A sly smirk pulled on her lips as she strolled back toward her glass on the shelf, patting him on the chest as she passed. “You’ll see.”
“You’re in a surprisingly calm mood.”
“Quite the contrary, actually. I’mpissedoff.” Thunder boomed through the sky outside, accentuating the words. “And I think it’s time we let the council in on the thingsweknow.”
“We? You wantmein the council meeting? What happened to no one knowing I was here?” Daemon quirked a brow and took a sip from his glass. The soft burn of the liquid giving way to the sweet taste of honey.
Auraelia shrugged. “If you’re here, you might as well be useful.”
Her words nearly made him choke on his whiskey. Coughing to clear his throat, he asked, “Excuse me?”
There was a knock at the door before their conversation could go any further.
“Could you get that?” she asked, a mischievous light shining in her eyes.
Daemon narrowed his gaze and slowly backed toward the door. “Why do I feel like you’re setting me up?”
A giggle—an actual giggle—escaped from Auraelia as she watched him and shrugged.
She’s definitely up to something.
Daemon cautiously opened the door, and standing on the other side was Xander.
The prince looked him up and down before sighing and pushing his way into the suite. “Where’s Auraelia?”
“Nice to see you again, too,” Daemon scoffed.
Xander crossed the space to his sister. “Rae, what’s going on?”
“You’ll see,” she said before taking another sip from her glass. “Do you want one? I have a feeling you’re going to need it.”
“Tell me what’s going on,” her brother repeated.
“Xander, grab a drink and sit down.”
Not even a minute had passed before there was another knock on the door. Glancing at Auraelia, who nodded in confirmation, Daemon blew out a breath.
Only, when he opened it this time, he was met with the exasperated face of Piper.
“Are we in trouble?” she asked as she stepped around him and into the suite.
“No, you’re not in trouble. Though we do have somethingsto talk about. But that’s not why I asked you all here.” Auraelia gestured to the open seats in her sitting area. “Have a seat; we have a lot to discuss.” Glancing around the room, a puzzled look stretched over her features before her gaze landed back on Daemon. “Where’s Aiden?”
“He’s on the ship, why?” Daemon responded, crossing the room to sit on one of the couches.
“He’s on the—” Auraelia stopped, her eyes narrowing in on her friend. When Piper’s cheeks flushed, Auraelia’s brows shot up to her hairline, her mouth dropping open before she promptly shut it.
“Can someone clue me in, please?” Xander exclaimed as he threw himself down into one of the armchairs.
Auraelia pulled her gaze from Piper and turned it toward her brother. “Xander,breathe.” Once everyone was seated, Auraelia drained the contents of her glass and began. “I want Daemon and Aiden present at the council meeting today.”
“You want to dowhat?” Xander asked, disbelief filling his tone as confusion marred his features.
“I believe she said she wanted Daemon and Aiden at the council meeting today,” Piper chimed in, one brow winging up as she focused on her friend.
“I heard what she said, Piper. I just don’t understandwhyshe said it.”
“Because they’re the ones with information on Davina. AndIcertainly can’t tell them without them bombarding me with questions onhowI came by the information.” All eyes were trained on Auraelia as she spoke, but before anyone could interject, she continued. “Look, we haven’t met with Aiden in over a month. He could have new information to share. They’re both here. And I think it’s time that the council learned what we know.”
