Page 158 of He's the One

the veil is open between worlds

when all realms across time

are invited to

theWinter Kings’ court

at Asquith Hall

for their Fairy Ball

Asquith had been transformed, not just the hall itself but much of the grounds. The outdoor decorations of the trees and elaborate arrangements of lights would work for the Christmas Wonderland that Theo and James had also planned. It opened in a few days’ time. Everyone had been drawn into the excitement of both events, but particularly this one, and when tickets had sold out within a day of release—andthere was a waiting list—Theo’s father acknowledged that Theo had judged tastes well.

The only downside was that for the last month, Theo had been so busy, Col hadn’t seen much of him during the day. Theo had to be in a dozen places at the same time—the shop, the office, with his father or James… and it was hard to get him to slow down. Though Col had also been busy working on commissions for Christmas presents, as well as carving a few gifts of his own, including new eagles for the front gates. But evenings mostly belonged to him and Theo. Col loved him more every day.

Col’s parents were coming tonight, and his mum had been in a state of panic over what to wear from the moment he’d given her tickets until she’d decided to make a long silver dress that complemented his father’s pale blue suit, then made them both wings.

He and Theo were in matching costumes, dark silver trousers, white shirts embroidered with black thread so it looked as if they were covered in ivy, and their hair temporarily dyed white. The male serving staff looked almost identical to them, though Col and Theo also wore thigh-length elaborate silver coats that they’d be removing when things kicked off.

Col found Theo in the grand ballroom that had been transformed into a wintry forest with artificial trees and twinkly lights. When Theo spotted him, he rushed up and pulled Col into his arms.

“Don’t forget not to let me have anything to drink,” Theo whispered.

Col chuckled.

“I’m panicking,” Theo said. “Have you noticed?”

“Theo, this is spectacular. There is nothing to panic about. The tables look brilliant, the food’s amazing, the orchestra doesn’t sound quite right but—”

“They’re only tuning up!”

Col laughed. “I know. Come outside and watch people arriving. There is nothing else you need to do.”

“What if—?”

“No, what ifs. You’ve done all you can. Let things happen now.”

Col took his hand and led him to the main entrance. Snow was falling outside, not the real thing, but it looked real, thick flakes floating down like miniature feathers and completely biodegradable. Images were being projected onto the front of the hall and as people came up the drive, they’d see an enchanted woodland scene with all sorts of mysterious things moving across the stonework.

Most guests were being delivered by taxi, and valets wearing fairy costumes were ready to move other vehicles to the car park. Only the security crew were in normal clothes, tuxedos regardless of gender. They were there to make sure no one strayed from the rooms being used for the ball. Asquith’s insurance policy required their presence. Damage to or loss of any precious item would be a disaster.

“Oh God, look at Charlotte’s fabulous dress,” Theo said. “How did she get in that car?”

“And with those wings.”

“I did say only small-winged guests allowed.”

Charlotte saw them and waved. Her companion came to join her and tucked her arm under Charlotte’s. Theo had been glad when he’d found out Charlotte hadn’t lied to him. They’d become friends, though Charlotte’s parents no longer visited Asquith.

Theo’s father and James came to their side. They wore matching crowns constructed of small silver antlers, long coats similar to those worn by Col and Theo, though they were a shimmering blue, and had faux-fur grey shrugs over their shoulders. They’d put their foot down about hair dye.

“I feel—” the marquess started.

“You look fantastic,” Theo interrupted. “Look at everyone. They’ve gone to so much trouble. Pointy ears, beautiful jewellery, amazing horns and headgear and masks and make-up and… Oh my God, those wings are enormous. He’s going to take someone’s eye out.”

“Stop panicking,” James said. “And don’t reach for a drink.”

Said just as Theo had been about to lift one from the tray of a passing waiter.

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