Page 125 of The Courting of Bristol Keats
“Believe me, I don’t underestimate him, but now it will be his misfortune that he ever underestimated me. Let’s get back to the party.”
CHAPTER 85
When Bristol returned to the ballroom, her eyes landed on Mick first thing. He glowed with the attention of being center stage, his coat tailored to perfection, the deep jewel red fabric commanding and threatening. He was a strange mix of beauty and terror, his allure both riveting and deadly. She had seen the edges of that back in Bowskeep, a certain danger in him, but here it was unveiled in full splendor. He danced with a noble from the Silverwing kingdom who seemed equal parts frightened by and enthralled with her dancing partner. Maybe the danger he presented was a thrilling diversion for her.
But Mick wasn’t without his weaknesses.
If there’s one thing fae hate, it’s secrets.
Maybe him most of all. Bristol remembered their last encounter in the alley on Mug Ruith Bridge. The urgency he tried to hide.Why are you here? Who told you he was alive?Secrets. Those burning questions had driven him to a dark alley in the middle of an enemy nation. When she told him it was none of his business, his control slipped. His charm vanished. His eyes lost their glamour.Be careful how you speak to me. One day you may regret it.
She regretted everything about him, especially her own weakness when she had let him into her life, however briefly. Now it was her turn to inflict regret.
Kormick is mad with curiosity.
He was about to get a little madder. She might not have his magical powers, but she could throw him off his game.
“He knows you’re staring. Don’t give him that satisfaction.”
Bristol whirled.
Tyghan held out his hand to her. “We’re not allowed more than one dance together, so let’s make the most of this one.”
That was Eris’s counsel, too. He didn’t want everyone to think Tyghan favored Bristol for any other reason than she was a valued part of the mysterious elite squad. He was to dance with everyone equally. And so was she.
“Of course, Your Majesty,” she said, offering a small curtsy, knowing everyone’s eyes were watching them—including Kormick’s.
Tyghan drew her into his arms, just a bit closer than was proper, but among the fae, proper was a loose term. “I’m sorry about my rushed exit,” she whispered. “He caught me off guard. I hope I didn’t ruin the aura of mystery.”
“You didn’t ruin anything.” He told her that Kormick’s sudden presence had everyone so shaken most barely saw his fist send Kormick flying to the floor. “Which was pretty hard to miss.”
“You didwhat?”
“He said things to provoke me, and it worked. He’s trying to paint me as the aggressor to the other kingdoms.”
“Surely the kingdoms know—”
“They know. His presence here is just a warning to them all that he’s watching them. But it’s also a sign he’s concerned. Part of this is my fault—we’ve been spreading rumors to distract him.”
Bristol smiled, her mind already toying with rumors of her own. “Our wicked minds think so much alike. What did he say to provoke you?”
“It doesn’t matter.”
But Bristol already knew the answer. She looked down, her cheeks burning. “He told you about us, didn’t he?”
Tyghan lifted her chin. “Smile,” he said, reminding her they were being watched. “It doesn’t matter. He doesn’t matter, at least not as far as you and I are concerned. He made no secret about using you. I’m sorry. I’m sorry you’ve been dragged into this. I’m sorry that I—”
“Smile, Your Majesty,” she said, forcing one of her own. “Add a laugh, too. No apologies. He isn’t worth it.”
And then he was suddenly there. Kormick. Cutting in. “May I, King Trénallis?”
Tyghan’s eyes went molten, betraying his relationship with Bristol. “No. Find someone else to—”
“Your Majesty,” Bristol intervened, “of course I will dance with King Kormick. He and I have so much to catch up on. Don’t we,Mick?” She leaned close and whispered in Tyghan’s ear. “Remember, everyone is watching, and your elite squad is not afraid. You shouldn’t be either. I’ve got this.”
“I don’t—”
She took Mick’s hand before Tyghan could protest again, and Kormick pulled her away to another part of the dance floor.
