Taroc grunted in approval.
“Xaedren!” Rath snapped.
“What?” Xae asked. “I had a great courtship with him. I don't feel deprived.”
“Whatever you want, Xae,” I said. “If you just want to—”
“Can youpleasenot discuss your sex life at breakfast?” Nex whined. “I'm trying to eat.”
We all went quiet and focused on our food.
After a few minutes, I asked, “So, Evina hasn't talked to you?”
“Should she have?” Nex narrowed his eyes at me. “I saw you speaking to her. What did you say, Ember?”
“I just asked if—”
“Lord Nex?” With impeccable timing, Evina interrupted me.
Nex's jaw fell as his head lifted.
I reached across the table and pushed it up.
He glared at me but hurried to say, “Good morning, Evina. How may I service you?” He flushed, then hurried to correct himself, “How may Ibe ofservice to you?”
Evina pressed her lips together to hold back a grin, then said, “There's something I'd like to discuss with you later. Maybe tonight, after the children are in bed?”
Nex got a stupid look on his face, but then he cleared his throat. “Certainly. Would you like to meet in the entry hall?”
“All right. See you around nine. That should give me enough time to get them settled.”
“Have a nice day.” He grinned at her until she walked out of earshot, then muttered, “Have a nice day? Who the fuck am I?”
Rath snorted and slapped Nex on the back. “It looks as if you should be thanking Ember.”
“Was that because of you?” Nex asked me.
“I just asked her why she was being standoffish.” I shrugged. “I may have encouraged her past her reservations.”
“What reservations?” Nex demanded.
“Well, she wants more than sex. She knows that you don't.”
“Who says I don't?”
“I know! I told her that.” I held up my hands. “But you have to see it from her perspective. You're you. She's heard a lot about you, Nex. And you're a Wraith Lord. There aren't any wives in the keep. The only lasting relationships here are between gay Wraith Lords. She doesn't think you have a future. So, I told her the war wouldn't last forever, and that every relationship is uncertain. I also said you were worth the risk.”
“You did?” Nex smirked.
“Don't do that.” I pointed at him. “Stay humble or you're gonna lose this one. And I like her, Nex. Be nice to her.”
Nex went serious to say, “I like her too. I will be on my best behavior.”
“Good.”
“And, Ember?”
“Yes?”
