Levi moved past me into the entryway. “It’s my fault. She’s a hard girl to say goodbye to.”

Helen raised an eyebrow. “I’ll pretend you aren’t eluding to what I know you are. Have a nice afternoon, Levi.”

A look of shock crossed Levi’s face. “Are you kicking me out?”

“Of course not. You’re welcome to go up to your room or to visit your father’s study. We’ll be in my sitting room.” Helen took my arm and led me away. I glanced over my shoulder and blew Levi a kiss.

He pretended to catch it. “Call me when you’re done excluding me. Preferably before dinner.”

Helen’s sitting room was done in different shades of beige and pink. It screamed woman’s space, and I liked it. It was in sharp contrast to the colder, more formal rooms of the main living space. After gesturing for me to take a seat on a comfortable looking love seat, she closed the door and poured two glasses from a pitcher. “I made mimosas.”

I accepted my glass. “Oh, great. Thanks.” It wasn’t even three o’clock, but I knew a drink would make the conversation easier.

“How are you holding up? I know your friend’s situation is upsetting, and finding out about your high school boyfriend must have been quite a shock.” She smiled sympathetically.

“I’m doing all right. I just feel guilty. Here I am living my life like nothing’s wrong while Jess is being held against her will.”

“Living your life like nothing’s wrong? You don’t honestly believe that, do you?” She smoothed out a non-existent wrinkle in her blue dress.

“Maybe I’m just used to it.”

“That’s not entirely a bad thing, you know.”

“I know.”

Helen sipped her drink. “So what brought you here today? Not that you ever need a reason to visit with me.”

I let out a deep breath. “I’m hoping you can help me with something.”

She placed her glass on the side table next to her. “I’m listening.”

I decided to just lay it out there. “Is it really a coincidence that the only two guys I’ve been with are both Pterons?”

“By been with, I assume you mean slept with.”

I’m sure I blushed. It was weird talking about sex with Levi’s mom. “Yes.”

“It probably is. It might also be that you’re attracted to men with Pteron attributes. They tend to be strong, virile, adventurous.”

“Toby isn’t adventurous. He’s the opposite.”

She crossed her legs and leaned forward slightly. “Are you sure that wasn’t just because he thought you wanted it that way?”

I pondered the idea. “Maybe…I don’t know.”

“And under the same theory, Pteron men would be attracted to the same kind of woman. Strong, confident, sexy, attractive.”

“A lot of girls fit that description.”

She nodded. “Something tells me that wasn’t the answer you were looking for.”

“Is there another answer?”

“Maybe. I wish I could tell you more, but I honestly don’t know. There may be one person that does.” She leaned back.

“Who?”

“Robert’s mother.” By the look on Helen’s face, she didn’t have a great relationship with Levi’s grandmother.

“Do you think she’d talk to me?”

“Not without some persuasion.”

“Persuasion?” I took another sip of my mimosa.

“I can take care of that part.” Helen tried to hide a smile.

“Where does she live? When can we see her?”

“She lives out on a plantation about a hundred miles from here. I’ll see if I can set something up for next week.”

“Should I be nervous?”

“Yes.”

“Thanks for the honesty.”

“She’s not the easiest woman to get along with.” Helen picked up her glass but didn’t drink from it.

“I really appreciate your willingness to do this for me, then.”

“Considering everything you’ve done for this family, I’d say you deserve it. Besides, I want to know as much as you do.”

I doubted she wanted to know quite as much, but I appreciated the sentiment.

“Thank you.” I set my empty glass aside.

“Not to change the topic suddenly, but I was going to invite you over soon anyway. Has anyone talked to you about the ball?”

“Hailey mentioned it once.”

“Did she explain its significance?”

“No. She really just mentioned it briefly.”

“The annual ball is thrown by our family every winter. The guest list is tight, only the most elite members of the community, supernatural or otherwise, are invited. It’s a chance to celebrate the year and bring the different groups together. This year will be extra special though.” Helen became animated as she talked.

“Why?”

“It will be the first time the crown prince will be bringing his mate.”

“How is this different from the party last summer?”

“That was an engagement party so to speak. This is more formal, more public.” She sat forward again, like she was eager to get up. “I don’t mean to worry you, but you’ll be on display. Invitations are always in high demand, but we’ve reached record highs.”

My stomach turned nervously. “They just want to meet me?”

“Yes. You’re their future queen.” She said queen with admiration. She unquestionably respected her position.

“Crazy.”

“There are fun parts about the ball.”

Anything fun sounded good. “Like?”

“Your dress. Would you like to see it? I’m not quite done, but I’m getting close.”

“You’re not quite done? Does that mean you’re making it yourself?”

“In another life I would have been a designer. At least I get to make dresses for both of us now.” She stood up. “I have it waiting in my sewing room next door.”

Helen pushed open another door. It opened into a similarly decorated room, except this room had a sewing station, dress mannequins, and fabric swatches all over. I’d barely walked into the room when my eyes immediately went to a floor-length red gown. I moved toward it. “Is this my dress?”

“Yes. What do you think?” Helen asked apprehensively.

“It’s gorgeous.” It was. Made of satin, with a long train and a ruby embellished bodice, I’d never seen anything like it. “I can’t believe you made this.”