My eyes widened at Alex’s tenacity—not that he hadn’t possessed any before, but not for this. “When did you become adept at war planning?”

He rolled his eyes as if I was asking a ridiculous question. “Um, I’ve been coached since birth to deal with hostile situations,” he reminded me, and yeah, I had known that. It was why getting kidnapped last year had barely fazed him. “Plus, I’m mated to a Fae warrior, what did you expect? He’s been going over strategies since we got your last letter.”

Tee shrugged at Cair’s raised eyebrow. “No harm in being prepared. Just say the word, and whatever plan you choose will be in motion.”

“I knew I could count on you,” Cair said, mildly amused. “I have no doubt Father will already be aware that his assassination attempt failed, so he’ll either be licking his wounds or preparing a new scheme. That should give us the chance to get our bearings and breathe for a day or two.”

As if his words were permission, I let out a tension-reducing exhale. I knew there was a rough road ahead, but being afforded even a modicum of rest before shit hit the fan was appreciated. Maybe there would even be enough time for Cair to finally get his dick in me. Priorities. I wouldn’t lie, I was gagging for it, and with a quick sideways glance at my mate, finding out his heavy gaze was already locked on me, I suspected he’d had the same idea. Great minds.

Alex clapped his hands, making me jolt. “Perfect. That means you”—he pointed at me—“are free to tell me all about your trip and the fact that you have fucking magic. I always knew you were a special bean. Tee filled me in on your dad and the portal lore once his memories returned, but I wanna know it all.”

Well, I guessed sexy times were on pause for a little longer.

The anticipation may actually kill me. Again.

I peered up at Cair once more, sending him an apologetic look—which he responded to graciously with an amused smile and a nod—before turning my attention back to Alex. A teasing grin played at the corner of my lips. “Hm, I’m sure I can spare a feeew hours in my very busy mage schedule to chat.”

He crossed his arms over his chest, cocking a brow. “That’s how it’s gonna be, huh? Too cool for school now?”

“Yup.”

We laughed, and I went to follow him over to the chaise longue, but Cair called out… “Don’t you want to give him your father’s gift, pet?”

“Oh, I forgot!” I said, and Alex gasped exaggeratedly.

“You have a present for me and you forgot about it?! Rude.”