Hatcher said, “What was that?”
Arwell smiled.“It was something I said.”
* * * *
Ryo walked into Avor’soffice.“Sir, I have interesting news.Do you have contact with the court?”
“Yes.Ira likes to get help with her homework.Why?”
“I was just told by a reliable source that there is a high djinn born of this world here and functioning.Is this something the court should know?”
Avor paused.“So, you know how she would have gotten the tint and which colouration precisely?”
“My mate says she is grape.Not just tinted.”
“You have found a mate?”
He nodded.“She’s one of the earth-born djinn.Where were they all hiding?”
Avor smiled and sighed.“I think that Kaido hid them.Kept them from approaching the new palace.Tried to keep them away from court.But now you are telling me that there is a court djinn here.”
“She’s earth-born.That I am sure of.She came back here for safety.”
“I see.So, what do you want?”
“Can you ask the empress if she knows the circumstances?This woman is strong enough to punch through the dimensions untrained.Having her loose is potentially dangerous.”
“Does your mate know you are here?”
“No.”
Avor nodded.“Go back.Tell her that you have gone looking for information on that kind of djinn, and now your attention is fully fixed on her again.”
“You will let me know?”
“I will consult with Vemel and his mate and make a plan.Only then will I let you know.”
“Very well.I thought it was something you should know.”
“You are correct, Ryo.Is Morven part of your group?”
“Yes.How did you know?”
“Because he’s behind you, looking furious.Apparently, you should have consulted him before speaking about your mate’s friends.”
Ryo turned, and Morven grabbed him and hauled him back to the restaurant.
Before they entered the room, Ryo asked, “What is the problem?”
“You should have let her know you were going to solve the mystery of her friend.Now, she knows you are a tattler.”
Ryo frowned.“But those djinn are dangerous if untrained.”
“Yes, and now you get to find out why.”He kept his grip on Ryo, and they entered the space that had two more people than it had before.A tween boy and a woman whose skin was dark purple.
Ryo saw the unrelieved gold eyes that turned toward him.“Oh, shit.”
Arwell chuckled.“Ryo, this is my friend.Oh, and Dorn, the precious light of my life and heartbeat outside my body.”
