Holgarth turned what he probably thought was his kind expression on her, but he just looked patronizing. “I always prefer honesty, no matter how painful. Probably someone came in to clean your room, accidentally knocked over your plant, and hid the remains so they wouldn’t get in trouble.”

“But I was sleeping in the bed. No one came in to clean the room. Besides, there was a guard outside my door.”

“Every minute?”

She hesitated.

Holgarth pounced. “See? Your guard probably went off for a few minutes, you were sleeping soundly, and someone took your precious plant. Although God knows why anyone would want it.”

Cinn’s expression turned mutinous. “So you’re telling me that a demon on duty wasn’t enough to stop the plant thief? Great security you have here.”

“Hmm. Perhaps Bain felt the need for a salad before he hunted up his main course. Demons don’t always have discriminating palates.” His lips twitched. Either a crappy attempt at a smile or a nervous tic.

“Glad you think it’s funny, wizard. I wonder how much of a giggle it would be if someone stole your staff, or wand, or whatever kind of damn stick you use.” She crossed her arms and prepared to wait the wizard out.

“No one would dare. And I’d hardly call a wizard’s staff a stick.“ Offended, Holgarth turned away and climbed onto the dais. He seated himself at the head of the banquet table. Another man sat at the foot.

Holgarth harrumphed. “You, Clarence, are the last of those who would take my place here. All the others have failed miserably. Are you prepared to show me your skills?”

Dacian noticed there were numbers on the backs of the chairs. “Holy hell, Holgarth. How many wizards did you interview today?”

“A mere ten. All spectacular failures. Now only one is left.” He speared the wizard wannabe with a stare guaranteed to curdle the poor guy’s blood. “I might suggest that you begin your career by changing your name. The name Clarence will not engender confidence in the untutored masses. Perhaps something more dramatic might help.” He studied Clarence. “Or not.”

Cinn turned to see Dacian for the first time. She didn’t smile, but pleasure flooded her eyes before the worry returned.

That momentary expression warmed him, no matter how much he tried to deny it. He started to put a comforting hand on her shoulder but stopped before he made physical contact. Because of what he was, vampire, his reactions were stronger than a human’s. He wanted her. She didn’t need to see him showing fang as a demonstration of his affection.

“Sparkle told me about Vince.” He still didn’t feel right telling her that Vince had chosen to speak to him rather than her. “Any clues to who took him or where he is?”