Grace grinned. “Benny likes to make a statement.”

“Benny likes to be an ass,” Dage returned, tension rolling from him.

Grace faltered but reached for her bag. “I have a present for you.” She dug inside and drew out a file folder holding photographs, handing him one of Emma she’d taken days ago and developed while at the cabin. The queen stood in her lab, in her white lab coat, looking over her shoulder at the camera.

He took it, his mouth opening slightly. “It’s Emma,” he murmured. Then he grinned. “I know it’s of Emma, but it’s really Emma. My Emma.” He studied the photograph, his gaze softening. “You captured her. Her brilliance and her heart. Her determination and sheer kindness.” He breathed out, his smile now gentle. “If I were fanciful, I’d say you caught her soul.”

Grace shuffled her feet. “Adare thinks this is my enhancement. Catching a moment or seeing to the heart of a person.”

Dage looked up, his silver eyes intense. “I think he’s correct. Thank you for this. I’ll cherish it always.” His phone buzzed, and he looked down at the face. “Damn it.” He patted her shoulder. “Good luck, Grace Cooper. I’m sure I’ll see you soon.” Taking his photograph, he strode purposefully down the hallway toward the conference rooms at the other end of the lodge.

The air in the vestibule relaxed slightly. Being the king of immortals was probably a rough gig.

Emma emerged from the medical wing, her hair piled high and a cookie in her hand. “I wanted to say goodbye.”

“You just missed your mate,” Grace said, nodding her head in the opposite direction.

Emma finished off the snickerdoodle. “He’s in a mood. The possibility of the Realm’s falling apart again doesn’t sit well with him.” She leaned in for a hug. “I’m going to miss you and your sister.”

“Me too.” Grace hugged her back. “Is Adare really going to be all right?”

Emma nodded. “Yeah. I rechecked his blood, and his cells have strengthened. The only drawback is that the process is going to take some time, maybe a week or two, until he regains all his power. Bursts of training, of adrenalin and high energy will speed up the process. Other than that, he has to take it easy between trainings, and that’s going to be tough. Immortals are used to healing much faster.”

It was a good thing they were heading to the cabin for some relaxation. Grace would make sure he took it easy, which would give her time to put her plan in motion. Proving to him that love existed was one thing; making him see that he was in love with her was another.

Emma tilted her head. “That’s a very determined look on your face. What’s up?”