She liked this current version of herself. If she could avoid getting caught in any more of the emperor’s machinations, her life would be pretty damn ideal.
Dewdrop pointed at a corner of the ballroom where a long table with drinks resided. “I’m going to take Daisy to get something to drink.”
Tate thought a moment before nodding. “Daisy, remember what I said earlier. Make sure to stay close to Dewdrop or one of us at all times.”
“I won’t let you down,” Daisy said.
Tate’s expression softened. Daisy was a good kid. She could see why Dewdrop liked her.
Night’s tail flicked where he sat with his eyes partially closed.Bring something back for the rest of us.
Dewdrop scowled. “I’m not your errand boy. Get it yourself.”
Night’s eyes opened fully.Hmm. Perhaps that request was too much. I wouldn’t want to get in the way of your courtship, lover boy.
Dewdrop flushed a dull red as he sent the Veles a murderous look.
Tate eased back a step, not wanting to get caught between the two if a fight erupted. Common sense dictated she try to stop them, but Tate had no intention of interfering. She knew how that would end. Her, stuck in the middle like a human-shaped buffer, while they tried to get around her. Last time this had happened, Dewdrop ruptured her ear drum and Night misjudged an attack and ended up sinking his teeth into her ass. She was pretty sure she still had the scars.
As a result, she’d made a vow never to get between the two again. Even if it meant losing face in front of the emperor and his subjects. There was only so much a dragon could take.
No, thank you. They could settle this on their own.
“Shouldn’t we—” Roslyn started.
Tate caught her arm when she looked like she was going to step forward. “I’ve learned its best to stay out of their arguments. It’s safer that way.”
Roslyn stared at Tate with a flummoxed expression that she ignored. Daisy hovered over Dewdrop and Night as the two glared at each other.
Dewdrop looked away first, his eyes catching on a trio of figures. His expression brightened.
“Looks like I’m not the only one who will be courting tonight.” Dewdrop tilted his head at the woman on the far right.
Shorter and more muscular than her two companions, she wore a simple outfit comprised of a loose pair of pants and a fur lined vest. Leather cuffs adorned either bicep.
Furry, pointed ears and the thin covering of fur on her exposed arms indicated her heritage as a Veles.
She moved with a grace Tate had only ever seen in Night. Almost as if her bones were made of liquid. Everything about her screamed predator. From how she held herself, as if ready for anything, to the way she carefully watched the room.
Tate saw a lot of the same habits in Night as were in this woman. Though, Mia was more guarded than Night.
Night glanced in her direction before turning his back on her.
“What’s the matter, friend? Not going to say hi?” Dewdrop teased.
Tate shook her head. When was Dewdrop going to learn that teasing Night never worked out well for him in the end?
“I’d be careful if I was you,” Tate advised.
Night was sure to get his own back when Dewdrop least expected it. The more Dewdrop pushed this matter. The more inventive Night’s retaliation.
Dewdrop wasn’t deterred, sending her a mischievous grin. “Weren’t you the one thinking of inviting Gabriella and Mia for lunch?”
That little bastard. He was throwing her into the thick of the commotion he’d started.
Worse, he hadn’t even had to lie.
She really had been debating doing exactly that. Granted, she’d only come up with the plan after Night purposely dumped a pot of ink on her head. Of course, before that Tate had been responsible for dying his back leg and a good portion of his side red.
