Page 104 of The Demon's Discovery
Vassago
“Have you seen Belmont?” Greta asked, a frown pinching her eyebrows together as she checked her reflection one last time in one of my mirrors.
“No, not in several days, I think.”
“I wonder what he’s doing,” she muttered, concern heavy on her voice. Her fingers fiddled with the chain around her neck, adjusting it so the clasp was at the back, the opal pendant on the inside of her dress. “It’s not like him to not hang around.”
“Perhaps he’s been tasked with something,” I suggested, having no real idea what duties a stone kin’s familiar was responsible for. I’d done my part and sent off the paperwork Ophelia had provided to my brother Tap, but beyond that, I had no clue where the bird had come from, where he often disappeared to, or even what his function was aside from being quite demanding about his treats and making Greta smile. Though that last one was important, appreciated, and worth the extra snacks lying about both of our apartments.
“Maybe.” She ran her hands down the bodice of her dress, straightening out some creases. “How do I look?”
Seeing Greta all made up in her finery again left me feeling regretful that we had to leave the house.
“Perfectly edible, Dragonfly.” She blushed and tilted her head, as though requesting a different response. “The Belettes will be shamed to stand in the presence of your beauty.” I bowed, one hand extended. She placed her fingers in mine and I raised them to my mouth.
“You’re ridiculous,” she said through a laugh, shaking her head as we made our way toward the stairs.
“I would never lie about such a thing.” She turned pink in the cheeks again, which always made me smile. “Do you have your blade?”
She patted her right thigh. “Yes, and thanks to Calla’s instruction and Grace’s help, my dress has a false pocket so I can get to it easily. Though my skill in wielding it leaves much to be desired.”
“As long as you use the sharp part on the other person, you’re doing just fine.” I patted my vest pocket where vials of elixirs were stored as an extra precaution.
Imogen had been all too happy to take on Greta’s unusual project. Magnus had flown her the flask with the Dark essence as soon as it had sat in the window long enough and had returned with a completed blade less than two days later. I worried for Imogen’s state after rushing quite so much, but knew better than to question her method.
The carriage ride to the Belettes’ was unusually quiet, and when we arrived, Greta stiffened in her seat, looking positively nauseated. I knew going back might be an odd experience for her, but I’d hoped she’d be able to enjoy her sister’s evening.
“I will be with you the whole time,” I reassured her, linking my arm through hers as we ascended the stairs to the front door. She said nothing but patted my arm as confirmation she’d heard me.
It didn’t take long for me to be proven a liar, however, as when we were greeted by a collection of women lingering in the entry, Greta was swept to the side by Caroline. She and another woman pulled Greta in for hearty hugs, beaming. I never took my eyes off her as they moved her closer to the ballroom, likely so it looked like they were still doing their jobs while having a quick catch-up. I accepted a drink for us both from a man carrying a tray of champagne flutes and followed at a respectful distance as she talked to them.
I took the opportunity to watch her as the helpful household staff passed her off to her sister on the inside of the ballroom. It was honestly a concern how easily I’d take the opportunity to observe her going about her life, but I didn’t care.
The way she held herself now was a complete turnaround from the way she had when I’d first met her. I was proud of the confidence she’d found, even in the face of her former employers.
Bea dashed off, latching her hand around the elbow of a young man who had been talking to some older gentlemen across the room. I chuffed, watching his face transform from half-asleep with boredom from the conversation he was having, to bright happiness as he took her in. He clearly saw stars when she smiled at him. Before Greta, I would have marveled at such a thing or scoffed depending on the situation. Now I knew better. I even hoped they had a fair shot at happiness together.
Before they were halfway back to where she’d left Greta standing along the wall, raised voices filtered over from one of the tables. I stood straighter in response to the way Greta’s face went blank. Resignation and sadness filled her eyes and one of her hands rose to the waist of her gown. She brushed away imaginary wrinkles, frowning.
I turned my attention to just beyond where she stood, moving forward a few steps to see if I could hear what was being said.
“Who on earth let her wear that gown? She looks like an overstuffed sausage!”
I ground my teeth together at Lara’s shrill words, her volume clearly intentionally pitched so that Greta would hear.
“I don’t know, it’s a bit outdated, but it’s not that bad.” Henrik shrugged, shifty eyes scanning the crowd for someone.
“Not that bad? She’s about to burst the seams! I can’t tell you how many times I told her not to eat the day of an event, but that girl never did listen to athingI had to say.”
Greta flinched and time ground to a halt as the words landed exactly like the weapons they were intended to be. I watched my magnificent mate subtly fold into herself. Her shoulders dipped, her chin angled toward her chest, eyes on the floor. As her arms crossed over her middle, I clenched my fists and walked toward her.
As I got close, Greta looked up, and the defeat battling with pride in her eyes and the downward curve to her mouth as she saw me only fueled my rage. She put on a brave mask as I approached, but I saw the hurt underneath. These people did not deserve—nor had they ever deserved—this woman.
Bea and the young man stopped a few steps from her, both frowning back at her parents.
I handed her one of the champagne flutes and used my thumb and forefinger to grip her chin. “You’re stunning, Dragonfly. That dress was quite literally made for you. Her opinion is worthless, besides. You shouldn’t give any of the things she’s said to or about you a second thought. They are not worth your incredibly valuable time or energy.” It was all true, but I said it slowly and with intention, so my words would erase the ugliness she’d had to hear from her patrons about it. I’d beher strength if she needed me to be, though I had no doubt once she realized her own power, she could easily put her patrons in their place.
“I hardly recognized you, Greta,” Bea said, a wide smile on her face. “You’re so beautiful. Full of joy!” Her gaze turned to me, and I gave a brief dip, appreciating that she gave me any credit for Greta’s happiness.
