I extended my leg through the slit in my dress, giving him a gander at my F.M.P’s. “What do you think?” I replied with a sultry look.
Orin let out a low growl and I saw Brann suck in a breath.
Keegan bends down and gently grazes the top of my ear with his lips. “You keep that up and we won’t make it out of the house,” he whispered.
“You know we can hear you, Keegan,” Weylyn said, adjusting his pants.
Keegan looks wide-eyed at Weylyn. “Damn your wolf senses to hell.”
Brann crooked his arm and turned toward me. “You like chicken?”
I smiled, and hooked his arm. “Take a wing,” I grinned.
And we all headed out of the house, and into Keegan’s SUV.
Time to Paaaar-taaaay
- Keira -
We pulled to a stop in a circular clearing in the middle of the woods. In the center was a large mound. There was a pristine 1924 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost Torpedo already parked, with the convertible top down, and Patrick leaning against it. He wore a pale gray suit with a light pink shirt. Orin and Brann stepped out, greeting Patrick with a hearty shake. Weylyn opened my door for me with a flourish. Katie and Keegan came out the other side, with a minimum of pushing and shoving. Patrick walked toward me as I smoothed out my dress. He stopped to take a low, formal bow. “Lady Raven, it’s a true honor to accompany you this evening.” It seemed a bit much, but when he straightened and looked me in the eye, I could tell he was completely serious.
I blushed slightly. “Patrick. You look quite dashing.”
Poe let out a loud caw, as he landed on a nearby branch and stretched out his wings. “Come back in one piece, please,” he mind-said to me. “I’ve grown somewhat attached to you.”
“Why Poe, was that an attempt at a compliment?”
“Was it? Hmm... I’m growing soft.” He shook his wings, then folded them.
“We’ll be back soon,” I told him. “Keep an eye out for trouble while we’re gone.”
Then, his tone (can a telepathic message have a tone?) became more serious. “Remember Keira, members of the Seelie Court consider themselves the pinnacle of perfection. So don’t be offended by their elitist attitude if they brush you off. It’s extremely rare for an outsider to be admitted to Court ever. That goes double for the Summer solstice. It’s their biggest holiday.”
“Kinda like their Rosh Hashonah?” I teased.
“Oy vey,” qouth the raven. “Enough with the kibitzing. Just be on your guard, and keep your eyes open.”
“Thank you.” I walked toward my friends, telling the bird “Keep watch over the cars and the house.”
Poe let out a loud caw, then more mind-speak. “And don’t piss them off! You don’t want them to curse you. There’s enough going on in your life.”
Patrick smiled. “Ready to go?”
I nodded. “Will our cars will be okay here?” We had to do some off roading to get here, and it was the middle of nowhere.
“Humans consider fairy mounds to be scary,” Brann reassured me. “They think there are spirits lurking around and casting spells.”
“Aren’t there?”
Brann chuckled. “Well… That’s true. But it’s also true that most fairy mounds are national monuments. Archeological treasures, and government protected. Even the unbelievers know the law will come down hard on trespassers.”
“So, we might get towed?”
“Not likely. Not even a plucky meter maid is going to venture into these woods after dark.”
Keegan smirked. “I was expecting valet parking. I mean, isn’t this shindig supposed to be a grand affair?”
Katie gave him the usual cutting look. “I need to tell all of you a couple things before we go,” Katie said. Orin let out a loud sigh, as Weylyn adjusted his suit coat.
“What is it?” Brann winked at the wolf boys. “No dogs allowed?”
“I could put them on a leash,” chortled Keegan.
“I’m serious,” Katie frowned. “My friend LeAna’s family is hosting the Solstice party this year. It just so happens to be the single most exclusive party at Court, I was denied attendance.”
“I thought we were invited?” Keegan asked.
“Would you let me finish?” Katies huffs out. “Yes, we are invited. But not as individuals, or a group of strays. They are expecting the Raven Queen’s daughter and her honor guard.”
“Meaning...” Orin asked.
“Meaning, Keira has to present the proper image.” Patrick answered. “As the battle goddess herself.”
“Um. What?” I replied.
“The Great Queen is an inspiration to our people,” said Patrick. “She must be regal, confident, strong, and alluring.” He turned a stern look on his son Keegan. “As for your retinue, I don’t think it will be a problem for three out of four of your honor guards, but...”
“What?” Keegan said, bummed that Patrick would call him out.
“Just stay away from the drinks, Keegan lad.” Patrick said, speaking plainly. “Try not to get paralytic.”
“That was one time,” Keegan protested. “I didn’t know Fairy wine was so potent.”
“Now you do. So don’t touch it.” Patrick turned back to me. “As for myself, consider me your escort for tonight. I do know quite a few people of the Court. Katie will continue to do… whatever it is that she does.”
“Jeez, thanks Packy, that’s sweet of you to say,” Katie said with a fake smile. “My ‘whatever’ is that I will hunt down LeAna when we get in there. She has some kind of lead on this magic-removing-magical object. Supposedly.”
Being brave means facing your fears. At least it does for me. My heart was beating fast, and I was tingling with adrenaline. I am a warrior at heart, I told myself. I have faced the triplets. Surely I can certainly handle a silly party. Right?
Wrong.
“I need a moment,” I muttered. Trying to keep my knees from shaking, I walked off toward the tree line. I dropped my gaze to the grass and began to breathe deeply. Doubt shot through me. Suddenly I felt like I couldn’t move, my palms grew clammy. I felt like I was going to vomit.
“Shhh, its
