Page 40 of Third Offense

Ketos was clearly powerful and an ally that could indisputably protect her.

Except, I can’t trust the asshole.

I couldn’t trust any of them.

Not even Vasilios—the Noir who’d marked me and caused my Fall.

There’s something they’re not saying,I decided as the conversation continued onto lighter matters such as human fashion. While it explained the noose-like ties, it was a safe topic.

But if I started asking the hard questions, I’d likely start an argument.

It’s not the time to ask.

The servants wrapped up the dinner with presentations of a decadent dessert, something they calledtiramisu.

I almost declined, saying I would be enjoying my cherry for dessert, but a look from Auric kept me quiet.

We needed to strategize, not act rashly.

Which I knew, of course. But that fucker across the table was not making it easy to remain calm. I half expected him to ask Layla to join him for a midnight stroll.

However, he surprised me by standing and saying, “I wish you all a good night,” instead. He tucked his wings into his back, then he slightly bowed his head toward the King and his wife before giving Layla a deferential nod.

He ignored Auric and me, which was just as well. I would have probably growled at him as my farewell.

When he took his gold-dusted wings away from my mate, I relaxed, slightly satisfied.

Except Iston and Netiri immediately followed Ketos out of the room.

Strange.

Kyril was the next to go, his goodbye rivaling Ketos’s.

I set my napkin on the table, ready to follow, when Vasilios said, “I apologize.”

Blinking, I glanced up at him to find his focus on Layla.

“I’m afraid I must take care of some business away from the palace tomorrow and I’ll be gone for a few days.” He leaned his elbows on the table and folded his hands. “But your mother will be here, as will the staff, in case you need anything.”

Business? What kind of business? And where will you be going?I wondered, glancing at Auric.Is this about his phone call?

“Oh, that reminds me,” Gaia said, interrupting my silent conversation with Auric. “I’ll be bringing by your Lady’s Maid tomorrow for an introduction.”

Raven made a noise, one that drew everyone’s gaze to her. She looked like she’d just swallowed something sour.

Sorin wrapped his palm around the back of her neck, his thumb tracing her skin. “My mate seems to have overindulged in the delicious meal,” he murmured, his gaze amused.

My lips almost twitched at that.

Raven wasn’t choking or reacting to the food, she was responding to theLady’s Maidcomment.

Layla didn’t seem all that thrilled by the announcement either, but politely thanked her mother anyway.

She’d likely had a Lady’s Maid at the Nora Court. Although, that was perhaps exactly why this made her uncomfortable.

Were things really going to be different here? Because they certainly didn’t feel different.

When dinner finally dispersed and we returned to the safety of our rooms, Layla turned to me and Auric, her expression mirroring exactly how I felt.