Page 77 of Twist of Fate

“I still don’t understand how this qualifies you to help me,” Luke said.

“Poor, sweet, innocent Luke. Clearly, someone set you up because they knew you’d be carrying the drive. You teach corporate people how to communicate or manage time or whatever your job is. You aren’t trained for international intrigue.”

Luke glanced at Connal.

Connal’s face remained impressively blank.

Gomez reached over and patted Luke’s hand. “It’s okay. You don’t have to be embarrassed. This isn’t your area of expertise.”

“No,” Luke said carefully. “Apparently, it’s yours.”

“I’m glad you finally understand.”

Luke had spent years protecting Gomez by keeping him separate from his real work. Until Luke could explain the truth without placing him in greater danger, he would allow his friend to believe the sick-kitten underground made him the better spy.

It might be the safest secret Luke had ever kept.

A knock sounded at the chamber door.

Fizzwick looked toward it as Connal turned toward the sound. “Enter.”

The door opened, revealing a fae Luke hadn’t seen before. Igneous, Balthazar, and Fred waited in the corridor behind him.

“The king is ready to receive your report,” the messenger said. “He requests Connal and Luke attend with the sentinels.”

Gomez’s eyebrows rose. “I’m being excluded from royal business?”

“You require rest,” Connal said.

“I can rest in front of the king.”

Fizzwick planted himself firmly on the bed. “Gomez stays.”

Gomez stared at him. “Whose side are you on?”

“Yours.”

“That was annoyingly convincing.”

Luke moved closer to the bed. “I’ll come back and tell you what I can.”

“Everything you can.”

“Yes.”

Gomez studied him long enough to make sure he meant it, then nodded. “Fine. Go have your secret meeting. I’ll remain here and suffer beneath the crushing weight of all this attention.”

The other pixies descended around him, bearing another collection of pastries, flowers, and sparkling objects they had apparently decided he required.

Gomez surveyed the offerings. “I’ll try to be brave.”

Fizzwick patted his cheek. “We will help.”

Luke shook his head, but the sight reassured him. Gomez was safe, entertained, and unlikely to be left alone for the foreseeable future.

Connal held out his hand.

Luke looked at it for only a moment before threading their fingers together.