Page 62 of Seas the Reckoning

Makes sense. He’s the one who’s had the least direct interaction with the other guests. No one will be looking for him or missing him. I cannot help thinking he volunteered to have a way to directly help Starla.

Poor Piers. He doesn’t know his almost-betrothed is already spoken for.

24

LET ME EAT FIRST

When I see Cannon’s name pop up on my phone as we prepare for breakfast, I hug the device to my chest. I’m going to owe him big time.

“I always knew, the entire time he was pranking his way through Carolina Beach, that your brother was capable of great things,” Starla muses, not giving up any details aloud that could get us in trouble.

I smile as I read his text.

Technically, we owe Malcolm.

The leopard seal shifter does indeed know of a means of transportation that can take us from a port on the east coast to wherever we need to go.

I just hope the guys are incredibly flexible when it comes to their mode of transportation.

While part of me can hardly fathom spending several more hours on the property, Starla is adamant.

“Grammy said the entire event.”

“Starla, he could surprise you with a wedding at breakfast, for all we know. What do we do then?”

I’m sure the guards are trying to listen in, but we have at least gone into the large bathroom, running the faucets to cover our low voices.

She scoffs.

“He’s capable, but he also won’t want a scene. He finally has me almost where he wants me. He won’t want to push me too far. He’ll be on his best behavior around me today. Schmoozing, offering things, anything to get me to the end of this event still in a mood to marry Piers. That also gives me the best chance to press him for information about the crest.”

“I would like to know how it’s all connected,” I admit.

“Exactly. I mean, it’s over his office, for tide’s sake. My dad is either the most obtuse man alive—unlikely, given what a shrewd, micromanaging controller he is—or he’s well aware. At best, he is connected to the supernatural responsible for Leon Stone. At worst, he is the supernatural who gave Leon the idea. Given how Grammy hedged, I’m guessing the latter.”

Sparks dance over her fingertips, but she squeezes her hands and douses the shocks.

A dizzying combination of guilt and frustration churn in my gut, but there’s not much I can do. If her father is responsible, I cannot make him change his personality or his past actions.

It will just be a reality that I have to help Starla cope with, and support her through.

Less than a day.

“What’s the last event?”

“The elite’s version of a Christmas celebration. My father’s staff will have spent the night magic-ing and decorating trees throughout the property, and adding fairy lights to make the gardens twinkle. I guarantee we were left alone last night because they were all in the east garden ensuring it looked pristine—clearing out burnt bits and adding new things. Everyone will spend the morning oohing and aahing over the outdoors while someone magics snow into existence. They all sip on warm cocktails. It turns into a bit of a corporate mixer. Deals being finalized over appetizers and scheduled to start in the new year.”

Standard enough for this crowd so far.

“Then the luncheon. When dessert is served, my father will have someone use magic to darken the sky, at least above the manor, so the lights really shine. The guests will act like they haven’t seen this same song and dance before, and they’ll walk to their cars through a stunning display of ice sculptures, twinkle lights, and soft snowflakes.”

We tug our dresses on and walk back into the bedroom, and I’m glad everything she’s saying could be overheard and understood simply as her filling in a guest on the agenda.

“Then,” Starla’s voice sharpens, and I can see we’re at our exit point, “you and I can come back up here to change. Only a few, very select individuals may remain at the manor. Including Piers, should he accept my affection. My father’s likely already informed him, and if things went well, he’ll be my date for breakfast. Relationships in our circles are not done without a contract to ensure the benefit of both parties.”

I take her meaning. Her father may have threatened a magically binding marriage certificate, but it’s possible the document will appear before a ceremony is even scheduled.

We make our way to the door, and Starla purposefully cracks it so whoever’s outside can hear and report to the councilman what we say.