“We haven’t been gone that long,” I said. “What happened?”
“Everything.” She thrust a scroll my way. “The Summit is in six days. Six days, Raoul. And we’re not ready. The seating arrangements are a nightmare because Silvervale and Goldwing are both insisting on positions of prominence, and if we put them near each other, they’ll probably start fighting. The entertainment committeeis threatening to quit because nobody can agree on the performances. And don’t even get me started on the menu.”
I opened and scanned the scroll. “This doesn’t look bad.”
“That’s just day one.” Demi handed me another scroll. “This is day two. And this is day three. And?—”
“I get it.” I held up a hand. “It’s complicated.”
“Complicated doesn’t begin to cover it.” She turned to Adele. “Please tell me you solved the baby mystery. Because that’s the only thing that might prevent Silvervale and Goldwing from using the Summit as an excuse to start a war.”
Adele’s expression tightened. “Not yet. But I’m close. I think.”
“You think?”
She frowned. “I read something in the archives, but I can’t remember what. I need to go back through the records, cross-reference with geographic surveys?—”
“The archives are still where you left them,” I said. “Go. I’ll handle the Summit preparations with Demi.”
Adele looked between us. “Are you sure? I should probably help?—”
“Your expertise is weather and atmospheric phenomena, not diplomatic seating arrangements.” I squeezed her hand. “Go find your answer. We’ll manage this.”
She kissed my cheek, grabbed Fletcher, and hurried off toward the archives.
Demi watched her go before turning to me with a knowing smile. “Things went well on your trip.”
“We investigated two courts and collected extensive data.”
“Uh-huh. And?”
“And what?”
“And you’re looking at her like she’s your everything.” Demi’s smile widened. “Don’t think I haven’t noticed the way you two are around each other now compared to when you left. It’s different.”
“We’re partners. Of course we’re comfortable together.”
She snorted. “Right. Is that what we’re calling it?”
“Demi—”
“I’m happy for you.” Her expression softened. “Genuinely. I haven’t seen you this content in years. Maybe ever.”
She was right. I felt more myself than I had since our parents died. Maybe since before that.
And I wasn’t even worried about losing her. Funny how finding the right one could make all the difference.
“She’s amazing,” I said.
“She is. And she clearly adores you.” Demi bumped my shoulder with hers. “Let’s go to the council chamber. We have a Summit to prepare for, and I need your authority to override some terrible decisions the planning committee made.”
The next several hours were a blur. As we ate a meal I had brought to the chamber, resolving the seating arrangement by creating a round table configuration where no position was more prominent than another. We addressed the entertainment concerns by having each court contribute one performance. And simplified the menu to accommodate different dietary preferences and cultural traditions.
By the time we’d finished, it was well past midnight. Demi had gone to bed hours ago, but I’d stayed, working through the last of the preparations because sitting still meant thinking about Adele alone in the archives, andthinking about her meant wanting to be near her. Regular reports had told me she was still working there.
I finally gave in and made my way to that level.
The door stood ajar, light spilling into the corridor. I pushed it open.
