38. Belle #3
I can’t read her. Last time I saw the pirate, I was a captive on her ship—well not her ship, but she worked there. She wasn’t friendly per se, but she did offer me a warning and share details of my capture. Perhaps she’s not the enemy.
I tap Rourke’s arm. “It’s fine.” I turn to them. “Why don’t you two get me something to drink so we can talk?”
They nod, not without eying Serena before walking away. When I turn back, Serena is still smirking. “It seems I underestimated you.”
“I’ll ask you once more, why are you here?”
“Wow, a bit harsh for someone who only tried to offer you kindness?”
“Kindness? That’s not how I remember it.”
She gives me a curious look. “For someone who was able to overturn a kingdom, take the crown, and turn the two heirs into her personal pets, it seems you’re not very good at reading between the lines.”
“What do you mean?”
She sighs. “We’re not so different, you and I.” She waves her fingers, something twinkling between them, but it could just be a trick of the light…or could it be something else?
She fills the silence. “I left my crew.”
“No more pirating for you?”
She shakes her head. “I only did it to protect myself, hide in plain sight, but now it seems history may be turning in our favor, thanks to you.”
“Ours?”
She backs away, shooting me a wink before disappearing into the crowd.
“What did she want?” Peter asks, handing me a crystal goblet filled to the rim with some type of sparkling liquid.
I take a sip, electricity immediately rushing through my veins.
Damn, this is some good shit. “It’s fine for the baby,” he whispers before the worry of that fact even occurs to me.
Shit. I hope they have parenting books up here because I’m clueless.
“She’s just an old friend,” I say, taking another big gulp.
Rourke grabs the glass from me. “Whoa, slow down. You won’t be able to keep your feet on the ground if you drink too fast.”
I reach out to grab my beverage, but Peter grabs my hands. “Let’s dance.”
Rourke takes my other hand, and the two back away to lead me to the dance floor. Rourke whispers into my ear, “I want my first party at Hollowbrook to consist of nothing but you.” His eyes shine as takes me in, ignoring the glittering lights around us, as if I’m the only star in the room.
I’m unsure how to dance with two men at the same time, but I find it comes as naturally as breathing.
We cling to each other, swaying to the music coming from the quartet at the far end of the courtyard, just before the edge of Neverhaven.
The instruments still confuse me. Now, they don’t play the electric house music like they did at Starburn, but a calm melodic rhythm we can sway to.
My fingers ache to take them apart and figure out how they work.
Just another task on my never ending to do list.
I rest my head between their touching shoulders, letting the happiness of the moment roll over me. Peter and Rourke take turns kissing the crook of my neck.
I examine the crowd around me, stopping on familiar faces.
There are Peter’s friends—the blonde with a dazed expression, the floppy-haired fox-eared character, and the living tree.
I only met them once when he invited them over for cards—Peter’s lost boys, as he calls them.
Ronald, Colly, and Deadrick. Thank God Trago isn’t among them.
I’m pretty sure if he were, Peter would murder him on the spot from the way he talks about him.
Of course, it wouldn’t matter much. I’m Queen, after all, and could pardon his violence.
At least, I think I could. I still don’t know shit about my Queenly privileges and obligations.
Good thing I have Rosalia to help. Speaking of the perky-titted devil, she stands parallel to Peter’s lost boys, shooting them a glare.
The tallest one, the tree-man, winks at her with a smile.
It seems to really piss Rosalia off because she stomps away in a flurry, her pink garment brushing behind her.
I’m about to ask Peter the story of the two, when our dancing halts and I’m pulled off the dance floor, Peter and Rourke speedwalking through the crowd. “Where are we going?” I ask.
Peter swings back, pulling me to his chest. “I’m tired of sharing you with these people. We’re leaving.”
“Peter, I’m their Queen. You’re going to have to share me every day of your life.”
Peter shakes his head. “No, I will only share you with one person.” He looks to Rourke, his eyes crinkling against his smile.
Rourke bends down to whisper. “There’s a secret party in the hidden room of the bookstore in town. We’re crashing it.”
“In town?” It’s not the first time I’ve been, but never at night. “But people will notice us.”
Peter walks, pulling me along as he talks over his shoulder. “Let them.”
“I can fight,” Rourke offers with a shrug.
I laugh, chasing after them. The bubbles have gone to my head, along with the joy, the music trailing behind, the stars guiding us onward as we leave the gates of Hollowbrook.
Our night is uncertain, much like our futures, but without a doubt, I’ll be between the two heirs of Neverhaven who gave me their crowns along with their hearts.