“Oh, yes. Ah, dinner. I’ll be right back.” She pivots and the robe billows behind her.
That’s the thing. We’ve had a lot of candidates come through here. And while none of them have worked out, we’ve had a lot of fun. One of us at a time—never all three. We can’t ever share until our mate appears. One of the rules. One of the many rules of our realm. Not sure what would happen. Probably a curse from the fae and our dicks would fall off. But if Raine can ever stop being so darn obstinate, I wouldn’t mind having a little fun. Perhaps a gag to keep her from talking.
I sink to the edge of the bed and stare at the washroom door. To her credit, it’s not long before she comes out in slim trousers and a silk cami blouse with a tonal jacket over it. It’s business to the T, but it fits her beautifully and shows off her amazing curves.
“Is this appropriate for dinner?”
“Yes.” It’s more appropriate for going to court. But then, she’s going to have quite a bit of that with meeting Kieren for real this time. And then there’s the question of whether Roark even shows up. But I’m sure dear old Leo has had something to say about that. The left wing will have to show up at some point.
“First thing.” I start to offer my arm but then change my mind and swing it in an arc to point at the door. “Tour. Leopold wanted me to give you some basic directions so you don’t get lost. There’s plenty to see, but a proper tour will have to happen later. If that’s okay with you?”
“That’s more than okay with me. What I’ve seen of Cloud Rift Castle is impressive. The mosaic in the foyer downstairs. The subtle use of color, the depth in the foreground shading. It’s a masterpiece that you walk on.”
I nod. “The mosaic in the foyer? The first question people new to Cloud Rift ask is usually whether the golden dome is real gold.”
“Oh, I guess that makes sense. It’s designed to catch the attention, and it does. But when artisans are called to put that much effort into a floor, it... it just makes me want to study every last inch to see what the designer and architect were trying to say.”
“Yes, what there is to say.” I have to stop myself because if ever there was a candidate who needed to sign our NDA, it’s Miss Fischer. Cloud Rift is a story, the story of Kieren’s ancestors, the great queen who gave up her powers to have the portal built to the human world. To the fae that... well, I don’t think she’s going to be able to pick up on the story. Not the way the dragonets who are marched through the castle twice a year do. They all know the story. Point to the mosaic and saylook at her wilted wings.Orthen look up at thepanels of the tapestries. Calling out each part of the story. Miss Fischer couldn’t be that clever, could she?
“Well, let’s head upstairs for a quick tour of some of the upper floors. I have a feeling I know where your bags are.”
5
EVANDER
The fourth floor is where the short-term staff who stay at the castle live, anywhere from two nights to six months. The few who are here longer have larger quarters on the upper floors, like Leopold, Percy and his mate, and the departments heads. Each room is labeled with the staff member’s name next to it.
I wince because while most candidates don’t pick up on the names of the staff before they are gone, usually after a week or two at most, I don’t think Miss Raine is going to be the same as the rest of them.
There are five doors on this floor. And I really should have just gotten Percy to grab her bags.
“This is where some of the short-term staff stay, when they are only going to be in town for a few nights,” I explain, stepping in front of her and pivoting her back the way we came. There are only a handful of rooms left, and I’m sure one of them will still be labeled with her name.
“Pardon me for being rude, but may I look out that window down there?”
“We really should be getting to dinner.”
“Okay.” But then she steps around me. “There’s a staircase on this side too. Won’t it be faster to go by...” She stops in front of a door. I don’t have to read the label to know what she sees. Her head cocks, and she opens the door. “Well, looks like I found my real room and my clothes.” She hasn’t stepped into the room.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with the rooms up here. I’ve stayed in a lot of places all over the world that aren’t that great. Just last year, I had a choice between sharing a hotel room with Kieren or staying on a cot in the walk-in closet. Damn straight, I took the closet. I’m going to have the rest of my life to sleep in the same room with him and Roark. Every night I don’t have to listen to him snore or Roark complain about my “loud breathing” is a good night, in my opinion.
The staff rooms don’t have the same soaring ceilings or the view of the rear courtyard. This room has the traditional Crest Wing blue paint and a smaller bed than the one downstairs, but the frame is solid.
But Raine hasn’t looked around. No, she’s got a suitcase handle in each hand. “Before you say anything, I have some questions. A lot of them, actually, but let’s start withwas I really hired to curate the art collection here at the castle?”
This doesn’t require a white lie, because jobs are created for all the candidates. There was a dog walker, a French tutor, a chef, and a physical therapist. We still have the dog. He follows Percy everywhere, but other than that, and the chef, we really do need an art curator. It has been one of the most useful positions created.
She’s smart. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to tell hereverything on day one. There’s a reason why we hire the candidates. And that’s not something she needs to know... maybe ever.
“I assure you, we have an art collection and it needs to be curated.” And if my dragon doesn’t connect to her, then her lightning won’t happen. Same goes for Kieren and Roark. The lightning can be instant, or it can take a hell of a long time. So simple yet complex at the same time.
“While I’m thankful for the upgrade, I feel this room is more appropriate for my title.” She runs her hand over the footboard.
“I see.”
“Good. Thank you.” She reaches for the handle of her suitcase, but I step in front of it.
“Are you the sort of woman who turns down upgrades often?”
