Page 24

Rey took my hand, his expression changing when he noticed the slight wince. Before he could ask, I volunteered an explanation.

‘Irsha bolted from the alcove to cut Niersen’s throat. I intercepted him, but if you ever want Lily’s husband dead, Irsha will do it for free.’ He guided us to the table.

‘I’ll have a word with your Grand Master later,’ Rey answered, glancing at Blade behind us. The king’s neck muscles were so tense they stood out beneath his skin, and I wondered if the strained atmosphere in the room had affected him too.

‘No, you won’t. Now smile. They can’t see us arguing.’

We sat at the table, and Reynard played the attentive king, placing the best cuts on my plate while I observed those gathered. The Dark Fae and the Orcs mingled, and as the wine flowed, their tales of sexual prowess grew wilder. The Wind Masters were still uptight but interacted with the Dagome nobles when asked about the gryphons and trade. Only the Lumivitae stood out like a sore thumb, barely talking with anyone—not even each other.

Lily wasn’t eating. It was upsetting to see the woman who could fill a room with laughter now pushing food around her plate.

‘The Clericus of Tangra and companions,’ the majordomo bellowed. I dropped my fork. My heart hammered in my chest.

Rey didn’t look surprised.

‘You knew they’d come.’ I couldn’t help the accusatory tone, and he lifted my hand to his lips.

‘Cinared told me they’d entered the castle. Forgive me, sometimes I forget you can’t communicate with him that way.’

That would’ve been a welcome warning, especially with the man who’d shot me full of srebrec striding into the room. He recognised me too. His eyes widened, then he leaned toward the Clericus. He whispered something to the older man, who kept his eyes fixed on my face.

‘Sana, we need to welcome them.’ Rey gave my hand a reassuring squeeze. I swallowed, pushing the fear and memories deep into a darkness I was still afraid to face.

‘I’m ready,’ I answered. We stood from the table and walked to the edge of the raised dais, waiting for the delegation to approach.

‘King Reynard. It’s a pleasure to be a part of this auspicious occasion. I’m happy to see your kingdom so well protected. It will help with the transition of power.’ The Clericus didn’t bow or show respect. He just smirked as he continued staring at me.

A murmur of voices washed through the chamber, but Reynard returned the smirk, pointing to a dark corner where the servants had hastily set a table.

‘Thank you for your kind words about Dagome. As for any transition, we can discuss it tomorrow. Everyone is tired after travelling here, and after the long journey from the sands of Tangra, I’m sure you need to recuperate. Sit, eat and enjoy our hospitality. Our customs welcome even enemies if they know how to behave.’

The veiled threat caused the Clericus to frown, but the Prefect remained unfazed. The man stepped forward, studying my face.

‘I’m pleased to see you alive, Mage. Not many recover from being shot by srebrec bolts or escape from Ernesto’s dungeons. Second chances rarely occur, and I welcome the opportunity to… know you better.’

Oh, fuck, oh bloody, fuckity, fuck.

Golden light overtook Rey’s iris as the wild magic rose to the surface. The Prefect was looking death in the eye, oblivious to how close he was to losing his head. Ormond’s large hand grasped Rey’s shoulder, his fingers digging in so hard his knuckles went white.

‘Introduce me, brother. I’d love to meet the man with such a special interest in Dagome’s mages. I remember the last fool who begged for a second chance. We had so much trouble scrubbing his blood from the walls of the family mansion.’

Ormond tilted his head towards his mates as Alaric held his hands up in apology.

‘Don’t blame me. He was the Lich King’s spy, but he was so chatty after a little persuasion.’

Annika covered her mouth to hide her amusement. ‘Will you stop it? No talking about blood or other nasty things at dinner. This is the first decent meal I’ve kept down in days. Roksana, you’re a genius. I’ll build you a workshop much bigger than Rey can ever manage if you move to Ozar.’

The petty squabble eased Reynard’s tension, the glowing golden ring fading from his gaze, and I breathed again.

‘Prefect, I also look forward to our next meeting. I have a feeling I’ll like it much more than this one. Stay away from Roksana and do not abuse hospitality law,’ Rey intoned, right before the servants ushered the Tangrian delegation to their table.

‘Are you two alright?’ Orm asked. If I could hug this bear of a man, I would. He and his family had saved the situation without even trying.

‘Yes, thank you,’ I said, glancing at Rey, who gave me an apologetic grimace.

‘I…’ Rey took a deep, cleansing breath. ‘Thank you, brother.’ He led me back to the table, his thumb stroking the inside of my wrist. Even as we sat, he kept holding my hand, as if I were the only thing keeping him grounded.

‘I’m going to kill him,’ he murmured after a servant refilled his wineglass.

‘No, you are not. He’s mine,’ I answered, raising my glass in answer to a salute from the Dark Fae consort. ‘But first, I need Lily out of the Lumivitae’s reach. Take the men away for a manly chat. I’ll take care of the rest.’

Reynard looked at his brother, then his gaze drifted to the Wind Master’s table, and a slow smile spread across his lips.

‘I planned my surprise for later, but as my Queen demands, so be it. Will three hours be enough?’

I nodded. Reynard released my hand and stood, raising his glass.

‘I would like to make a wager. I believe Dagome’s dragons can outpace the Gryphons of Wind Master Isle. Ectheon, what say you?’

The Wind Master rolled his eyes and I didn’t blame him. Gryphons were the fastest magical beasts, but no one ever raced against a dragon.

‘I’ll pass.’ Annika laughed, raising her hands in surrender, and I seized the opportunity.

‘Ladies, let’s leave the men to their… ego measuring.’ I approached Lily. ‘Come, Lilliana. I insist.’

As if on command, Ormond appeared between Prince Iasno’ta and Niersen, Lily’s husband.

‘Splendid. I bet Vahin would love to race too.’ He left them no opportunity to interfere, and I finally had my pale, docile fae alone. I sacrificed grace for haste as I ushered the women out of the chamber.