“I see.” The King drums his fingers on the tabletop, his face lost in thought. All of a sudden, the atmosphere in the tent zings with tension. Both Lincoln and Octavia look particularly unreadable, which means something big is definitely going on.

I roll my eyes. I’ve had enough staring-and-not-talking for one day. “You’re clearly debating something, Connor. What is it?”

He looks at me, his furry brows arching. “If you must know, it’s whether to endorse Lincoln’s plan to gather together the lesser houses.”

My mouth starts speaking on its own. “I’ll help him.”

The King lets out a puff of breath. “And how will you do that from hiding?”

“I’ll find a way.” I bow my head. “Strength in battle, your Highness. If the Earl doesn’t like it, I’ll pull some strings and send him to Hell.”

The King nods slowly. “I believe you’d do it, too.”

I snap my fingers. “In a heartbeat.”

“Fine, we’ll wait.” He points at Lincoln. “You’ve got a month, boy. Bring together the minor houses.” His face droops. “I’ll stall the Earl.”

Lincoln’s mouth curls into a satisfied smile. “Thank you, father.” He gives my hand an especially long squeeze. Warmth and love bloom in my chest. Together, Lincoln and I can do this. We can do anything.

Octavia taps the tabletop with one fingernail. “We have other matters to discuss.” She turns to me. “This match tomorrow morning. How will you compete without exposing your identity?”

“My fighting suit has a face-mask that hides my eyes.”

The thought of my fighting suit is somehow calming. That thing is so freaking awesome.

“Very good.” Octavia turns to her son. “And you’ll be there as well?”

“It’s not an official thrax event, but I’ll contact the minister. I’m sure I can watch from an archway.”

I turn to him with the biggest smile ever. “You’ll be there?”

He winks. “Nowhere else.”

I feel a weight lift from my body. Sweet.

Connor’s brow furrows. “Will you bring extra soldiers with you?”

Lincoln leans back in his chair. Our joined hands slide off the tabletop to swing casually between us. “No, that would only attract unnecessary attention.”

Octavia wags a finger at her son. “Be sure to wear full demon patrol gear: body armor, baculum, daggers…”

Lincoln nods. “I’ll be safe, Mother.”

I stifle a grin. Glad my Mom’s not the only one with an over-protective streak.

The King rubs his chin. “And stay with her tonight.”

Octavia gasps. “Connor!”

My jaw drops. “Whoa!” First, the King thinks I’m preggers. Then, he assumes Lincoln’s sleeping in my bed? I so want to clobber this guy, it isn’t funny. I may be part lust demon, but that doesn’t mean I’m a slut. Sheesh.

The King wags his head. “I mean in a separate room, but ready for trouble.”