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“Unsure. I’ve learned long ago not to ask too many questions where he is concerned.” He pointed to a door. “Nerys is in there with Aneri. It’s the only room on the floor with a view of the festival below, and neither wished to miss the opening festivities.”

I would see her again at any moment. My hands flexed and uncurled, unable to rest. But first: “What is her status?”

“We arrived without incident on a private vessel, though we took extra precaution to escort her and Aneri here separately. She warded the room herself, but it is not as elaborate as Aneri’s, though strong enough that we would be alerted. Each of the other rooms are currently occupied with men loyal to her and prepared to defend against an attack.”

“They’ve agreed to remain here at all times? Forgoing the festival?”

“They have, and are stationed belowstairs and at the front and back of the inn as well.”

“Good,” I said. “I will work the festival, attempt to root out additional threats and stay the tide of any discontent.”

“You stand out in a crowd, Rowan.”

I already knew what Caelum was saying.

“I won’t return after today.”

Caelum would not be coming and going but remaining here at the inn, ensuring Nerys was protected. But my skills were best used among the crowds, yet I couldn’t risk being followed here.

“We’ve three days after today before the challenge,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “Do you think Marek will return in time?”

“With the winds at his back, perhaps. It is a calculated risk.”

“One I hope is unnecessary. The mood is unstable, but more accepting than I’d hoped for.”

“Agreed,” I said. “Though I do not trust her, not since she’s shown her hand,” I said of the queen.

“Are you certain you will not be recognized? I’ve heard your name whispered more often than I would like. Her guards continue their search for you.”

“Let them look. They’ll not find me.”

Caelum’s eyes darted toward my weapon. “Marek?”

“Aye.”

“I attempted to retrieve yours from the palace but was denied. I’ve sparred with someone much less skilled than you.”

“A high compliment indeed,” I teased, remembering that first day we met. Little did I realize at the time the reason Caelum was so skilled with a sword. It was a skill valued most by humans, of which he was one. “I will be waiting belowstairs when you are finished. Tongues will continue to loosen as the night wears on.”

Watching Caelum leave, I gave silent thanks for his loyalty to Nerys.

Knocking at her door, I was rewarded with her voice.

“Caelum?”

“No,” I said. “Rowan.”

My tunic suddenly felt tight against my chest as I waited, listening as the door was unlocked. A moment later, it opened.

Nerys was dressed similarly to the day we met, but that’s where the similarities ended. I knew her now. Her strength and determination. Her vulnerabilities. I knew the taste of her, and wanted another.

Unfortunately, Aneri watched us closely.

Fuck it, as my modern human friends would say. Shutting the door behind me, I closed the gap between us, grabbed her beautiful face and kissed her. With an audience, I didn’t want to create a spectacle, but neither did I want to let her go.

I did anyway, out of respect. But certainly not out of any desire to do so.

With her lips swollen from our kiss, Nerys looked up at me as if she didn’t know what to say. Truth was, I didn’t either. There was only one way I could tell her of my secret, but that would mean having her accept more than Nerys might be willing.