“Exactly. Fae have their own particular earthly pleasures that excite them. For some it’s food, for some it’s sex. And for Luis, apparently, it’s hair.”

“I’ll call him.”

Kester nodded. “Good. Just don’t tell him why we want to go. Oberon’s is supposed to be used for pure pleasure only. If he invites any trouble inside, he’ll be banned for life.”

She bent down, snatching her purse from the floor. “Don’t worry. I’ll use my silky charm.” She pulled out her mobile phone, and dialed Luis’s number. He picked up on the third ring. In the background she could hear “Girl, You Got a Magic Body” playing.

“Hi, Luis. This is Ursula. You, um, cut my hair recently.”

“Mmm. Ginger. You want a scalp massage?”

“Actually, I was wondering if you’re going to Oberon’s tonight? I heard you talking about it with Zee when you were doing that amazing thing to my scalp. And, well, I just wanted to try it out. I’ve heard it’s the best place to enjoy yourself.”

“I wasn’t planning on going. But for you, I could change my plans.”

“Ooh, that’s wonderful.” She let her voice drip with honey. “And Kester will be with me.”

“Oh,” he said flatly. “They won’t want the Headsman inside.”

“I’ll let you touch my hair,” she blurted. “It’s important. I mean, it’s important that I enjoy myself.” Lure him in, Ursula, like a master. “And it’s important that my hair… enjoys itself… with your fingers on it. You can smell it.” Bollocks.

“Mmmm.” She heard him take a long breath through his nose. “Yes. Let me get dressed. You’ll be on the list under Kester’s name. Peele. I’ll tell them to make an exception for tonight, and the wards will be lifted for both of you. Your hair will get to enjoy itself with my hands all night.” He hung up with a click.

She grimaced at what she’d just agreed to.

Kester was staring at her. “That was your silky charm?”

She scowled. “Hey. It worked. I’m getting us into Oberon’s, which is more than you could do. Let’s go.” She was charged up with Emerazel’s fire, and her body burned with power.

“Not so fast. We have some preparation to do first.” He looked down at her blood-soaked dress. “Staring with getting you out of that gown.”

She arched an eyebrow. If Zee’s unconscious body weren’t a few feet away putting a damper on things, that statement might have made her blush. “And what did you have in mind?”

“Fae fashion is extremely opulent.” He walked around her, his gaze sliding down her body. “I think I know just the right look for you.”

She crossed her arms. “You’re going to dress me?”