Goblin Ball by L. K. Rigel

gods. Quite the contrary, in fact.”
    “But Morning Glory told me the gifting is meant to counteract the magic in the christening. That’s how she put it.”
    “Not counteract. Leave it to your mother to be overdramatic. Balance might be a better word.”
    “Balance. My mother is a fairy. My husband’s aunt is the fairy queen. You’re not the first to tell me how the fae love children. Every morning, I wake to the fear I’ll find a changeling left in Lexi’s place. I doubt I’ll ever have balance in my life again.”
    “There’s no need to fear the Dumnos fae, but the others…” Max glanced about, his gaze resting briefly on the Sarumen. “Living in the human realm, she’ll be exposed. Fae of other courts may cross her path in this realm, and you know not all fae are sweetness and light. But on one thing, let me set your mind at ease. The yew bed is imbued with a protection charm. Lexi will always sleep there safe from harm.”
    “Oh, Max, thank you!” Lilith threw her arms around the gob and kissed his cheek, then said, “I’ll keep that piece of information from the vicar.”
    “I take it he’s being a good sport about the whole business?”
    “He’d never last in Dumnos if he wasn’t, but we didn’t tell him about today. No need to freak him out any more than necessary.”
    Lilith looked uneasily at Marion and Ian, Sharon and Jimmy, and Cammy and Bella. She wished she hadn’t told any humans about today at all. The only one she really wanted here—Beverly, for Cade’s sake—hadn’t shown up.
    V. Max
    “Attention! Attention, everyone!” Queen Narcissus called out. “Everybody, it’s time to do presents!”
    Ever since she accepted the moonstick crown in Prince Dandelion’s place, the sparkle of fun had gone out of Cissa’s eyes… until today. When Max had arrived at the lake, she was already there, flitting about, happily directing the brownies where to put the walnut shell cot, calling the butterflies to surround the Temple of Joy and Wonder, and laughing with the pixies as they played catch with the leprechauns’ hats.
    When she saw Max, she’d called his name and flown to him on a breeze, smiling so brightly that he’d had to catch his breath. She had taken hold of his hands and spun him around and kissed his cheek. When she pulled away, his heart had soared.
    She was wearing the emerald necklace. The one she’d stolen from his cottage so very long ago, before the days of the curse. It wasn’t close to the best thing Max had ever made, but to him it was the dearest, a symbol of what might have been.
    “I know.” She’d caught him looking and fingered the stones self-consciously. “It’s not nearly as pretty as anything you’ve ever given me. But it’s special. I’m wearing it today for a reason. Just wait—you’ll see.”
    And she’d flown off to break up a fight between a particularly wayward pixie and the leprechaun Horace.
    As the guests arrived, Cissa had greeted them personally, all enthusiasm and fun. But with each arrival, the happiness went out of her voice and the light in her eyes dimmed. She kept searching the crowds as if hoping to find someone, but apparently the someone never came.
    Cissa’s happiness, which had filled his heart with delight, eventually drained away like spilled champagne seeping into the ground. Now with brave demeanor and forced gaiety, she performed her duty, calling everyone together to witness the gifting.
    The leprechauns’ booties were graciously received by the forewarned Lily.
    Horace, looking fine in a sea-green jacket, white and gold waistcoat, and floppy pink satin hat, popped in at the foot of the cot and wobbled a step before he gained his balance. No one noted his crabby red face and glowering black eyebrows. All were drawn to the tiny pair of pale pink satin shoes on his open, outstretched palm.
    “They’ll never scuff or wear out, my lord.” The leprechaun addressed Cade and Lily just as Max had overheard him