From behind, a hand gripped her shoulder, ripping her out of the kiss. With a tremendous effort, she pulled away from Kester, and turned to see two guards in golden armor, their blond hair and pale blue eyes exactly like Zee’s. Ursula’s stomach tightened, and she forced herself to move away from Kester as she surveyed the men. That kiss had completely knocked her off her feet, and she could hardly think straight. Focus, Ursula. This is life or death. The men’s breastplates were finely-tooled, with silver stags around an oak leaf—but her gaze darted straight to the sheathed swords, encrusted with glittering pearls. Always good to know where the weapons are.

One of the guards spoke. “Oberon has requested an audience.”

“We would be honored to speak to the king,” said Kester.

The guards pivoted, flanking them. As they were escorted to the dais, the fae stopped dancing, and hundreds of eyes followed them. Ursula swallowed hard as the guards led them right up to the edge of the dais, where the king stood, flanked by soldiers.

Chapter 30

Up close, Oberon looked like four hundred pounds of pure muscle. His outfit was formal—regal, even: a yellow robe tied at his waist with a golden belt and a pair of silver pauldrons to protect his shoulders. He held a halberd with a copper-plated point in the shape of stag’s antler, and he stared at them with a grim expression. A sword lay strapped across his back. It was a hall of pleasure, but he’d obviously come ready for a fight.

“What brings you to my hall with this beautiful female, Headsman?” His voice was melodious and soft, but he still managed to spit the last word like he’d been fed a piece of spoiled meat. When he spoke, long pointed teeth shone in the amber lights.

“We simply wanted to partake in the festivities.” Kester’s eyes scanned the room, probably looking for Abrax.

Were they getting close to that point where they’d have to fight their way out? Ursula eyed one of the guard’s swords. She could draw it from its sheath with a quick yank, and slice through two of them. Unfortunately, she had no idea how to leave the hall, especially with all the guards that would descend upon her. Also, she had no idea what F.U. had been up to in her spare time, but New Ursula didn’t quite feel like a murderer. Better to wait and see how things played out, before jumping right in with the stabbing.

“Here for pleasure?” Oberon’s gaze raked her up and down, and she had the disconcerting feeling that he could see right through her gown. “She’s a beauty. But she belongs to you?” His voice dripped with disappointment.

“She does.”

The king sniffed the air, his lip curling. “One of Emerazel’s,” he hissed. “She must be hard to tame. I like that.”