Decades ago, the largest interior courtyard had been converted into a parking lot. It was large enough to accommodate all the daily—and nightly—traffic, even during the busiest times of the year. There was also a second parking lot underground, with a modest gravel drive that led up to a metal door with security cameras set on either side of the arched entrance.

When Xavier pulled up to the door, it opened silently to reveal a lowered bar and a guard station located just inside. The guard raised the bar and waved him through, and moments later he pulled into a parking space.

Leaving the computer in the SUV for Gavin to retrieve, he made his way through the lower levels to a stairwell that led up to a narrow gallery, concealed with a privacy screen. The gallery overlooked the Nightkind council chamber, where a shouting match was in progress.

“I don’t give a good goddamn what your mother says!” Julian’s deep-throated shout filled the open area like the roar of an infuriated lion.

“I’ll just text Mommy and let her know you said that, shall I?” Melisande shot back.

The Nightkind King and the Light Fae heir to the throne stood several feet away from each other on the council floor, facing each other like gladiators in an arena.

Scattered in a rough circle around the pair were the twelve members of the Nightkind council, each Vampyre the head of a major house. Xavier took careful note of their positions and expressions. Their geography and body language was telling. Most maintained a healthy distance from the confrontation while they watched with closed expressions, including Marged and Dominic, the two that Xavier considered the most compliant.

Two of the Vampyres looked notably different from the others. Darius, a strongly built man with hawkish features, stared at Julian unblinkingly, the predatory hunger in his eyes naked and apparent. The other one, Justine, a beautiful redheaded woman, watched Julian as well, her face filled with avid amusement.

Xavier turned his attention to the Light Fae princess. Melisande’s famous angular, golden-skinned features were suffused with rage. Standing six foot tall in sparkling silver stilettos, she wore a dark gray Donna Karan suit with a tuxedo jacket that flowed over her narrow body. Her long pointed ears were hidden by the thick, curling blonde hair that tumbled down her back. If looks could kill, her glare would have sliced Julian into several pieces.

Julian threw out his hands. “What self-respecting hundred-and-sixty-year-old woman says ‘Mommy’?”

“Oh, fuck you, Julian,” Melisande snarled. “Just because you’re demon spawn and you have no clue what a sincere feeling is doesn’t mean you get to sneer at those of us who have real family ties.”

“For God’s sake, Melly, you’re a B-movie horror actress, not a diplomat,” Julian snapped. “Go home to Mommy, and tell Tatiana to send someone more qualified.”

“And my mother is head of a major movie studio as well as being Light Fae Queen. Unlike you, most of us have the capacity to do more than one thing at a time.” Melisande crossed her arms. “Are you sure you want me to go home? Because if I do, I promise you can kiss all of this year’s trade proposals good-bye.”

Xavier leaned one shoulder against the wall as he rubbed the bridge of his nose. Neither Julian nor Melisande could stand to be in the same room together without driving each other into a frenzy.

Julian, he said telepathically.

On the council floor, Julian lifted his head to look toward the gallery where Xavier stood hidden. Julian’s eyes had turned red. Where the fuck have you been?

I got here as soon as I could, Xavier told him calmly. You’re flaming out in front of the whole council. Has it occurred to you that this is exactly what Tatiana—or somebody—wanted to have happen?

Julian lowered his head like a maddened bull, his jaw angled out. If Tatiana sent Melly to drive me crazy, it’s working. I’m going to strangle her before the night’s out.

Look to Darius, Xavier said simply. And Justine. You’re being played.

Julian turned toward Darius. After a moment, he said between his teeth, “My apologies to the council. Clearly we’ve gotten off topic. Everybody take a break. We can pick up again in an hour.”

While Julian stalked out of the room and most of the council members moved toward the exits with undisguised relief, Xavier kept his attention on Justine, who glided smoothly up to Melisande’s side. The two women looked at each other silently. They had gone telepathic.

He watched sharply as Melisande threw her hands up in a classic gesture of frustration. Justine laid a hand on Melisande’s arm and gave her a warm, sympathetic smile.

Julian wasn’t the only one being played.

Moving swiftly, Xavier pushed away from the wall and raced down the stairs. Within moments he was shouldering his way into the council chamber, and he came up on Melisande’s free side.

“Melly,” he said. “It’s good to see you. It’s been too long.”

Melisande turned to him, her tense expression lightening into a smile. “Xavier, it’s good to see you too. How are you?”

“I’m well, and you?” All too aware of Justine’s hardening expression, he kissed Melisande’s offered cheek.

“Oh, I’m fine, thanks.” She blew out a breath between even white teeth. “I was just telling Justine how embarrassed I am. When I came up here, I was so determined not to lose my temper or let Julian get to me. Then within five minutes we’re shouting ridiculous things at each other in front of everybody. We rub each other so wrong, we lose all common sense.”

“I know you can move past this,” he told her quietly. “Your history with Julian is just that—history. You’re too intelligent to let it get in your way for long.”

Melisande squared her shoulders. “I appreciate you saying that. You always were the voice of reason.”

He smiled, touched her hand and turned to incline his head to Justine. “Good evening, Justine. You’re looking beautiful as always.”

“Xavier.” Justine gave him a narrow, cold smile. “Ever the loyal dog, aren’t you? I always did prefer cats. You interrupted us. Melly and I were just having a private word.”

“You know how these things go.” Xavier returned her smile with one just as cold. “There’s never anything private that happens while the council is in session.”

A buzzing sound came from the direction of Melisande’s jacket pocket. Slipping one hand into her pocket, the Light Fae woman frowned. “Forgive me, I need to take this call.”