The mansa glanced from her to me and back to her. “Yet for all his faults, he displays a profound sense of responsibility, as well as a willingness to labor tirelessly for the benefit of the House. He has also the intelligence and discipline to look beyond his own desires to what may be best for the House. I am not blind. The world is changing, even if I cannot approve. Sadly, there are many who no longer seek my approval.”

Bee offered him her most refulgent smile, an expression of considerable genius which she had worked for hours in front of a mirror to perfect. “As long as you respect and support my beloved cousin, and don’t make her husband too miserable, I shall approve of you, Your Excellency.”

He had the grace to laugh. “There is a great deal I thought I knew that I now discover I had not the least understanding of.” He reached for the shutter on the door that opened into the spirit world. “Why this is never opened, for instance.”

“Don’t touch that!” Bee and I said at the same time.

Startled, he withdrew his hand. “What secret lies behind this closed door? For some years Four Moons House employed this very coachman and footman as servants. Then they vanished with you, Catherine, only to reappear again at your call.”

A razor-toothed imp of mischief sank its fangs into my tongue. “The Master of the Wild Hunt has been spying on the mage Houses all along, seeking the most powerful among you to kill each year.”

“Do you mean to explain to me how you know all this, Catherine? That Beatrice walks the dreams of dragons I know. Andevai has explained how troll mazes protect against the Wild Hunt. But I am still puzzled by what exactly you are, a secret my heir has not seen fit to share with me.”

I no longer saw a reason to hide the truth. “What would you say if I told you my mother was a human woman and my sire the Master of the Wild Hunt?”

He sat back with a chuckle. “No wonder the boy can scarcely contain his vainglory when he speaks of you. I must say, Catherine, that gives me considerable relief, for it has been a goad on my pride that you escaped me three times.”

I did not know what to say to that. I had not even shocked him!