The transformation was nothing short of a miracle. As Eleni stepped out of the bathroom, the silk of the midnight-blue gown hissed against the marble floor. The dress clung to her curves like a second skin, the shimmering crystals catching the dim light of the safe house like stars reflected in the Aegean. She had scrubbed the dirt from her nails, let her copper hair fall in elegant waves, and applied a touch of crimson lipstick that made her look less like a florist and more like a warning.
Ben was standing by the window, now dressed in a charcoal-quality tuxedo that looked like it had been molded onto his frame. He turned as she approached, and for the first time since they met, the Shadow King was speechless.
"You're staring, Benson," Eleni said, her voice steady despite the flutter in her stomach. "Is there a smudge on my face, or are you just surprised that I don't smell like fertilizer?"
Ben took a slow, deliberate breath, his obsidian eyes scanning her from head to toe. "I'm surprised I didn't see it before," he murmured, stepping closer. "The diamonds were always there, Eleni. They were just hidden under the roses."
"Don't get poetic on me now," she shot back, though a blush crept up her neck. "Tell me the plan. How does a flower girl and a wounded criminal walk into the most secure villa in Athens without getting shot?"
Ben reached into his jacket and pulled out two gold-embossed invitation cards. "Because we aren't ourselves tonight. You are Lady Elena Vourakis, a wealthy recluse from the islands looking to invest in the city's 'redevelopment'. And I..." he gave a sharp, predatory grin, "am your loyal cousin and advisor, Sebastian."
"Sebastian again," Eleni muttered. "You really like that name, don't you?"
"It sounds expensive," Ben shrugged. "Now, listen. The earpiece is hidden in your earring. I'll be with you the whole time. Your only job is to distract The Accountant. He has a weakness for beautiful women and rare flowers. Keep him talking for ten minutes while I get into his private study to find the ledger."
"And if he realizes I don't know the difference between an investment and a geranium?"
"Then you use your teeth, Eleni. You've shown me you have them."
The Villa d'Oro was a fortress of light and music. As their sleek black sedan pulled up to the entrance, Eleni felt the weight of the mission pressing down on her. The air was thick with the scent of expensive perfume and betrayal.
Ben stepped out first, playing the role of the attentive 'Sebastian' to perfection. He offered his hand to Eleni, leaning in to whisper near her ear as he helped her out.
"Breathe, Elena. You own this room. If anyone looks at you with doubt, look at them as if they are a weed in your garden."
"I'm going to kill you after this, Ben," she whispered back, flashing a dazzling smile for the photographers.
"If we survive, I'll buy the flowers for my own funeral," he retorted.
They swept into the ballroom. The elite of Athens were there—corrupt politicians, shadow bankers, and the very men who had sent thugs to Eleni's shop. She felt a surge of cold fury. These people sipped champagne while she struggled to pay for Mia's medicine.
"There he is," Ben whispered, nodding toward a thin, balding man in a silver suit. The Accountant.
"He looks like a rat in a tuxedo," Eleni noted.
"A very wealthy rat. Go. I'm moving toward the library."
Eleni took a deep breath, adjusted her earring, and began her walk across the marble floor. Every eye was on her. She felt like a predator in a sea of prey.
"Excuse me," she said, her voice dropping into a sophisticated, bored lilt as she approached The Accountant. "I was told the host of this party had a rare collection of midnight orchids. But all I see are these... common lilies. How disappointing."
The Accountant turned, his eyes widening as they landed on Eleni. He looked her up and down, his gaze lingering on the crystals on her dress. "A woman who knows her flowers. A rare find in this den of vipers. I am the host's representative. And you are?"
"Elena Vourakis," she said, offering her hand. "And I don't like being kept waiting."
Behind her, she saw Ben—no, Sebastian—slip through a side door, vanishing into the shadows of the villa.
"You're doing great, Elena," Ben's voice crackled in her ear. "He's practically drooling. Keep him talking about the orchids. I'm at the door of the study. Security is tighter than I thought."
"Tell me," Eleni said to the Accountant, leaning in slightly, "is it true that the gold market in Athens is as fragile as a winter rose? I'm looking for something... more permanent for my family's estate."
The Accountant's eyes sharpened. "You have interesting interests, Lady Elena. Perhaps we should discuss this in a more... private setting?"
"Eleni, don't go with him," Ben's voice was suddenly sharp in her ear. "I've hit a snag. There's a second guard. Stay in the ballroom."
But Eleni saw the way the Accountant was looking at her. She saw the opportunity. "I'd love a private tour," she said, ignoring Ben's warning. "Lead the way."
As they walked toward the darkened hallway, Eleni felt the cold sting of fear, but she didn't stop. She was no longer just a florist. She was the Midnight Queen, and she had a king to protect.
"You know," the Accountant said as they reached a heavy oak door, "you look very familiar. Have we met? Perhaps in a more... humble setting?"
Eleni's heart stopped. She saw the flash of recognition in his eyes. He didn't see a Lady. He saw the girl from the flower shop.
"I think you have me confused with someone else," she said, her hand reaching for the heavy crystal vase on the side table.
"Eleni! Get out of there now!" Ben's voice screamed in her ear, followed by the sound of a struggle and a muffled gunshot.
The Accountant smiled, and it wasn't a friendly one. "I don't think so, Eleni. Benson has a habit of picking up stray kittens. Unfortunately for you, this is where the kittens get drowned."