“All right lovebirds,” Sera’s voice interrupted them, “cool it down a second. Look who we’ve found.”

Byron pulled away with a sigh. She was really enjoying that kiss. She looked up and found a grinning Sera, Katie, the bar manager, Slaine, holding a tray of glasses, and one of her bar staff behind with an ice bucket of champagne.

Slaine bowed her head. “Principe, Principessa, it’s an honour to have you here.”

Byron stood up immediately and smiled, delighted to see her old friend. “Slaine, wonderful to see you again.”

Slaine set the tray of glasses on the table, while her companion placed the ice bucket at its side.

Byron offered her hand, and Slaine shook it warmly, while Sera and Katie took seats.

“We haven’t seen you for a while, Principe, but I can see why.” Slaine smiled at Amelia.

“Forgive me, Slaine, this is Amelia Honey—sorry, Amelia Debrek, my wife and new Principessa. Amelia, this is Slaine, the ever-present bar manager of The Sanctuary.”

She watched Amelia’s look of awe at the sheer size of Slaine. “Nice to meet you, Slaine.”

“You too, Principessa. I can only apologize for the last time you were here. If I had known you were here under compulsion I would have—”

“I should have been here,” Byron interrupted.

Amelia put her hand over Byron’s. “That’s all in the past now. Let’s just enjoy the present.”

Slaine picked up the bottle of champagne and said, “Thank you, Principessa. Please enjoy this champagne on the house.”

* * *

Amelia rested her head on Byron’s shoulder as they swayed together on the dance floor. It was heaven to just be together, relaxed, with no worries or secrets between them. She let out a contented sigh.

“What are you thinking?” Byron asked.

Amelia lazily hung her arms around Byron’s neck. “Just how happy I am. The last time we danced together, there were so many secrets between us, and now we are equal partners in this relationship.”

“I promise you, I will never hide anything from you again. Secrets very nearly cost me your love, and I will never risk losing you again.”

Amelia smiled and kissed Byron softly. Out of the corner of her eye she saw the table where Bhal and Alexis were sitting. Alexis appeared tense, and almost angry. She followed her gaze to the dance floor where Katie was dancing with a woman dressed in black leather.

“What is it?” Byron asked.

“Alexis seems to be very annoyed at something in Katie’s direction,” Amelia said.

“Something in Katie’s spirited character doesn’t seem to sit well with Alexis,” Byron said.

“Or maybe it does?” Amelia smiled.

Byron raised a questioning eyebrow. “What do you mean?”