Dad laughed.
“I’ll expect a courier today,” Rowan said dryly.
“We took Hannah, and Seymour, and Poe and Fee followed,” Garrett added. “That is one freaky smart bird you have, Evie.”
“How’d you travel with them?”
Moira wiggled her fingers in a wave. “Potions, but I am now officially out of ingredients. There’s a small stash left, but expect at least six months before I can make any more.”
“And the birds?” I asked. Garrett and Simone were easily explained by the travel potions, but Poe and Fee had arrived right after.
Moira grinned. “I traveled with Fee. Poe got here on his own.”
I eyed the raven playing with Fee high above the Keep. “Did he now?”
“That he did. Poe is holding a wealth of secrets inside that glowing little body.”
Poe dove underneath Fee and rose up a second later, coming so close to Fee she screeched with delight.
Moira smiled. “Those two are inseparable.”
Simone leaned back in her chair. “You should expect a visit from the other Lord soon.”
Garrett winced. “Furious is an understatement. The bastard used guns on us.”
Rowan blinked. “Guns?”
Simone’s nod was grim. “No silver bullets, but they still hurt like a bitch. We had to get the bullets out before we used the potions. Otherwise, we couldn’t concentrate enough to travel.”
“The Caelan you know is gone, Evie.” Garrett’s eyes held sympathy. “I’m sorry.”
Maybe I never knew him at all. “I’ve only known him for a year or so. You’ve known him most of your lives. Would you say he’s different, or did he change himself for me?”
Simone and Garrett exchanged a look.
“Ah,” I nodded. “I knew the Caelan he wanted me to see.”
Simone leaned forward. “No. Don’t do that. We all put on a face when we’re in the wooing stage.”
Garrett snorted. “No one says woo.” He kept glancing at Rowan, a slight wrinkle in his forehead.
Simone tossed a grape at him. “It’s the perfect word. Caelan was wooing her in his unhinged, slightly psychotic way.”
“I’m with Simone,” Dad said. “Wooing implies trying to win the favor or love of another person. Caelan went full speed ahead with marriage plans before Evie liked him.”
Simone laughed. “Those were fun times.”
I tossed a grape at her this time. “Look at us now.”
Garrett was still staring at Rowan. I glanced at the Lord and watched him shift uncomfortably. “Everything okay?” I asked.
Both men turned their eyes to me. “Fine,” they snapped in unison.
My hand stilled in mid-air, the fork halfway to my mouth. “Yes,” I said slowly. “Everything seems awesome.”
Simone took another helping of cheese and grapes. “Regardless of whatever this is, Caelan is pissed. He’s angry at you; he’s angry at us.” She slowly shook her head. “But he wants to tear Rowan’s head from his shoulders.”
Rowan chuckled. “He’s welcome to try.”
