“You’d be surprised.” When his frown deepened, she stopped being so flippant. “Remember, my only love, that I am also the first daughter of one of the most powerful houses in the Convocation. My skills and knowledge include a great deal learned in House Elal, as well as at the academy. I know what wizards are like, and Maman had decades of managing Papa, which she did very well, no matter the particular scene you witnessed.” Her mood dimmed at the thought of Maman possibly still kept in alternate form. Though Papa would surely need to access her magic, which he could only do with her in human form. Perhaps Maman was only being prevented from corresponding. Nic really needed to finish that letter to Alise, to find out what her sister knew of their mother’s well-being.

“I know I’m exceptionally fortunate to have you as Lady Phel,” Gabriel said, lifting their joined hands to kiss the back of hers. “Speaking of which, we should move forward with the wedding plans. It will give my mother something to focus on,” he added, when Nic opened her mouth to protest, “besides worrying about Selly.”

“All right.” She smiled, then kissed his hand, too. “As my wizard master wishes!” Then laughed at his irritation. “I’ll go oversee the exodus. You stay here, see if you can dry up the road out of here, and maybe clean up this silver. I know I’m covered in it.”

He glanced about in dismay, just noticing the silver dusting every surface, including the back of her gown. Brushing at it, he groaned. “If you go out there, everyone will know what we’ve been doing.”

“And won’t be surprised,” she agreed. “You’re far from the first wizard to fuck his familiar senseless after riding a magic wave like that.”

“Nic.” His voice held flat warning.

“Sorry, I’m a bit giddy still from said fucking.” She danced away from him, giving him a seductive glance over her shoulder. “So, unless you have need of me again, I’ll go ensure that your orders have been duly executed.”

He glowered at her. “I’d spank you if I didn’t think you’d enjoy it.”

“You already did, a little, and you’re right—I did enjoy it.” She started gathering her skirts as if to pull them up. “You destroyed my panties, so I’m naked under here. Shall I bend over the desk again so you can—”

“No.”

“Pity. If you like, I’ll limp a little, so they’ll know exactly how you—”

“Nic!” he nearly shouted, clenching his hands into fists—and sending her into a fit of giggles.

“I’m going, I’m going.” The smile still stretching her face, she reached for the library doors, remembered they were nailed shut. “Oh, dear,” she cooed. “I seem to be trapped, still in my wizard’s dastardly clutches. Does that mean…” The silver nails flew out, pinging to the floor. “Thank you!” she sang, and slipped out the doors.