Jiya was being quite impossible. Devi had headed to her friend in a quest to get away from Valerius, but the damn female just wouldn’t stop talking about him.

“Seriously, how could you keep the fact that you’re boning Dark and Handsome from me?”

Devi sighed, repeating herself. “New development. He arrived two nights ago. I’ve barely seen you since.”

She wished she could simply tell the truth, but it wasn’t advisable in a roomful of creatures who all had an acute sense of hearing. It would have to wait.

The crowd was still thick and paying attention to her. Valerius might have had a point about the dress. His words kept her planted where she stood; if she left early, some might believe that she was too cowardly to remain when her protector had left. A retreat might have been wise, but her pride prevented it. She wouldn’t leave quite yet.

“I heard elders whisper around me. They said that while Valerius is known to fuck his way around the court, he’s never singled out any female before tonight.”

Devi shrugged wordlessly, glancing toward the exit Valerius had taken, annoyed at him, and at herself too. What if he’d gone off without a word of apology? She shouldn’t give it a thought after his insult. But she did. Damn her, she found herself looking at that door far too often.

“Go on, give me something. Anything.”

“Tomorrow,” Devi promised, sipping on her second glass of wine. “There are too many ears for my liking now.”

At least that much was true.

Jiya sighed, defeated, then started to talk, but something she saw behind Devi’s shoulder made her gasp and stare, eyes widened.

Devi turned, half expecting to find Vale. If only.

She was seriously considering the nefarious consequences of having too much pride; she should have gone back to her apartment, dammit.

King Devin stood behind her, hand extended, smiling pleasantly.

He was very handsome, and so exquisitely exotic. His skin was golden, darker than Devi’s, and his hair was black as night. Keen green eyes lightened his features, making him appear young and mischievous.

“Devira. I’d be enchanted if you were to grant me this dance.”

She practically grimaced, staring at his hand like it might bite.

“I’m sorry, I do find myself quite worn out.”

He dropped his right hand to his side while his left one scratched his head awkwardly. “I see.” He hesitated before adding, “You’re not quite comfortable in my presence.”

“As comfortable as I can be with any stranger, sir,” she lied easily, offering him her best smile.

“Right. Of course. In any case, I offered a dance because I wish to speak to you privately regarding a matter of some sensitivity.”

The king glanced to Jiya purposefully.

“Perhaps we ought to make an appointment for a later date if the matter is confidential. Anywhere in this hall, a dozen ears will catch it, at the very least.”

“Right.” The king paused. “But at a later date, I am correct when I say that we’d talk in the presence of Valerius Blackthorn?”

“Probably.”

The prospect was obviously not appealing to Devin. “I do not wish to make this an official matter between our two realms. I am simply rectifying a matter that should never have occurred.” The king put his hand in the pocket at the side of his embroidered silver and blue coat, pulling out a small piece of paper adorned with his seal.

“This is one of the twelve copies ratified and filed, restoring you as a member of the house of lords, and revoking my father’s orders against your person. I came to express vows of friendship to the queen and her court. They do extend to you.”

Devi broke the seal, opened the folded piece of paper and read the short order. She was to be called Lady Rivers. Her lands in the banks were restored. She was no enemy of the Seelie Court. Just like that.

She chuckled. “That’s….” Finding the right word took an instant. “Nice. I guess. Not having a bounty on my head is certainly pleasant. But I’ll never step foot in the Seelie Court. I’ll never join a realm where females are expected to wed the lords who put a claim on them. I have no interest in that foreign land that bears my name. It has done well enough for the last century without my meddling in its affairs.”

The king was startled, but not outwardly displeased. His features relaxed.

“Good. This piece of paper won’t change the ways of the members of my court. You’d find little welcome in my realm. Nevertheless, know that I bear no ill will toward you. Not all of us seelie are quite as backward as you may have cause to believe.”

He seemed very sincere, and hadn’t twisted his words in a way that might have allowed him to hide a lie.

“Glad to hear it.”

“How about that dance now?” he asked cockily, an open and teasing smile on his lips.

She laughed good-heartedly. “Thanks, but I’m really tired. I’ll be retiring in a minute.”

The king’s mouth was very expressive, she noted. It dropped and pouted in a way that struck her as handsome and adorable all at once.

“Shame. The music is quite engaging, and I have a mind to join the dance. I know no one but the members of my party.”

His eyes had returned to Jiya at least twice. At first, Devi thought he was simply checking whether she was eavesdropping—and Jiya most definitely was. But finally she understood. Feeling foolish, she exclaimed, “Oh!”

Devi took Jiya’s hand and pulled her forward. “May I introduce my closest acquaintance, Jiya Duniel.”

Jiya wasn’t used to nobility. As an apprentice protector, she was admitted as part of court, but that didn’t change the fact that she was a common fae. She was mostly ignored by all who didn’t need to deal with her.

Devi winced, knowing she would later pay for putting her on the spot like that. Jiya had little magic, but she was twice the fighter Devi was when it came to games of fists and kicks. She was also fast; potentially fast enough to hold her own against Shea.

The ruthless warrior waved awkwardly, bent her knees and said, “Hi.”

Devin smiled politely, extending his hand again. “Hi back. May I request this dance, Lady Duniel.”

“There’s no lady here, but sure, I guess. Thanks.”

And they were off, leaving Devi amused and grateful. Left to her own company, and with the eyes of the room focused on the seelie king, she could finally slip away unnoticed.