He started walking back towards me, with his regular stride instead of one designed to be sexual. It was still plenty sexy, but at least it wasn't panty-vaporizing. "It depends on the special request," Dain said with amusement. "Give me an offer, and I'll consider."

"Do something tonight where you touch me with one of your wing-hands. I'll accept you passing me something, too."

"That is perhaps too much for a simple 'yes' or 'no' question," he replied, looking down at me with a smile that bordered on wickedness.

"I'll give you salacious details," I said, meeting his eyes without blushing.

"I suppose I can't say no to that," Dain said, still sounding amused. "I agree."

"Carnation pink lace thong, the really thin strappy kind, not the ones with the lace bands," I told him, with a look that dared him to say something about it. "It's got a little bow in the front. Real sweetheart vibe."

He laughed and leaned back, shaking his head. "I half-anticipated that the answer would be no," Dain said, and flicked one ear. "In which case I was half-hoping the salacious details would be grooming habits."

"Please," I said, laughing, too. "As if. Besides, I've been told half a dozen times already that the fae have no nudity taboos to speak of, and that if I don't see at least one couple having sex and one naked person tonight, it will be shocking."

"You're human, though," Dain replied. "And while many soldiers have seen me naked, I do stay dressed as much as possible at the palace. We may be the two most prudish people at the banquet tonight."

"Speak for yourself," I said. "I routinely shower in locker rooms, and like very many highly outdoorsy people, I'm perfectly comfortable soaking naked in hot springs surrounded by strangers."

"There's hot springs in the north of Stag Court," he said, as if it was of no matter.

"If you want an excuse to see me naked, by all means," I said, smirking. "I've actually found that going from zero to sixty as far as comfort zones go is a great way to get to know people. Be aware that I will only be getting as naked as you, though. Fair's fair."

His mouth twitched, and he looked like he was about to say something, when the door opened. In an instant, Dain went from being friendly and playful to cold and hard, his entire body posture changing as he turned to pin the unfortunate fae man in the doorway with his dangerous expression. "Yes?"

The man bowed deeply. "Your highnesses, it's time for your entry." There was no trace of anxiety in his voice, but I could see his hands trembling.

"Very well," Dain said. He held out his right arm to me, his palm facing the ground.