“Wait, again?! You’ve been with Hil and Burke together before? And no one told me?!” she shrieked.
Dunstan’s laugh turned into a choked gurgle as the door to George’s room popped open. Isahn stuck his head in, and the very first thing she noticed was how handsome he looked and how much of his face she could see. Where his golden locks once fell past his shoulders, they now ended just above his jaw.
“I’m all done.” He beamed, running a hand through his hair to sweep it back from his face.
“Is she gone?” Dunstan whispered.
Isahn nodded, his eyes never leaving George.
Her tongue darted out to wet her lips.
With a shake of his head that sent his locs swaying, Dunstan stood from the sofa. “You two. I’m out of here. See you atcena? My apartment tonight.” He crossed to the door.
“Wait, don’t open that until Isahn’s hidden.”
“See you tonight, man.” Isahn waved before ducking back into the sitting room and closing it tight.
After Dunstan left, George readjusted the shoulders of herstola, tugging the front down, just so, before fluffing her hair. Sometimes the temptation to give herself a miraged style crept in, but unless it was necessary, she pushed the urge away. It split her focus, tired her out after long enough, and really—shockingly—she didn’t think it was necessary. Isahn seemed to like her for who she was, flaws and all.
A minuscule rap on the hall door let her know she had a fae visitor. She opened it a crack, and Ean zipped in before she’d even extended an invitation.
Impertinent little brat.
“P Georgie!”
“Told you not to call me that.”
“Ach, whateverye say, Princess.” He stretched his plump lips into a wide smile and rumpled his dark curls before zooming across the room to perch on the edge of her dresser.
Adorable little scamp.
“The guests are arriving for the Great Assembly.”
“Already?” That was curious; the viceroys wouldn’t typically show for another few days, not wanting to be in the palace any longer than was strictly necessary.
“One guest at least, a Sir Sarma an—”
Somethingthunkedagainst the door to George’s sitting room and she chuckled. “You can come in, Isahn. It’s safe.”
He popped in, smiling when he saw Eanraig. “I thought it was you.”
“Did you eavesdrop sufficiently?” George teased, elbowing him in the side.
“I did. My uncle’s here?” His voice was solemn.
She nodded, looking equally serious.
“Sir Sarma was brought in by the king’s men with a pendant.”
“Now we know his status a bit better.” George pursed her lips. Peros hadn’t come enslaved, but whether he’d leave with his memory was still up for question. “Do you know where he’s staying?”
Eanraig shook his head. “Not yet, but I’ll ken beforecena.”
“Good.”
Isahn’s palm found its way to George’s hip, and he gave her a squeeze as he eyed Ean, probably hoping for more information.
“I heard yer da is dining with him alone tonight.”
