Page 28 of Seas the Reckoning

I was worried about how Starla might respond to the suitors, but she’s doing a marvelous job. In between the waves of introductions, her face falls flat and expressionless, but each time her father brings over a new guy, she manages a convincing and demure smile. Not to mention a wave of curtsies and dances.

Great tides, she’s likely thought of and bit her tongue on so many comments by this point that her mouth is on fire from holding it back.

Still, she’s put on a convincing showing.

Until she doesn’t. What if she’s dancing with Leon’s unknown partner? What if they’re aware of who she is, and decide to eliminate a threat?

That could be me projecting. It’s all I’ve been able to do to speak without my voice shaking to all the new individuals, each one a suspect. Based strictly on appearances, I’m the one having the roughest time. Jackal’s been mingling with the crowds, managing to have several conversations filled with laughter and smiles, no matter what he says about how these people view him.

And Ji-hwan is having no difficulties, from what I can tell. I spy him walking away from a gaggle of ladies, and they are unabashedly focused on the Were’s backside as he makes his way across the floor and over to a new set of people to seduce.

Any one of them could slip. It only takes a single mistake.

The chandelier. The floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the garden. The trays of champagne. The stringed instruments playing live music. The table of snacks.

After identifying several things I can see to help ground myself, I decide to list things I can taste and make my way to the snack area.

It will be a nice break from the attention Starla’s father has foisted on me. No doubt another gentleman will find his way over soon, directed my way by Councilman Taylor.

Picking up what appears to be a miniature quiche, I take a bite and try to swallow my worries along with the pastry crust and egg.

I miss my dog, and I want to be in Jackal’s arms, not twirling around the dance floor with another boorish son or nephew of one of Councilman Taylor’s powerful friends.

Not to mention, I am tired and grumpy. Other than my occasional late nights at Starla’s bar, I would normally be in bed by now. Lately, I’d be in bed with Jackal, doing much more exciting things than eating subpar mini quiches.

And if not there, I’d be under the waves enjoying a moonlight swim.

I have no talent for this.

Looking across the room again, I see Jackal throwing back his head and laughing along with a particularly inebriated group of men.

Maybe he’s learned something to make it worth his time.

That’s another thing irking me. I’ve learned nothing useful.

You’re going to be stuck cursed. You’re not smart enough to figure out Grammy Pearl’s hints, and your friends will suffer because of it.

Not now, please, I mutter to my own mind.

Councilman Taylor finds me at the refreshments area, yet another mid-thirties man in tow. Where is he finding all of these people, and why in the world is he wasting so much effort on me? Does he really think this will win his daughter’s approval?

Although, it seems he doesn’t truly understand how deeply she loathes the attempts he makes with her. He has to suspect she’s against the matchmaking, but I’ve gathered he thinks it’s more rebellion than anything. Perhaps he thinks that showing a similar level of care for me will convince her that he is in fact taking her priorities into account. Maybe it would force me to have a sliver of sympathy for the man, if I weren’t sick to the sea of these introductions already.

“Arloc is a vampire who leads a coven in the north of England,” Councilman Taylor says as he introduces us. “He’s not been a vampire very long compared to most who lead a coven, and he’s got a loyal and lucrative following.”

“My coven is in the jewelry business,” Arloc says, flashing some of the dazzling rings that adorn all of his fingers. I see at least a few rubies, which are similar in color to his deep red eyes.

“Stunning,” I say.

“They certainly are,” he agrees as he watches me hungrily. Although perhaps I am imagining that part, guilty of stereotyping. I’ve met some vampires in the late nights at Starla’s bar, and I know their eyes shift between all shades of red and even pink, based on their thirst. His indicate he’s fed recently.

I go through my own introduction, parroting the information about my naiad and siren abilities.

“Siren song? Fascinating. Many people think all vampires can compel others, but that isn’t the case. Your siren song, however—well, imagine if a siren were to be part of a vampire coven. It would be nearly as good as having a vampire who could actually compel people. It would certainly breed the appropriate amount of fear and respect in the surrounding supernatural factions. Not to mention the positive impact on our profit margins if the talent were put to use in negotiations. We deal not only in typical gems, but also prized supernatural items.”

He misses my disgusted expression as Councilman Taylor wags a finger in the younger man’s face, although he’s grinning.

“Now, now, Arloc, you sound ready to propose. Don’t be too greedy with Carolina’s time. I still have many individuals to introduce her to, but I do believe she has time tomorrow. Who knows? Relationships have certainly started with less.”