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I rolled my eyes and set to halting the flirting and verbal jousting before it really got started. Thantrel flirted with anything that breathed and Sayyida loved trying to get the best of Thantrel. Or anyone.

I gestured to Neve. “We’re done for the day. My wife needs to rest before training further. But perhaps Sian still has a few rounds in him?”

“I do. Filip too.”

The youngest Balik looked alarmed.

“You need it, Filip. Father sent you here to train with Vale, so you’d develop your skills overnight.” Sian’s eyes twinkled. “The Warrior Bear seems to be slacking in teaching his squire.”

“He has a pretty new wife.” Luccan shrugged. “Who can blame Vale?”

We had to leave before this got out of hand, as it toooften did when Sian, Luccan, and I were together. I missed Caelo. My best friend would only torment me further, but he rounded out the group in a way no other could.

I held out my arm for Neve, who took it. “We’re going. Is your lord father in the castle?”

Luccan ran a hand through his hair. “We all stayed here last night. He’s in the suite. Why?”

“I wish to speak with him.”

Luccan gave me a long look, perhaps thinking I’d wish to speak with the Lord of Tongues about the gateway or some matter pertaining to the vampire assassins. Better that he thought that than the truth—that the king suspected Lord Riis of something. Once Lord Riis knew the king suspected him of acting in a manner opposing the crown, I hoped he would relay that information to his sons, my friends, who I did not wish to see harmed either.

“All right,” Luccan drew out the words, “well, he’s there.”

“Let’s go.” Neve tugged at my arm.

“She’sready, Vale.” Sayyida sniggered.

Neve huffed. “Can you please stop?”

Sayyida shrugged but didn’t commit.

I took that moment to wave to the others and gently guided my wife from the room. Once we were alone in the hall, I turned to her. “Sayyida is famous for getting under others’ skin. She’s only saying those things to get a rise out of you. And to keep her mind off her situation.”

My wife’s face fell. “I can understand that.”

“If you want her to shut up, complain around Saga.” Ismirked. “My sister is the only one who can rein Sayyida in. I’ve seen her do it many times.”

“I understand that too,” Neve said. “You’re going to tell Lord Riis to watch himself?”

“He’s helped us. It’s only right.”

“And what if your father is correct?”

“Then I don’t know.”

I didn’t believe Lord Riis had the Ice Scepter. The most important piece of evidence was the fact that Lord Riis had no winter magic. Why would he take the Hallow if he’d never be able to use it? I was sure Father had caught on to Lord Riis acting strangely because he was protecting Neve and me. Not because he held the Ice Scepter.

We strode through the palace, up stairs and down corridors packed with fae. No one stopped us. Still, no one, save for our close friends, wanted to be associated with us. I didn’t mind that but wondered how long this would last.

Because no one stopped us, we reached the wing where Lord Riis was staying in record time.

“I forgot he was staying down here,” Neve murmured, glancing at a door as we approached. “So close to me the whole time.”

I blinked and then understood. Lord Roar had been staying in this wing too.

“Do you need anything from that suite while we’re here? I?—”

The door down the hallway opened, and a feminine voiceand clicking of heels echoed in the corridors. “Take better care Leyv. Please.”