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“Inconceivable,” he said with a perfect lisp.

A shaky laugh burst from me. Then I drew a deep breath. “I guess we should go downstairs and find out.”

Callum smiled. “As you wish.”

Chapter Nine

CALLUM

Georgie was more relaxed as we descended the tower’s twisting stone staircase.

Some people might argue that orgasms were an inappropriate stress reliever. I wasn’t some people. My witchling had been wound tight as a spring before I put her on my lap. Now, her eyes sparkled a bit. If I could persuade Graeme to grant her passage to the Oracle, she might give me more of those broad smiles that showed her straight, white teeth and turned her cheeks all rosy.

As it happened, I had a plan for making that a reality. And if my plan unfolded the way I hoped, I might even coax a smile from a certain ice dragon.

I pitched my voice low as I helped Georgie down a particularly tight turn in the stairs. “Would you do something for me?”

She gave me a curious look. “I’ll try.”

“Let me do the talking when we meet with Graeme. I have an idea.”

“What kind of idea?”

“Something simple. But I might have to adjust my strategy on the fly depending on how Graeme reacts. Do you trust me?”

For a moment, I thought she’d argue. Then she nodded. “All right. I trust you.”

“Thanks, witchling. Watch your step.”

“Do you think Graeme will be okay with you wearing his clothes?”

I glanced down at the loose-fitting shirt and surprisingly well-made trousers Graeme left behind when he shifted. “It was either this or nothing. If he makes a fuss, I’ll just compliment him on his needlework.”

She studied the seam that ran down my sleeve with a witch’s practiced eye. “You think he makes his own clothes?”

“Unless he’s got a tailor locked in one of his towers.”

She shuddered, clearly considering the possibility. “Or maybe he travels off-plane and goes shopping.”

“Doubtful. He says things like take your leave and sustenance.”

“True. He probably doesn’t get out much.”

“Or ever.”

We navigated another tight turn, and I slowed her with a hand on her arm. “And Georgie?”

“Yes?”

I lowered my voice again. “Maybe keep the whole mate thing to ourselves for a bit. People in denial tend to react poorly when you shove the truth at them. And right now, Graeme’s favorite river is in Egypt.”

For a second, confusion reigned in her eyes. Then she gave me an exasperated look. “I refuse to laugh at that.”

“I thought it was pretty good,” I said mildly.

“It was terrible. Most of your jokes are terrible.”

I sighed. “It’s a good thing I’m so attractive, then.”