Despite my misgivings, not a single Fae suspected I was human—not even Eira. The Winter queen gave me an appreciative once over when I approached with Lorcan. I dipped my head to her the way I'd seen others do when greeting her.

"I see you have upgraded," she purred, running her finger around the rim of her jewel crusted goblet. Her vibrant blue eyes flashed behind her white mask. "This female is far more beautiful than any human could ever hope to be."

Lorcan coughed into his hand and gave a clipped nod. "The poor creature has been so frightened her entire stay. I believe she will choose to return home on the thirtieth day."

Eira screwed her black painted lips to the side. "Such frail creatures. I do hope she changes her mind. If she does, you will allow her to choose her Court, right?"

That was an option? I feigned disinterest by staring into my own drink, but every nerve ending vibrated with the need to hear his answer.

"The laws are clear on that, Eira," he replied so coldly I thought even the Winter Court Fae should feel the chill. "I would never dream of interfering with her choice."

"Of course! Of course," she crooned. She tossed her sleek red hair over her shoulder. "It's just... there have been rumors you intend to wed her if she stays, and a queen whose allegiance is to another Court can make for a tricky political situation."

"You forget my mother was from Spring."

"I do not forget. That was a breeding contract, not a mating—"

"Enough. We are not here to discuss politics. Tonight is a celebration. An indulgence."

Lorcan drew me against him, his hand inching under my dress and cupping my breast. I gasped as he tweaked my nipple, and when he pulled his hand away, both nipples were hard and straining against the thin fabric and clearly visible.

Eira's bit her lip and stared at my chest with open longing. Her nostrils flared, and her pupils dilated until only a slim ring of glowing blue iris was visible. Setting her drink down, she pinched a purple flower from a vine growing on the wall.

"You are absolutely right," Eira said, popping the Druil blossom into her mouth and chewing slowly.

She ran her hand down throat, over her collarbones, and stopped on the band of white fur that covered her breasts. She squeezed herself and moaned. The Fae woman at her side—a diminutive black haired woman whose see through gown hid nothing—pushed Eira's hand out of the way and yanked the top down. I saw only a flash of rosy skin before she closed her mouth over one nipple and her hand around the other.

I would have to be dead not to be turned on by the women now loudly moaning and whimpering before us, but I had no interest in participating. Lorcan curled his fingers over my hips and pulled me backward, settling the round curves of my ass into his erection.

"We could put them to shame, my love," he whispered in my ear. "I only have to move this fabric aside and slip my cock into your pussy. It would slide right in. I can smell how aroused you are."

Could he really pick out my scent? Even I could smell the sex in the air as others followed Eira's example and the idle chatter and dancing progressed to petting and fucking. I pressed my thighs together, grimacing at the moisture.

"I think I'd like a drink instead," I replied, pulling his hands over my body and making my way toward the banquet table against the wall. The king didn't follow.

Silver platters and bowls covered the long table, each of them filled with delicacies I'd grown to love during my time in Faerie. I stuck my finger into the chocolate fountain and sucked off the silky sweet substance with a moan almost as scandalous as the queen's. I would never be able to enjoy human chocolate again.

Ignoring the rest of the food, despite how it tempted me, I filled my empty cup to the brim with Fae wine, downed it, and filled it again. The immediate buzz calmed me, and I clutched the goblet with both hands as I made my way on unsteady legs to an unoccupied corner of the room. With a sigh of relief, I dropped onto a velvet fainting couch and closed my eyes to fight back a sudden rush of dizziness.

"Already tired of the party?"

"Calix," I gasped, eyes flying open and landing on the prince. He stood off to the side and behind a curtain.

"Or perhaps," he said, picking up the golden cord tying the curtain out of the way. "You came to an alcove to wait for a partner."

I glared at him, but then took note of the spot I'd chosen. It was a small alcove, and there were several other alcoves spaced about the ballroom. Some had curtains drawn, while others were like this one, in the shadows but visible to passerby. It took little effort to understand what most were using these for.

"I'm shocked there are shy Fae."

I pointed across the room to Eira. She straddled her lover and gripped the female's raised leg as she ground their pussies together in a punishing rhythm. Her hair stuck to her sweat dampened back, and—I inhaled sharply. Behind her, a voyeur gripped his cock as he came with a shout, spraying her with ropes of his cum. I guess it wasn't just sweat dampening her skin.

With a whimper, I looked away. Good grief, why was this place so hot? I fanned myself and sipped my drink. Calix sat beside me, and I scooted away from him, certain if he touched me, I would throw caution to the wind and demand he bend me over this couch.

"These are mostly utilized by the mated Fae. They're not keen on sharing, but like all Fae, they're keen on fucking. We learned the hard way that it was going to happen whether they had privacy, but providing them with a private space keeps the bloodshed to a minimum."

"Mm-hmm," I said, pressing the cold metal of my cup against my neck. "Do you have more of that salve? I think I'm beginning to smell the flowers."

A flicker of concern stole across his face, and he did not tease me as he pulled out the little tin. He leaned close and tenderly wiped the salve under my nose. I drew in a deep breath, pulling my dress tight against my breasts as they lifted, which drew his gaze down. Jaw tightening, he snapped the lid on the tin and inched away.

"Better?"

"Yes."

Not a complete lie. It was better, but it did not provide the same relief as before. I still felt a horny mess. It would be so easy to give in and join the surrounding debauchery. I had no doubt I would find pleasure. The Fae were as skilled in sex as they were in magic and beauty. It was like breathing to them, but I knew with absolute certainty there was only one in this room who could give me lasting relief.

"You didn't eat any flowers?"

"No." I lifted my wine. "Only this."

"Why are you in here, Luna?" Calix demanded. He grabbed my face and forced me to look back into the crowd. Where before it had been mostly couples fucking, now there were entire groups fornicating. So many limbs twisting together, I didn't know where anyone started or ended.

"I just wanted to get a moment to myself," I snapped, wrenching free of his hold before his touch made me weak. "The better question is, why aren't you out there? I'm human. You're Fae. That is what you live for."

"Is that what you want, Little Moon?" His palm settled on my thigh, hot as a brand. "Do you want me to go put my cock in some willing female's mouth? Will you watch as she swallows my cum?"

Irrational jealousy came over me, and a growl caught in my throat. Shoving it down, I lied, "You can do whatever you wish as long as you leave me in peace."

Calix's hand slid higher. There was no way he couldn't feel the moist heat between my legs. My legs took on a will of their own and spread in invitation.

Fuck it. I thought. Fuck me.

"Little moon," he whispered, dragging his finger through the arousal spreading to my thighs before sliding the digit between his lips and sucking hard. Awe filled his face. "Fuck. You taste even better than I dreamed you would."

"Calix, pl—"

"Luna?" Lorcan grabbed my arm and pulled me to my feet. Wine splashed across the floor and soaked one side of my dress. "What is going on here?"

I looked at Calix, expecting to see a smirk on his handsome face, and found an aching vulnerability instead. Like he was as desperate for my answer as his brother, and it terrified me that he could want me as much as I wanted him.

"I got lost,"I blurted out. "I mean, I couldn't find you, and I came here to sit."

"That doesn't explain why my brother had his hand up your dress."

"The flowers. They're messing with my reason." I touched my head and leaned into him. "I was only looking for relief."

Lorcan softened. "You make me forget how human you are sometimes. Calix, you should be ashamed, taking advantage of her like that."

Calix sneered as he stood. "You know how it can be at parties like this, brother. A willing hole is a willing hole. She stumbled upon me right after I ate my first flower, and I was weak. Forgive me while I go look for someone more suitable."

We watched him go. Lorcan smiled and pushed me toward the banquet table. "I think you ought to eat something."

Unease rippled through me. I pressed the back of my hand against my forehead. Searing heat seeped through my skin, but I did not sweat.

"Lorcan, I think I'd like to retire for the evening. I don't feel well."

"Oh, no." He frowned. "Should I send the healer to your rooms?"

"No, I think some sleep will make me right as rain."

Used to his overprotectiveness, I was surprised when he shrugged. "Okay, my love. I will come check on you later."

"You're not disappointed? I know you wanted to announce our betrothal."

"And you said you wanted to talk. I may not be human, but I speak their language well enough to know that means you have some concerns. It doesn't matter if we announce our intent to marry now or later. I want what's best for you."

"Thank you." I pressed a kiss to his cheek. "Goodnight."

"Oh, and Luna—" I looked over my shoulder. His golden hair shimmered under the chandelier light. "I will not take a lover here tonight, so if you decide to come to me, I will be in my room. Alone."

Pain rippled through me, and I forced a smile. "Noted, but I think once my head hits the pillow, I shall be asleep."

"Oh," he said, tilting his head. "You never know. The effects of these parties can linger. Goodnight, Luna. I hope you sleep well."