An Artificial Night

“Oh, no.” I groaned, falling back on the bed. “May, I can’t. Karen was in my head last night. She showed me this fucked-up . . . I don’t know if it was a memory or what, but it had Mom in it, and Oleander. I need to call and find out what the hell she was getting at.”


“Cry me a river. The Torquills expect you to attend the Beltane Ball, and you’re attending. You can explain the situation when we get there.”

“I hate you sometimes.”

“That’s fine. We’re still going.”

The Beltane Ball at Shadowed Hills has been one of the Duchy’s biggest social events for centuries. It’s a night of dancing, drinking, and welcoming the summer. In short, May’s sort of party. My sort of party involves less of a crowd, and a lot more physical violence. “I don’t think this is a good idea.”

“It’s not,” she agreed. “But you can’t become Countess of Goldengreen, run out of the Queen’s Court like your ass is on fire, and then miss the social event of the season. Not if you want to keep the Queen from figuring something’s up.”

“Fuck,” I said, staring up at the ceiling.

“Basically.” I heard her sip her coffee. “You okay?”

I laughed bitterly. “I’m peachy.”

“There’s the manic-depressive sweetheart we all know and love. Get up. You’ll feel better after you’ve had a shower.”

“Look, can’t you just call Sylvester and tell him I’m not coming?” I threw an arm over my face to block the light. “Tell him I’m busy saving the world. Better yet, how about you just be me for the night? You look the part.”

“Uh, one, no way. Two, I look like you, the jig would be up the minute I opened my mouth.” She walked over and kicked the bed. “Get up before I get the ice water. You’re trying to wallow in your misery, and I’m not putting up with it.”

I moved my arm, glaring at her. “I hate you.”

“I know. Now come on. We’ll go to the Ball, and you can meet my date.”

That was news. I sat up, blinking. “You have a date?”

“I do. See, unlike some people, I know a good thing when I see it.”

“I’m going to leave that alone,” I said, and sat up, scooting to the edge of the bed. My skirt snarled around me, hampering my movement. “I’m up. See? I’m up.”

“Good girl. Just for that, you can have a hot shower.”

“Don’t make me kick your ass.”

“You can try. Now come on: breakfast, coffee, shower, clothes.” She left the room, whistling. I flung a pillow after her. It bounced off the doorframe.

May was in her room when I emerged, clearly choosing retreat as the better part of valor. There was a cup of coffee on the hall table next to the phone. I had to smile a little at that. My Fetch knows me better than anybody else. I guess that should be creepy, but somehow, it’s actually reassuring.

I dialed the Tea Gardens and leaned against the wall. I’d been waiting long enough for an answer to give serious thought to panic when Marcia picked up, saying, “Japanese Tea Gardens. How may I help you?”

“It’s me, Marcia. How is she?”

“Toby!” The relief in her voice was enough to make me wince. “I’m so glad you called.”

“I would have called earlier, but I just woke up.” I sipped my coffee, nearly burning my lip. The pain wasn’t enough to detract from the relief of the caffeine. “May gave me a status report. Has anything changed?”

“No. Lily isn’t any worse. That’s good, right?”

I wanted to reassure her. I couldn’t do it.“I don’t know. Has there been any progress in finding her pearl?”

“Not yet. Everybody’s looking.”

“Keep looking, and make sure that whoever you have watching Lily knows to ask about it if she wakes up. I have to go to Shadowed Hills and make an appearance at the Beltane Ball before I can come. Call there if you need anything.”

“Okay.” She sniffled. “I will.”