Dad snorted and sat up straighter. “Caelan has proven himself unfit at the current time. Simone and Garrett have lost faith in their leadership and since they are both far more powerful than they let on, they must find someone more powerful to serve.”
I stared at my father for a long moment. “Serve?” The word felt…uncomfortable. “I don’t want anyone serving me.”
“No.” Dad shook his head. “Shifters are born and naturally inclined to serve in a strong hierarchy. Without one, they become lost. Volatile. Sometimes dangerous.”
Simone and Garrett sat there like stones. And me? I was confused as all hell. Those two had served Caelan for generations. What in the hell had happened in the short time since I’d left them? “I don’t understand how I can help you. I’m not a—a shifter or have a Keep or anything of the sort. I want to help, but I don’t have any work.”
Mom let out a low, wicked laugh. “Darling, they’re asking to be a part of your court.”
“My court?” I echoed, giving Mom a blank stare.
Moira slapped her hand over her mouth and gasped. “Oh, Evie,” she mumbled.
Garrett started to laugh, the sound a low, sexy rumble. “First, you should hire someone well versed in social etiquette.” He gestured to Simone. “I happen to have someone highly qualified right here.”
Simone gave me a little wave.
The cobwebs started to clear.
“There she goes,” Dad said, amusement in his voice. “She’s starting to understand.”
“A court,” I murmured. “Like ladies in waiting and all that nonsense?”
“Not so fancy as that,” Mom said, “but you do need a few close friends and family to keep you grounded and abreast on your social engagements.”
Well shit. I should have asked more questions. “Do you have people?” I put the word in air quotes.
“We both do,” Dad interjected. “You’ve met my people. Cliona’s people are more circumspect.”
Mom rolled her eyes. “And they don’t like you. Which is why you never see them.”
Dad wiggled his eyebrows at her, and Mom harrumphed, though her eyes sparkled with laughter.
“I don’t have a fund for salaries.” I frowned. “Or money to pay them.”
Dad sighed and shook his empty glass. “Simone. Can you make about twenty more of these?”
Moira snickered.
Simone rose. “I’ll make a pitcher.”
“The gods have blessed you,” Dad said. He floated the empty glasses over to the kitchen island.
Once Simone was in the kitchen, Dad leaned forward. “You are the current queen in training for all the fae.”
When I blinked owlishly at him, Dad groaned.
Garrett grinned. “Evie. Your father is too ancient to talk about money in public, but what he’s trying to hint around to is the fact that you’re filthy fucking rich.” He glanced at my father. “Correct?”
“Correct,” Dad agreed.
“So I can afford to pay salaries?”
“Many, many salaries,” Dad said.
“Huh. I’ll be damned. Cool.”
The sound of the cocktail shaker clattered around.
