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“There’s a lot of negotiation going on, huh?”

“Like you wouldn’t believe. Still, it makes a change.” He gave a small smile. “We’ve suffered war for far too long. Peace would be a novel experience.”

“And I suppose you’ve been working closely with the military to facilitate my mother’s visit?”

He stared at her in shock.

“You know about that?”

“Sheismy mother. If there’s anything I can do to help…”

Rhyn lowered his voice.

“Well, it would be extremely helpful if you could vindicate Vahn’s confidence by winning theshaa’baaracontest.”

“Yeah, I’m trying. Believe me. But in the meantime, what are you doing to keep my mother safe?”

“Don’t worry. The biggest bad-ass soldier in Vraxos is on top of it.”

“General Solarun, you mean? You think she’s bad-ass?”

“She likes to think she is. But I suspect that on the inside she’s actually just a soft little… no, I take that back. She’s bad-ass on the inside as well.”

“You like her, don’t you?”

His scales darkened a smidge and she smiled inwardly as he struggled to answer.

“Don’t be ridiculous. She’s bossy, opinionated, and rude.”

“Uh-huh. You definitely like her.”

“Don’t make me regret sitting next to you.”

“Why don’t you tell her?”

“Oh thank the gods. Dessert is here.”

He stuffed his mouth with cake just to avoid answering. Kara’s gaze was drawn back to Vahn who was now engaged in animated conversation with Layahn. She had to admit, they made a good-looking pair.

Layahn was dressed in silver which rippled across her body like mercury. Her white hair was pulled into a thick and glossy pile, highlighting the graceful column of her neck. Her head bent close to Vahn to hear what he was saying. A shard of jealousy stabbed at Kara.

It was only then that she noticed Vahn wasn’t wearing his wrist braid either. She supposed it wasn’t surprising. He was trying to be discreet, like she was. But it left her feeling deflated.

It was too hard.All the pretending. All the worrying about what people would think if they knew she was the Emperor’skalehsha.It was exhausting.

It didn’t get any easier when the band struck up the music and the doors to the ballroom were thrown open. Baelon turned to Vahn and loudly invited him to start the evening’s dancing by partnering with Layahn.

Vahn could hardly refuse without looking ungracious but even so, it was the last straw for Kara. As Vahn led Layahn from the table, she turned to Rhyn.

“I’m going to bed,” she said. “The challenge wiped me out. Why don’t you ask Ela to dance?”

“Drek,you’re direct aren’t you? I told you, I’m not interested.”

“Whatever.” She gave up.

Out of the corner of her eye she saw Vysh darting towards the corridor that led to the guest bathrooms. A waiter followed close behind and Kara smiled. At least someone was getting their oats tonight.

“Thank you for your company,” she told Rhyn. “Most Vraxians wouldn’t be seen dead with a human.”