Simone had shown Rachel to the guest quarters farthest away from my own quarters. Parts of the Keep were maze-like, so that should keep her busy for a while. When Simone returned, she collapsed into the seat across from my desk.
Seymour thumped over and launched himself into her lap. Simone snorted and stroked the top of his trap. “Never thought this monster could be more like a dog than a vicious, venomous pain in the ass, but he’s turned out to be pretty cute.”
Seymour bumped her with his head.
“Who needs a dog when you can poison your enemies via plants?”
She laughed but sobered. “Rachel is going to be nothing but trouble.”
“I’m more aware than you know,” I murmured. Getting her thorns out of me was one of the most difficult things I’d ever done.
“Evie won’t like this.”
“She understands political relations more than she wants to admit. Her father has been busy training her as well.”
Simone rolled her eyes. “Yes, but she’s still a woman and your fiancée. No matter how much she understands, she won’t like it.”
My jaw clenched. My Omega was right, but I was in a tricky situation. “I can’t risk alienating Europe. I’m already on thin ice with the other Lords and am walking a tightrope with fae relations as well.”
Simone gave me a look. “You chose wrong once before. If you keep putting politics above Evie, you’ll lose her.”
I threw my hands up. “I’m well aware. There has to be a balance, and so far, I’ve yet to find one. Evie keeps refusing her crown, but when she finally steps up to her heritage, she will be in the same boat I am.”
My Omega laughed. “I don’t think there’s a force in any of the worlds that can make Evie do something she doesn’t want to do.”
I rubbed my hands over my face. “Then what would you have me do?”
Simone shrugged. “Start by figuring out the real reason Rachel is here. Make sure Evie knows your hands are somewhat tied, at least for now. Do not meet with Rachel without someone else to bear witness. She can and will complicate your life more than you even realize if she gets her hooks into you.”
“I’ll call her father tomorrow.” The European Lord wasn’t an unreasonable man, but he’d never liked me all that much. Perhaps that would encourage Rachel to leave as soon as possible.
Simone’s phone chimed. She looked down and chuckled. “Speaking of Evie. She’s outside.”
My heart leapt in my chest for two reasons. First, because every time I saw her felt like the first time. Second, because she was absolutely going to chew my ass over Rachel staying here.
My Omega saw my expression and let out a merry laugh.
“Shut it,” I growled.
She stood and gently set Seymour down, giving him a final stroke over his traps. “This is what you get for loving an independent girl.”
I sighed and picked up Seymour before following behind her. “Evie has had enough of everyone’s shit to last her three lifetimes, but the hits just keep coming.”
Evie wore casual clothes—jeans and a puffy jacket. Her dark hair was loose around her shoulder, and her nose was pink with cold. She grinned when she saw me.
I snagged her around the waist and pulled her inside. Her breathy laugh made me want to hug her tighter.
Evie waved at Simone when I set her down. “Hey! I’m glad you’re both here. There’s something we need to chat about.”
Simone’s eyebrows rose. “You met Rachel earlier.”
Evie rolled her eyes. “I did. She said she was on her way to see Caelan.”
I winced.
One of her eyebrows rose. “I take it she was true to her word?”
At the worst moment, Rachel poked her head around the corner. “Oh, hello.” Her perfect brow wrinkled. “You’re the florist, right?”
