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His mother followed them out into the corridor, and she caught up to his other side. “For what?”

“I have to meet with the dragons to secure an alliance. War is coming, Mother.”

“We have been at war for hundreds of years. How is this any different? We should plan a party or a dance to appease the Maker.”

Doing a dance to please the Maker who had never once shown any sign of help for the elves seemed silly now. The creator of this world abandoned it long ago and the All Mother had only taken the magic from the elves.

Katana walked silently, her warm fingers curled against his skin, but she pressed her lips together trying not to laugh.

“No parties. No unnecessary people in this castle. Do you understand?”

“Fine,” she huffed. “Are you sleeping with this girl now? What are we to say about Layala, er Valeen, then? You called off the engagement only to have her return with someone else…”

“No, I’m not sleeping with her. Katana is Valeen’s sister, and a friend.” And despite a few flirtations and how devastatingly beautiful she was, that’s how it would stay. He would not get attached to another goddess with a vengeful husband and have his life shattered all over again when she chose the other male.

Orlandia scoffed. “Hersister. Maker Above, have you lost your good sense? This girl cannot stay here, and neither can the other two.”

“I am not agirl. That would imply I am barely more than a child.” Katana smiled at Orlandia. “I may not look it, but I am much older than you. I was created before time existed. And you should ask Valeen what she wants said about her. I would not incur the goddess of night’s wrath, Queen Mother, or it may be the last thing you ever do.”

“Mother, please,” Thane said softly, and took her hand. “Just try to be nice for once. Nice to Valeen, nice to Katana, to all the people I care for. I know this is strange but it’s necessary. It’s not always about you. It’s for me.”

The corners of her mouth turned down and she let out a sigh. “I am doing what’s best for you. I don’t want you to get hurt again.”

“I’m fine.”

“You weren’t fine.”

“I am now.”

“Alright.” She threw up her hands. “I love you and want what’s best for you, that’s all. I will stay out of your business.”

He smiled at her. As much as she was a pain in his ass, he loved her. “Thank you.”

Katana emergedfrom her room in a royal-blue dress with gold links across her shoulders and a belt at her waist to match. The color complemented her bright hair and warm skin. The neckline cut into a “V”, revealing a demure yet enticing amount of cleavage that made his mind wander to days before when he untied her dress to get the spider. He clenched his jaw and tugged at the collar of his top.Was it hot in here today?“I like that color on you, er, what I mean is you look… nice.” She was stunning in anything she wore, from short silk nightgowns to something as lavish as this, but he wouldn’t allow himself to think anything beyond that. She was beautiful, but there were a lot of females he found beautiful.

She flashed a smile. “Thank you. Perhaps I will not be presumed a trollop now.”

“I’m sorry about her. My mother can be difficult and is very territorial.”

“I gathered. I take it she does not care for my sister much.”

He tilted his head slightly. “They’ve always clashed. Especially after she almost killed my sister Talon with a throwing star to the neck.”

Katana blinked a few times. “She… what?”

“It’s a long story.” One he didn’t want to rehash.

“Alright,” Katana said slowly. “I take it she had a reason?”

“In her mind it was justifiable.”

“But not in yours?”

“I don’t know. It was a move to save her aunt. Valeen has many shades of gray. I see things more in black and white. Right and wrong.” To be a gentleman, he offered his arm, and they slipped through the halls on their way to Valeen.

“She did not used to be that way. It hurts my heart.”

“Sometimes life changes you.” He lifted a shoulder. “I don’t blame her after… everything.”