It was with some relief that Byron escorted me out. ‘Naming ceremonies typically take place at midday,’ he told me. ‘They go more smoothly when the sun is at its peak so you’ll need to hang around here until then.’

‘What was that ginger woman going to say?’ I asked. ‘What didn’t I do because I’ve not received my gift? And what the hell is this about a fever?’

‘You have to understand, Integrity, that this has never happened before. All Sidhe receive their true names when they turn thirteen. This is new territory for all of us.’

‘You didn’t answer my questions,’ I pointed out.

‘I don’t know what she was going to say,’ he admitted.

There was a husky interruption from the side. ‘Byron, you’re back! I was hoping you’d come up to my rooms and visit.’

My hackles rose. I craned my neck round, stiffening when my worst fears were confirmed. Tipsania. What was she doing here?

She sauntered up to Byron and hooked her arm round his neck, planting a kiss on his lips. He shifted awkwardly, extricating himself from her grasp.

‘Hi Tipsy.’ He gestured to me. ‘I’m sure you remember Integrity.’

‘Who?’ She glanced at me, pretending to be surprised. It was a ridiculous display. Considering how many Sidhe had watched my approach to the castle, she had to know about my presence. This show with Byron was probably for my benefit. ‘Oh,’ she said, her lips curling. ‘It’s you. So that’s what you’re calling yourself these days.’

I refused to be cowed. ‘Hello Tipsy. How wonderful it is to see you again. It’s like meeting my long-lost sister after years apart.’

She almost choked. This was more fun than I thought it would be. ‘Yeah,’ she muttered unconvincingly, turning away and focusing her attention back on the hapless man. ‘Thank you so much for my present. It’s beautiful.’ She touched her neck. Hanging against her alabaster skin was the bright emerald necklace I’d found in Byron’s hotel safe. The fake one. ‘I love that you gave me emeralds,’ she gushed. ‘The colour matches your eyes perfectly. Every time I wear it, I’ll think of you.’

My eyebrows flew up. So these two were involved? Given what I remembered of her nature, it was hardly surprising. Tipsania had always had an uncanny knack of getting what she wanted. I almost felt sorry for Byron. Almost.

‘It must have been really expensive,’ she continued, kissing him again.

I let out a tiny snort. Byron’s eyes flashed at me in warning. I shrugged. It wasn’t my fault he was pulling the wool over her eyes with some bits of pretty glass.

‘I’m glad you like it,’ he told her. ‘But it wasn’t expensive. It’s…’