“Certainly,” Xavier said. “I would be happy to keep Justine company.” As Melisande walked away, he turned to the other Vampyre. “And how are you doing this evening? Sowing seeds of dissent, as usual?”

Justine was far older than he and came from the violent, shadowy beginnings of Britannia. Eyes glittering, she said, “Why, Xavier, I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Xavier angled his head and took a step closer as he said softly, “Oh, I think you do. I’d heard that Tatiana was thinking of sending Melisande to handle the annual trade negotiations. I wonder where she got that idea. Then Melisande and Julian fight in front of the council. So typical of them, don’t you think? And you step in to offer comfort. What does come next, Justine? Perhaps you save the trade agreements, while Julian becomes even more alienated from the council and you become more indispensable.”

“I was wrong,” Justine said. When she smiled again her fangs had descended. “You’re not a dog, you’re a spider. Always spinning your little webs, sending out your little spies and gathering up your little snippets of information. Too bad it’s all in a lost cause. Julian never did have total control over the council, and now after his split from Carling, his days as Nightkind King are numbered.”

Xavier stepped closer to her, until the tips of their shoes touched, and smiled into her reddened gaze.

“I don’t believe any cause is lost,” he said. He took her hand, raised it to his lips and her angry smile slipped. “Everyone has a chance at redemption, even you. All you have to do is make different choices.”

Snatching back her hand, she hissed at him. “Don’t prattle your failed priestly sentiments at me, fool.”

He murmured, “I was not talking about religion, but redemption of another sort entirely. Of course, making different choices is all but impossible for some, but I’m warning you, Justine. If you keep going down this path, it can only end badly for you.”

“You’re going to regret interfering with me,” she said, just as softly.

The quick, light tap of approaching footsteps broke them apart. Xavier turned, along with Justine, to face Melisande as she came up to them.

Melisande said without preamble, “I’m going to take my sister Bailey’s advice and head back to the city.”

“Oh darling, I don’t blame you,” Justine said. The red had faded from her gaze, which began to gleam with triumph. “This has been completely unacceptable.”

“Don’t worry, I’m not giving up yet,” Melisande said briskly. “It’s just for one night so that I can clear my head. No offense, but I can’t think straight when I’m in the middle of this great, hulking pile of rocks. It brings back too many memories.”

Before Justine could say anything else to do more damage, Xavier smiled at Melisande and said, “I have a great idea. Come home with me and we’ll spend the rest of the night talking about old times—but we’ll focus only on good stuff, I promise.”

The Light Fae woman’s expression softened and she returned his smile. “What a perfect solution. You’re close by, and your home is beautiful. I’d love to stay overnight. Will I get the chance to say hi to Raoul?”

“Of course,” Xavier told her. “He’ll be delighted to see you.”

“How wonderful all the way around,” Justine said, giving him a venomous look. She linked her arm through one of Melisande’s. “I’ll come too, shall I?”

Frustration made him grit his teeth. He didn’t want Justine anywhere near his property. Not only had he just taken on an unschooled attendant, but he also had five trainees whose names and faces were virtually unknown, and he meant to keep their identities hidden. Also, for every good word he might try to put in with Melisande about dealing with Julian, Justine would be whispering poison in her other ear.

“I don’t recommend that,” he said to Justine. “A visit to my home might not be good for your health.”

“But why ever not?” Justine opened her eyes wide, while Melisande tilted her head, her expression sharpening.

While Melisande wasn’t stupid, she also didn’t understand the full scope of the tensions within the Nightkind demesne at the moment, and now wasn’t the time to enlighten her. Staring at Justine, he waited the merest heartbeat to let his threat sink in.

Then he smiled and said, “I don’t have a total house shutdown at sunrise, and I know many Vampyres have a problem with that.”

A look of revulsion flickered over Justine’s perfect features. “Don’t tell me you have one of those revolving systems.”

“I do, indeed.”

Melisande said, “Justine, please don’t feel obligated to come if it’s going to make you uncomfortable.”

“Nonsense,” said Justine. Her gaze met Xavier’s with a clash that was almost audible. “Pass up the chance to see inside our reclusive Xavier’s private retreat? I wouldn’t miss this opportunity for the world.”

“Of course you wouldn’t,” said Xavier grimly.

Both Melisande and Justine left to make last-minute arrangements. Xavier texted Raoul as he waited.

Prepare for houseguests until sundown tomorrow. All trainees need to stay in total seclusion.

Raoul responded almost immediately. Who’s coming?

Melisande and Justine. Trade negotiations with the Light Fae have been suspended for the night. You have a half hour to get ready.

A pause.

Then Raoul texted back: Bloody hell.

• • •

By the time Tess had unpacked her suitcases and set them on the floor of the closet, a knock sounded at her door and she went to answer it.

Outside in the hall, a short man stood holding a dinner tray. He had an intense gaze and appeared to be in his sixties. According to his looks, he could be older than Raoul, but of course that would depend on how old he had been when he had become Xavier’s attendant.

He gave her a nod. “I’m Jordan. I do the cooking. Raoul asked me to bring you a supper tray.”

“Hi, I’m Tess.” She took the tray, staring at the food. The main dish was covered, but the side plates weren’t. One plate contained a green salad with a variety of different colored beets and a simple olive oil dressing. The other small plate held a slice of carrot cake. There was also a small green bottle of Perrier, another small, unopened individual bottle of wine, and silverware wrapped in a linen napkin. The scent of roast chicken coming from the covered dish made her mouth water. “This is fantastic. Thank you.”