Page 120 of Rogue's Possession (Covenant of Thorns 2)

“So, I’ve been recently informed.” Apparently not everyone knew. I threw a glare at Larch, who steadfastly fed the fire. “Why is it good luck?”

“Titania is hosting a costume ball. Full masquerade. They swept me and Starling right into the guest suites without a single question.”

“And Fergus.”

She sighed. “Subterfuge is not his forte. Apparently he stormed the gates and is now languishing in a cell.”

I rubbed my temple. “I suppose we’ll have to rescue him now.”

“We made a plan. Darling Hercules found him and will set him loose in case we need his heroic assistance.”

“Very nice.”

“So, you just need to dress up and come to the ball. Make it a good costume, soshewon’t recognize you. But there will be so many new faces and outlandish costumes there that Titania is highly unlikely to see you talking to Rogue. Get a dance with him, if you can—that’s your best bet.”

“Did Starling talk to him?”

A shadow dimmed her pixie face. “She did. Acted like he had no idea who she was. No trace of his normal self. He might be lost to her. You’ll know when you see him, but we want you to brace yourself for the possibility that he’s gone, okay? He may never again be the fae he was.”

My heart fell through my belly at the thought. All of Rogue’s brilliance, mischief and sensuality snuffed out, leaving only Titania’s plaything behind.

“Did she give him the earrings?”

“Of course, but he barely paid attention, just commented that they were lovely and gave her a gift in return—usual protocol.”

I tensed. Afraid to hope. “What gift?”

She looked at me oddly. “A piece of jewelry. Nothing of note.”

“Describe it.”

“A little gold thing. Kind of shaped like this.” She held up her thumb and forefinger in a U-shape, and a sob of emotion escaped me. “What?” she demanded. “Is that a bad or good sound?”

I wrapped my arms around my ribs, uncertain myself of what feelings poured through me. “It’s good. I think it’s good.”

She grinned at me. “Two pieces of good news. That means number three will be our lucky charm. Now get dressed. We have a ball to go to.”

*

I went allout. Style-wise, not magic-wise. With Athena’s coaching, I dressed myself entirely in black, with a dark green sash at my waist. I created a hoop and petticoats of matching green. Then studded the gleaming black overskirt with green silk bows that held the fabric up in swoops. I was the anti-Scarlett.

The neckline hung seductively over my shoulders and I changed my hair to a deep green that matched my eyes. Athena piled it high on my head in an elaborate style, using pins I wished up for her from the bits of gravel and popcorn.

I gave myself above-the-elbow black satin gloves, something Athena hadn’t seen before. We debated over the actual mask. Seemed tradition dictated that one wore an animal, insect or flower face. I decided to take a risk and wished up a mask worthy of Venetian Carnivale. Both Athena and Larch were taken aback by it, but agreed that it would be exotic and in keeping with the competition for the unusual.

With reluctance, I left the staff behind. It might come in handy, but with my reserves so depleted, I couldn’t really afford the bite it took out of me. Also, if the worst happened, letting Titania get her multi-jointed paws on it would be a bad idea.

I turned my shoes into Keens for the trudge up the hill, Athena lighting my way and diligently skipping. When we crested the top, we entered a wide, polished glass courtyard. Torches ringed the low walls and fae guards in uniform stood at even intervals, here and on the walls. As one, they saluted me, swords flashing silver.

Fergus had stormed this setup? I shook my head to myself. And changed my shoes into something prettier. Glass slippers were really tempting but so impractical.

Inside, I was ushered to the ballroom by a page, who also swept my cloak away and asked for my name. Athena gave me an imperceptible shake of her head, as if I needed it, and I told him to announce me as Lady Mysteriouso, with a wink.

As Cinderellaesque as this all felt—though I liked that I’d been my own goddamned fairy godmother—if I’d thought the room would come to a halt, gasping at my loveliness while I posed at the top of the stairs, I was dead wrong.

I don’t think anyone could even hear the announcement of my arrival over the sweeping music and the roar of conversation.

Besides, another party rustled up behind me, all dressed as lavender lizards, which creeped me out enough that I scooted out of the way like a golfer who’d lingered too long at the tee. Unfortunately, my haste plunged me into the crowd before I scanned the room for Rogue.

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