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Alyvia presses her lips together instead of responding.

“What?” I resist the urge to flail my arms in agitation. “Is he going to sit there invisible, hovering a spoon in the air while he sips his soup?”

“They’re actually having steak,” Zeke interrupts but I ignore him.

“From my understanding, yes, Lady Cirilla has seen him. I don’t know if she’s seen his face a lot. She’s not considered part of his inner circle.”

“You’ve forced your way into the inner circle, little monster,” Zeke darkly chuckles.

Before any of us can respond, a shrill noise pauses the commotion in the kitchen. Twisting half around to face the entryway, I’m pleasantly surprised to find Lady Cirilla standing there in a deep purple gown, her coiffed hair looking dangerously heavy, and her hands clasped tightly together. “I couldn’t help but overhear you state this…woman,” Lady Cirilla says as her eyes narrow at me, “is a friend of Lord Rowan’s, Zeke.”

“Lady Cirilla, may I help you with something?” Alyvia politely asks. “Your lunch should be ready momentarily.”

“Nonsense, I want to hear more about this young woman and how she came to be friends with Lord Rowan,” Lady Cirilla asks. There's an edge to her voice, a narrowing of her eyes that tells me she finds something in me envious. Good. If she finds me threatening, she's more than likely going to keep an eye on me which allows me to do the same in return.

When I refuse to engage with her though, Zeke takes it upon himself to conduct introductions. “This is Keres. She comes as an immortal from Tellus.”

“And Lord Rowan is entertaining her?” Lady Cirilla asks with a scoff. “Surely he has better things to do than indulge in a new soul finding its way across the sea.”

Holding up my hand, I show her the white ink. “Actually, he’s done more than indulge me. We have a bargain.”

“One Nox surely sealed,” Lady Cirilla says, looking towards Zeke for confirmation.

When Zeke shakes his head slowly, a shit-eating grin spreading across his face, I know the next words out of her mouth are going to be harsh.

“You mean to tell me, she’s met with him? Actually seen him?” Lady Cirilla sneers. “That’s absurd. Lord Rowan likes his privacy.”

“I have a fun little habit of interrupting that,” I decide to announce. “He likes to play mind games and so do I. If it makes you feel any better, I’ve only seen him twice.”

Alyvia winces behind Zeke and Lady Cirilla’s back.

Lady Cirilla stands even taller, as though someone just rammed a pole up her ass to her throat. “You’ve seen him on multiple occasions?”

“They’re practically best friends,” Zeke taunts.

Why he's trying to get on her nerves, I have no idea but I'll take it.

“Well,” Lady Cirilla offers me a brittle smile. “I apologize for taking him away for a while, but duty calls. I’m sure you can understand how imperative it is that Lord Rowan be present during the Haze.”

For her to try to swindle some babes out of him, sure. It’s rather amusing this entire conversation seems to be regarding my meeting of Rowan and how it’s not a common occurrence. Yet she has no idea the true person I’m after here is her.

“Keres understands,” Alyvia replies for me.

“She’s right, I understand how important it is for Rowan to be there to ensure no creatures die or come into the city during such a volatile time. Is that what you plan to do during the Haze since you’re accompanying him?”

If she’s bothered by the fact I didn’t address Rowan by his title, she’s the first one to not show it. Instead she tilts her chin in the air. “It is paramount that things run smoothly for the races within the Wraithlands to continue. I will be leaving shortly before Lord Rowan to advise any women who may need assistance seeking shelter who are not participating. It is considered an honor to watch over those involved in the Haze.”

“Good for you,” I say before taking another bite into my banana.

Alyvia clears her throat as another member of the kitchen settles a tray full of food on it next to her. “Lady Cirilla, your meal is ready.”

Without another word, both her and Lady Cirilla leave the kitchen. Now, it’s only Zeke and I left, eating and giving each other a warning look.

“What?” I bite out after chewing the piece of fruit in my mouth.

“Nothing. I would just pick my battles wisely. You want to show Lord Rowan how badly you wish to die, but you’re going to end up suffering more if you don’t wait.”

Feigning ignorance, I frown at him in confusion. “Are you implying I have a plan already to show him?”