"That's debatable," the wall murmurs, and Kaan shoots it a murderous glare.
"The Fae realm has opinions now?"
"The Fae realm is always listening, darling." Banu grins. "But yes, the deal is done. Morwanna gets her amusement watching you navigate court politics, we get safe passage and resources. Everyone wins."
"Except for those of us who have to endure more Fae hospitality," Kaan mutters.
I turn to Elçin, who's been unusually composed about all of this. "You agreed. To two weeks every month in the Fae realm. Without even arguing."
Something flickers in her storm-gray eyes before her political mask slides back into place. "Some debts are worth paying."
"That's not an answer."
"It's the only answer you're getting." But there's a warning in her gaze—not here, not now.
"Elçin—"
"The terms are acceptable," she cuts me off with regal finality. "We agree, we play Morwanna's games for a few moredays, and then we return to deal with the real threats. This is distraction, nothing more."
Banu bounces on her toes, entirely too pleased with herself. "Perfect. Now, Shadow Boy—" she makes shooing motions at Kaan, "—go wait for your wife in the eastern gardens. The one with the ridiculous fountain of naked sprites. I need exactly three minutes with Nesilhan."
Kaan's shadows coil protectively. "If this is another one of your?—"
"Relax, I'm not drugging her again." Banu's grin is absolutely wicked. "This time. Now go. Shoo. Your brooding presence is interfering with girl talk."
"I don'tbrood?—"
"Eastern gardens. Naked sprite fountain. Three minutes." Banu physically starts pushing him down the corridor despite him being three times her size. "Go contemplate the mysteries of the universe or whatever it is you do when you're not ravishing your wife."
He shoots me a look that promises retribution before his shadows carry him away with far more dignity than Banu's shoving deserves.
The moment he's gone, Banu loops her arm through mine and Elçin's, physically pulling us into an empty alcove.
"Right," Elçin says dryly. "I'm leaving before whatever chaos you're planning unfolds. I'll see you both at dinner. Or tomorrow. Whenever you resurface from whatever forest clearing you're about to defile." She glides away with that warrior's grace before Banu can protest.
***
"Now then," Banu says, immediately producing a small crystal vial from thin air.
"No," I say firmly. "Whatever that is—no."
"Oh, don't be such a prude." She uncorks it, and the scent of jasmine and something wild fills the air. "This isn't like last time. This is just a little... enhancement."
"The last time you 'enhanced' anything, I woke up with half the palace having heard me scream Kaan's name."
"And you're welcome for that, by the way. The servants are still talking about it." She grins. "Besides, you're already planning to ravage him somewhere. I'm just ensuring you have the stamina to make itmemorable. And trust me—" her voice drops to something almost serious, "—when you get back to Shadow Court and finally get your hands on Emir, you'll thank me for the practice."
"I amnot?—"
Before I can finish, she blows the sparkling dust directly into my face.
The effect is immediate and devastating. Heat floods through my veins like liquid fire, pooling low in my belly with an intensity that makes my knees buckle. Every nerve ending comes alive, hypersensitive, and the phantom memory of Kaan's touch makes me gasp. My nipples harden against my bodice, and I can feel myself getting wet, slick with need.
"Banu!" I grip the wall for support. "What did you?—"
"Nothing permanent," she assures me breezily. "Just a little fairy aphrodisiac. The kind that makes everything feelbetter. Much better. Trust me, you're going to need it."
The heat is intensifying with every second, making it hard to think about anything except getting my hands on Kaan. His mouth. His cock. His shadows pinning me down while he?—
