested everyone else found this intensely amusing.

“Oh, oh,” a man exclaimed softly. “He’s back. Guess Puck is off his steps. He didn't even keep him away for even half a dance. Quickly, get the new match out.”

“What is this?” a stern male voice demanded. The man from the dais with the magnificent blue velvet tailcoat started to push through the crowd. She caught a quick glimpse of his fierce visage before a few of the guests seized her and Feron and dragged them away.

Before Idalno could ask another question, strong hands whisked her and Feron toward the nearest double doors.

“Hurry,” the man with the stunning eyelashes said. “Oberon doesn’t like it when Puck interferes. He’ll be especially annoyed this time.”

The other couples closed around them, blocking them from Oberon’s sight.

“Well? Someone explain,” Oberon said sharply. “What is going on? I saw two strangers here.”

“Two strangers, my lord?” one of the women exclaimed, fluttering her white feathered fan. “Is the ball not grand enough with the current guests?”

“Are you certain it isn’t the wine, my lord? Perhaps you would like something a little less strong. Perhaps a little sweeter.”

“I changed my hair and eyes,” said another. “I am flattered that you noticed. I do look like a completely new person.”

Oberon’s rumbling response was too low for her to catch. The music struck up a livelier, happier tune. Dancing resumed.

Their guides hustled them in time to the music to the doors. Twisting around, Feron reached out and caught her hand. The uneasy tension in her stomach settled as soon as he touched her, transforming into fluttering butterflies. His hand felt good wrapped around hers. She curled her fingers around his, determined not to let go.

As they reached the doors, she peeked back to see that Oberon had returned to the dais and the one throne. The other sat empty beside him. Despite all the finery and luxury, he appeared bored and annoyed, his lips set in a tight line. He looked familiar. A lot more like Puck than before actually. Especially around the eyes and mouth.

How odd that he wasn’t happy. She frowned.

Then he looked straight at her.

She froze, but Feron pulled her around the corner.

The two couples who had helped them beamed. “You’ll find what you’re looking for up that staircase,” the man with the stunning eyelashes said. “Good luck to you both.”

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