"Names are never spoken lightly in court, especially not his. The moment Caelan's name left Lord Ardanis's lips, I knew the game had begun, and the Fae had laid their first card."
I took my time reseating myself, resting one arm lazily on the carved coral of the chair, though the fury in my veins simmered just beneath the calm. If Lord Ardanis thought I would be appeased with half-truths and noble niceties, he had forgotten who he had invited into his gilded garden.
I glanced once toward Tharion, who remained a silent sentinel at my right. His gaze never left the courtiers, and I could sense his hunger to crush someone under his heel. That, too, I held in check for now.
"If the Fae court wishes my cooperation," I began, voice low but resonant through the hall, "then I will require a few… assurances."
Ardanis arched his brow, and I could almost hear the irritation behind his mask of civility.
"Assurances?"
