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Had the commotion not involved the missing vial of Fae potion and the confirmation that Daeanna had, in fact, regained her power.

Alas, his reason for Dagda’s audience seemed to have fallen on deaf ears as High Fae murmured about who was responsible for such a theft, and debated whether the theft wasn’t perpetrated by Shaye to gain Dagda’s trust. He didn’t forget that every Fae present had once condemned him without a fair trial for murders he never committed.

Now, he sat among those same Fae as they madeoutlandish suggestions or speculated wildly as to the how’s and who’s of the potion’s disappearance.

His gaze narrowed on the three High Fae who believed he hadn’t caught their speculation. These three had held a grudge against him since Dagda’s invitation to join his Council, his Court, and represent the Talaenian people in the name of his late father. Shaye doubted that the careful restoration of his father’s family Council chair played in his favor, either.

“I get the impression that this is the first time they’re hearing about the potion’s theft and the guilty party.”

Shaye hid his anxiety behind a calm façade. He didn’t care to be so far from Moira, regardless of their current tiff, but he also knew his best path moving forward would be to gather his allies and make the first strike. Daeanna preferred to hold the upper hand in everything. If he could move quickly enough to attack first, this might well be over faster than anticipated.

“Every member of the Council has been kept informed as I learn more,” Dagda said. “As have you, due to your particular circumstances.”

Those circumstances being the target Daeanna most certainly had on his back.

“I need to lure her from hiding, but I can’t do so without knowing Moira and my family shall be safe. I request one or two High Fae who are trustworthy and loyal to you act as my defense should I fail to overpower your daughter.”

Dagda tilted his head, his golden eyes flaring with anger. “She is no daughter to me, Shaye. She disgraced me, my Council, Court, and all Fae with her selfish behavior.” He bared his teeth. “Had I believed death more suitable than the punishment I delivered, I would have called for her execution. Understanding her revulsion for mortals, I believedexiling her to the mortal realm as a mortal herself was a worse punishment.”

“Aye, ’twas.” Shaye skimmed the dais and the Fae immersed in heightened chatter. The three who piqued his interest, and his suspicions, wisely kept their voices low, their eyes averted from him, and their expressions neutral. “No one had any reason to entertain the depth of loyalty those who followed her held.” He leaned over the arm of his chair slightly, inclining his head. He’d take the risk of earning a dismissal to place this next thought in Dagda’s head. If the Seelie king didn’t already possess the idea. “Have you considered the possibility of treasonous Fae among the Council?”

“Not to be discussed here,” Dagda said quietly, his attention drawn to Liam as the High Fae approached. Dagda’s advisor bowed, adjusted his regal robes, and took his seat to the right of the Seelie king. His azure eyes lingered on Shaye before he gazed out at the Council. “Have your men located my guards?”

“Aye. Both are alive, though they suffered a magical attack. Whoever was responsible obscured their imprint on the magic. I was unable to trace it.”

Shaye withheld his mounting concern over the very person who may have assisted Daeanna.

“Insight was of no use?” Dagda asked.

Liam shook his head once. “Nay. The imprint was erased in its entirety.”

A ripple of tension touched the back of Shaye’s neck. Thaddeus possessed the rare ability to erase his magical fingerprints from spells and magic. ’Twasn’t public knowledge, but if Liam knew of Thaddeus’s gift, he most certainly suspected Shaye’s onetime friend played a role in this entire fiasco.

The affair Daeanna and Thaddeus shared definitely wasn’t secret.

Bloody hell, Thade. When did you lose your direction?

“Has any progress been made in regards to luring Daeanna out of hiding?” Liam asked.

Dagda made a gracefully flippant motion with his hand. “A pointless endeavor amongst all this ridiculous gossip.” He focused on Shaye. “I’m sure you wish to return to youranam cara, under this current stress. If I were to suggest a tactic, ’twould be simple. Do not hide. Make your presence known. Liam shall be ready to offer immediate aid, since he’s made a blood-bound promise to you. You have my word that the High Fae shall stand behind you as you face this task.” His eyes narrowed, the very edge of his mouth lifting. “Have you made your decision to officially take your seat within my Court?”

Shaye nodded. “Aye. After much discussion with myanam cara, she supports my decision to accept your invitation.”

“I’m glad to hear it. You have a wise and beautiful partner, Shaye. You both shall make a formidable couple, and have a necessary impact, in Faery and its sub-realms.”

“Thank you for your faith in me.”

“My faith was misplaced long enough.”

Dagda leaned toward Liam and whispered something to the man. Liam nodded, his gaze shifting from the dais floor to the suspicious trio. Grison and Cecil were two of the three. Shaye couldn’t recall the name of the third.

“You appear unnerved. Is there more you wish to disclose?” Dagda asked, sitting straight in his throne.

If he were to be blunt, aye—Dagda’s lack of concern over his disgraced daughter’s ability to draw followers in order to turn around the Seelie king’s conviction and punishment.

Until the king cast his full attention on Shaye once more. This time, his sun-bright eyes stirred with ribbons of apprehension.

“Never accept what you see on the surface, Shaye. ’Tis my most important lesson to you this day. It shall carry you forward, through the most difficult times to come.”