“Don't get ahead of yourself, love,” Ravand said to Mila. “He hasn't mated him yet.” He sniffed in my direction, then added, “No, definitely not yet.”
I flinched and subtly inclined my head to sniff myself. All I smelled was a hint of my orange blossom perfume. Yes, I wore ladies' perfume. I liked it. And the men I've been with have enjoyed it as well.
“He has asense, darling,” Mila said.
“Didn't he have a sense about that boy? What was his name? Gerbil?”
I pressed my lips together to hold back a bark of laughter. Meanwhile, a few of Rian's knights snickered, and Geris looked as if he'd swallowed something sour.
Mila smacked her mate's arm. “His name is Geris.” She leaned in to whisper, “And he's right over there.”
I had a feeling Ravand knew what Geris's name was and exactly where he was standing. I suddenly forgave him for refusing to shake my hand. And I could hardly condemn him for not having faith in Rian's senses when I did not myself.
Ravand made a scoffing sound. “It was centuries ago. I can't be expected to remember the name of every man our son has bedded.”
“No, of course not. The list must be mind-boggling,” I drawled without thinking.
Everyone went quiet. Rian slowly swiveled a wide-eyed look at me. Inwardly, I cringed, but what's done is done. I lifted my chin and met his father's stare. It was as wide as Rian's.
Ravand and Adler, obviously father and son, burst into laughter at the same time. Their laughter eased Rian and delighted his mother, although his grandmother clearly didn't approve.
Ravand grabbed my hand and shook it. “I didn't expect such teeth on an Argaiv.”
“Because you don't remember the wars,” Adler said, abruptly going sober. “Some of the fiercest, most cunning warriors were Argaivs.”
I shook Ravand's hand while I nodded at his father. “Yes, our wings are deceptive. They make people think we're as delicate as they look. But an Argaiv's wings as flexible and strong. They bend instead of break, and that is a more accurate representation of my people. These days, most of my people are respectable, but it is not unheard of for Argaiv to become assassins.” I spread my arms to say, “We are well suited to killing.”
Rian gaped at me again.
Adler smirked. “I like a man who knows history, especially that of his people, and accepts all it is.”
“Hard not to accept facts,” I said.
Adler snorted. “You'd think that.” He glanced at his mate. “But some people are obstinate.”
“That had better not have been a jab at me, Adler,” Emmavane snapped.
Ravand pulled me forward with his handshake and then let go to toss that arm around me. “So, you're a smart man, eh? Counseling my boy?”
“I gave my opinions on what's happening here. That's all,” I said.
“And your opinions are?”
“That you need an expert in plants to look over the evidence.” I waved my hand at Sebastian. “This is Sebastian Dahl, Master of Vegetation. He'll be of far more use to you than I will, I'm sure.”
“Master of Vegetation?” Adler peered at the human.
“Yes, Sir.” Sebastian bowed. “I'm here to take a look at your forest.”
“A human,” Emmavane muttered. “What could he possibly know?”
“Perhaps you should wait and see, dearest,” Adler said crisply. “Before you wind up with another episode of foot-in-mouth. You know how randomly that sickness hits you.”
Emmavane grimaced at her mate, then spun on her heel and strode away as she announced, “I'll be in my wing. If a miracle happens and the human does something noteworthy, let me know.”
“She certainly knows how to make an exit,” I said.
“Oh, her exits are what I love most about her,” Adler drawled.
