makeup and put on my gown—an emerald silk slip dress—I slide on a pair of strappy heels, and Ash, in a charcoal suit, escorts me down to Edmund’s office. The small plaque beside his office door reads The Cobalt Room. Ash knocks on the heavy wooden door, and Edmund calls out, “Come in.”
Edmund’s den and personal sanctuary houses his prized possessions. The flat-black walls are covered with antique firearms and other weapons, along with the mounted heads of the large-game animals he’s hunted across the planes. It’s a little caveman for my liking, but his taste in hobbies and decorating aren’t why I’m here. I’m here to forge a new alliance between Avalon and Kilkenny.
“Dolly, you look lovely, as always,” Edmund says in his nasally, working-class accent as he stands and gestures to the leather chairs opposite his desk. “Tell me, how are the boys?”
“Steel and Silver are wonderful. They’ve been my constant companions and trusted bodyguards since you gave them to me,” I say, as Ash and I each take a seat.
“I’m happy they’ve been good lads for you.” Edmund acknowledges Ash with a nod before sitting behind his desk once again. “I’m pleased you accepted my invitation to come for the weekend. I wasn’t sure that you would.”
“Why is that?” I ask. “Our courts have always been friendly.”
Edmund leans back in his chair, getting comfortable. “It’s common knowledge that you haven’t traveled since your mother’s death. And I heard about Silas Duke. You seem to have your hands full at home.”
“I was in mourning and assuming the reins of an empire. And if you heard about Silas, then you know that problem has been taken care of,” I say, quiet confidence threaded like iron through my tone.
“He won’t be your last challenger.” Edmund leans forward with an eager, knowing glint in his eye. Edmund grew up in Birmingham, an impoverished area of England hundreds of years ago. When Edmund was still a boy, his father entered him into underground boxing matches to support his family, first against humans and then against other shifters. Through boxing, Edmund earned enough prize money to start his empire. He also earned a reputation for being ruthless, killing many of his opponents. He would probably label himself a pragmatist—kill or be killed. Edmund wears his humble beginnings like a badge of honor, which is why he’s never tried to smooth out his Brummie accent or his rough edges.
“I know Silas won’t be the last.” I decide to take Edmund’s posturing as concern instead of a threat. Even though he’s had to claw his way to the top, I don’t believe he wants Avalon for himself. But while he may not be gunning for my jugular, I don’t know that he’ll have my back in a fight. I’ve got to lock down his allegiance. “That’s why I’m here. I want to make sure that the long friendship between our courts continues and that both of our Earthside territories enjoy peace.”
“You have enemies.” Edmund points a finger at me. “Powerful ones. You almost didn’t win the Council of Seven vote to end Franco Rossi’s reign as the Controller of Italy.”
After my mother’s death, I was called to testify before the council about Franco’s failed attempt at an Earthside territory grab and his attack on Ash and me. The motion to strip Franco of his rule was carried by only one vote, meaning half the council would rather see a megalomaniac stay in power than side with me. The old boys club was alive and well, but I’m in the club now.
“All of the council members will be here over the next four days,” Edmund continues. “You and Ash will have a chance to show them you’re up to scratch, show them you have the chops to be strong players in the game. I suggest you take advantage of this chance. Don’t cock it up.”
“We also have friends in our corner. Very powerful ones,” Ash says.
“Of course, your marriage united your two courts—Westmoreland and Avalon.” Edmund steeples his fingers and regards Ash and me with a calculated expression. “But you’ll need more. As young, fledgling rulers, there’s a target on your backs. And killing Silas only made the target larger. He was the ultimate big game, and you nabbed him.”
“That’s why I’m hoping to count you as an ally. Can I do that?” There’s no point beating around the bush. I might as well cut to the chase.
Edmund looks thoughtful for a moment and then smiles. “With your mother at the helm, our courts have enjoyed a brilliant relationship. But you, Dolly, are an untried queen. So, let’s consider the next four days an audition, a job interview. I want to see how you perform as a diplomat on a universal stage, see what kind of queen you really are. I want to determine if you can, what’s the saying, ‘make friends and influence people.’”
“I’m not afraid of a challenge. I’ll win you over, Edmund,” I say.
“That’s what I like to hear. In keeping with the spirit of winning me over, I’d like to ask a favor. A boon,” Edmund says.
“What kind of favor?” I don’t really have a choice here, but I’m not going to blindly agree because I need his support.
“It’s a small thing,” Edmund says with a casual air. “I’d like you to befriend Elle while you’re here. She feels a little out of place. Not everyone understands my love of humans. She may face taunting, insults, maybe even threats.”
It wasn’t that long ago that I had no power myself, so I know how she feels to be a sheep among wolves. “Sure, no problem.”
“Humans are bloody delicate. Their bodies are fragile. Like the wings of a butterfly. Their lives can be ended like that.” Edmund snaps his fingers.
I take a closer look around his office. Edmund is a hunter and collector of beautiful things. Elle is just another trophy. I wonder if she realizes that. In a way, I feel sorry for her. “Sure, I’ll be friends with her.”
After meeting with Edmund, Ash and I make our way to the Cerulean Conservatory. The greenhouse-inspired room with its glass ceiling and outer walls is teeming with friends, allies and acquaintances of Edmund’s. I’ve been to hundreds of parties just like this. The air is thick with expensive perfume and ambition. The deep blue interior walls are the color of a clear sky and are hung floor to ceiling with oil paintings of Edmund’s ancestors, relatives and deceased wives. His wives are all buxom redheads. He certainly does have a type.
I’m admiring the artwork while Ash gets us a drink, when I hear, “Well, if it isn’t the baby queen of Avalon looking for a seat at the adult table. You have very few allies here. I hope you know that.”
I turn around to find Kyoko Nakama, the Controller of Japan, and the only other female Council of Seven member, standing behind me in a skin-tight black leather dress. “Kyoko,” I say in greeting, keeping my tone neutral. At one time, her words would’ve found their mark, but not anymore. I’m not going to rise to her bait; that would be giving her what she wants. This isn’t my first run in with Kyoko—our paths have crossed at a few Council of Seven meetings. She goes out of her way to make me feel like an outsider, and it doesn’t look like this weekend is going to be any different.
“You may have Reginald’s support, and you may even earn Edmund’s, but you won’t be able to hold your mother’s council seat for long.” She flips her dark hair over her shoulder, her top lip curling as her charcoal eyes size me up.
She’s Kitsune, a Japanese fox witch, and a contemporary of my mother’s. She has a reputation for being intelligent and deadly, her paranormal abilities having increased with her age. Kitsune are very powerful shape-shifters that can not only maintain their human shape for long periods of time but can also transform into the exact likeness of another person. When in fox form, the greater the number of tails a Kitsune has—up to nine—the older, wiser, and more powerful they are.
“And why is that?” I don’t take my eyes off her. We may be close to the same height and weight, but she’s got an edge sharper than a samurai sword.
“Because you’re a legacy.” Her tone insinuates I’m as wanted as gum on the bottom of her Jimmy Choos. “Given everything on a silver platter your whole life. You’re weak, and you’re not going to last. I had to work for everything I have. My territory, my seat on the council. Nothing was handed to me. I’m watching you. You’ll make a misstep, and when you inevitably do, I’ll be there to give you a push. Help you fall hard and fast.” With that parting shot, she turns and glides into the crowd of assembled guests.
“What’s her problem?” Elle asks, appearing at my shoulder, her eyes following Kyoko before she blushes and looks at the floor. “I’m sorry, I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop on your conversation.”
“Don’t worry about it,” I say. “Kyoko wasn’t exactly being quiet. As for her problem . . . it’s me. She doesn’t like me being the head of a territory, being on the Council of Seven. She doesn’t think I’ve earned it.” From an outsider’s perspective, it may look like I haven’t paid my dues, but she doesn’t know the whole story. I had to fight my own father for my crown before it was even placed on my head.
“Who died and made her boss?” Elle laughs, reminding me a little of Gia. “Don’t let her spoil your evening. I’m really glad you’re here. There aren’t a lot of guests at this party my age to talk to.”
I can’t help but notice Elle’s also wearing green. The sweetheart neckline of her gown frames her gold medallion necklace perfectly and hugs her big boobs in a way that is both innocent and sensual. “I like your dress. If I’d known you were wearing green, I would have chosen something else. I’m not trying to steal the bride’s thunder.”
“Please, steal it. I’m just trying not to do or say anything to embarrass Edmund. I feel like a fish out of water surrounded by all these bigwigs. Because I’m . . . you know . . . human.” She says the last bit as if she’s admitting she has an incurable STI.
It’s on the tip of my tongue to tell her that I’ve been powerless, and that even though I now have quite a bit of magic at my disposal, I’m not very adept at wielding it. But I stop myself. I’ve trusted too easily in the past and gotten burned. I’m not going to make that same mistake again. “We all put our pants on one leg at a time. Even the Council of Seven members,” I say with a stage whisper.
“Are there any other members of the council here?” Elle asks. “I met so many people today, I can’t remember who’s who.”
The identity of council members isn’t a secret, so I don’t mind filling her in. “Well, you just saw the member from Japan. And of course, you know Edmund and me. That’s the council member and Controller of the Maharashtra state of India.” I nod to a fit man with alert brown eyes in traditional attire across the room surrounded by several hangers on. When I look toward a heavyset, balding male on the opposite side of the room talking animatedly to a large group, Elle follows my gaze. “That’s the member representing western Russia.” In another corner, a handsome male with bronze skin converses with an entourage of mostly females. “And that’s the council member and Controller of Southeast Brazil.”
Just then, Kyoko slides into the sphere of the Brazilian ruler and begins an animated conversation with him. They both turn to look at me, sweeping their gaze from the top of my head to the tips of my toes, measuring me from across the room. It’s obvious they’re talking about me and from the calculated expressions on their faces, whatever is being said is not about my choice of formal wear. When they turn their backs on me, I continue, “Ash’s dad, Reginald, isn’t here yet. I think he’s coming tomorrow, but I don’t think he’s staying for the whole weekend. He doesn’t like to be away from his family that long.”
Elle’s eyes alight on each of the council members I’ve pointed out. “I take it from the physical distance between you all that you aren’t all friends.”
The Council of Seven is made up of the most powerful of our kind, but for some, there’s never enough power. This party is proving what I already knew—that not everybody is pleased I’ve inherited my mother’s seat and that I shouldn’t expect any support in trying to hold on to it. As a matter of fact, they may actively work to snatch it away from me. “No, we’re not all friends.”
Ash appears at my elbow with a glass of champagne in each hand, and Elle excuses herself to go find Edmund. “Was that Kyoko Nakama I saw you talking to a moment ago? Making friends and influencing people already?” he asks, handing me a glass of champagne.
“Hardly. She’s Satan in a skirt.” I take a sip of the sparkling wine.
Ash traces his fingertip lightly over my back tattoo. “She’s known for being a hard ass. You just have to show her how capable you are. That you’re a force in your own right.”
“I’ll do whatever it takes. I need to win allies. And I will. Avalon’s future depends on it.”
