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"And who knows? We might even meet them during the event."

A smile pulls at my mouth as I push away from the window and head back toward the chair.

"Anyway, Halvern's organized for your mother to perform that night."

"Hm." Not sure how I feel about Mom performing in front of the entire Reach delegation, but hey…

I grab the black uniform trousers draped over the chair, pull them on, and tuck in my shirt.

"Rowan will be performing too," Dad continues.

Now that makes me pause. "Rowan?"

"Halvern added him to the program yesterday. Upon my request."

He's silent for a beat, and I brace for what comes next.

"You didn't report anything about him."

I flick on the bathroom light and glare at myself in the mirror. "You guys were on holiday."

Dad chuckles. "Holiday? Well, I suppose you're right. We did have a good time. But I'm going to need some more information on the boy."

I brace one hand on the sink, splash cold water over my face, and brush my teeth while I listen to him talk.

"Halvern wants him visible."

That has me lowering the towel slowly. "That's unusual, isn't it?"

"You tell me. How's he doing? Anything suspicious to report yet?"

I toss the towel aside and reach for the tie hanging off the hook. "So far? Nothing worth reporting."

Outside of the fact that he was in the library after hours. Or the fact that he's been slipping into the pool after it closes, all pale skin and wet hair and those quiet little sounds he makes when he thinks nobody's listening.

Dad hums. "With the reception coming up next week, I need you keeping him in sight."

"You think he's dangerous?"

Dad chuckles. "No. I think people around him might be."

"Of course. That can be arranged," I drawl, sliding the tie under my collar and knotting it. "Especially when he thinks he's alone."

"I'm serious, Ciaran."

"So am I."

"We can't afford to miss what's already in front of us. If the answers are sitting at Caervast, I want them before that room fills next week."

"I understand," I say, though I'm not sure I do.

I mean, fuck me, I'm already picturing Rowan standing behind the Noctis, his stiff posture all proud and distant, those green eyes fixed on nothing I can touch the second he starts to play.

I can't ignore that the guy's gifted. Mom will be thrilled to have him beside her on the Noctis.

"I'll come by for dinner sometime, okay?"

"Your mother already informed me you're coming this week."