Page 141 of Across an Endless Sea

“You’re content to just allow some of the most powerful males in history to wander the queendom with their powers out of control?”

“I got this.” Maeve grins as she circles the other female. “I do love an unseelie with balls. Tell her if they’d mated anyone else, the same thing would’ve happened and the female would be praised for making them prove themselves.”

Doubting that such a rude answer is the best one, but knowing that hesitation will cost me, I dutifully repeat the message, and the ambassador’s face crinkles into a smirk.

“You’re less fragile than you look, Nicnevin.”

Was that a compliment?

“Now hit her with a cutting remark,” Maeve instructs. “But do it craftily.”

Insult…? Well, I guess there’s no backing out now…

“I’m surprised your aunt has let such an important member of her family remain in the city, given all that’s going on beyond the walls.”

“Oooh, that was good,” Maeve praises.

“Knight Commander Florian is a proven general,” Augusta says, glancing at Jaro before returning her gaze to me. “The benefit of centuries of experience, I suppose. My aunt has no reason to fear for my safety now that he’s hale and healthy once more.”

I bristle at her implied criticism of my wolf mate, barely resisting the urge to shove to my feet.

“Now’s the time when you draw your sword and tell her to get the fuck out of your ballroom,” Maeve comments.

The funny thing is, I’m pretty sure she’s serious.

I look back at Drystan, the only other one who can hear Maeve, for confirmation, but Lore takes the situation out of my hands.

In a second, he’s blinked himself in front of her, blade pressed against her stomach.

“Oopsie.” He grins. “How did that get there?”

“Assassin, withdraw your blade, or my aunt shall—”

Another blade appears at her lips, silencing Augusta completely.

None of the other fae even bother to look. Perhaps they’re accustomed to threats and knives at their parties. I suppose, after the way I exploded that other fae’s head at my last one, blades must seem disappointing.

“Tut tut. Cressidick has no power over me anymore,” Lore promises. “Silly girl, using the reputation of her betters as a threat. I wonder how much queen dick will approve of that?”

Then, with a grin, Lore looks over his shoulder at me.

“Want me to kill her for you, pet?”

I shake my head. “Too much paperwork.” The diplomatic hell that would come with killing an ambassador isn’t something I want to deal with.

Is it too much to ask for one ball where no one dies? If Lore kills her, that’s two out of two. Although, I can see the benefits of putting people off coming—namely, that I wouldn’t have to attend more any more balls. Unfortunately, I don’t think Kitarni or Florian would approve.

A shocked snort comes from behind me—was that Drystan?

Lore pouts but withdraws his blade from Augusta’s face. “Kiss her ring, thank her for your life, and then get out of her sight,” he instructs.

Augusta grimaces but lowers her lips to my outstretched hand just the same.

She doesn’t thank me—though I don’t expect her to. Instead, she straightens, meets my eyes, and speaks. “I will report all of this to my queen, who looks forward to welcoming you to our court.”

She draws out an orange glass leaf from her pocket and nods once before saying. “All things fall.”

She drops the glass leaf to the floor and crushes it beneath her heel, disappearing in a flash of leaves.

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