I tensed. On the right, in the seat next to Karat, Dagorkun leaned forward like a wolf sighting his prey. Caldenia seemed perfectly indifferent. A small smile curved Karat’s lips.

Uh-oh.

I leaned toward her. “What did you do?”

“What makes you think I did anything?”

“The last time you smiled like that, Gaston turned himself inside out reciting French poetry.”

Her smile widened slightly. “Lady Dina, you give me too much credit. I assure you, Surkar will not be serenading me with sonnets.”

Vampire humor, ha ha. I gave her a side-eye.

The warband halted in front of the raised throne, gathering around Surkar, as if expecting an assault at any moment.

“Surkar, son of Grast and Ulde, champion of your tribe,” the Sovereign said, each word landing like the blow of a hammer. “Do you wish to withdraw?”

“I do.”

“Do you understand that your withdrawal prohibits the Dominion from granting your minor ask?”

“I do.”

“The Dominion regrets this decision, but it is yours to make. We wish you a safe return to your homeworld.”

“I wish to ask a favor,” Surkar said.

“Speak.”

“I would like to remain at the inn to witness the next delegation’s departure.”

If Dagorkun focused any harder, Surkar would develop laser burns on his face.

“Are you trying to set him on fire with your mind, Under-Khan?” Karat asked, her voice mild. “Is this some secret talent of the otrokar?”

Dagorkun ignored her.

“I have no objections, but it is not up to me.” Kosandion turned to Sean.

“You may stay,” Sean said in his scary innkeeper voice.

Karat shivered. “I hate when you do that.”

“That’s the point,” I told her.

The majority of the otrokar jogged down the bridge to the portal chamber. Only Surkar and the shaman remained on the platform.

What were they up to?

“A surprising turn of events!” Gaston boomed.

The remaining delegates made various noises, ranging from faint outrage to approval, confirming that yes, the turn of events was surprising and they were conflicted about it.

“That brings us to the final candidate departure of the day.”

The center of the stage sank and came back up, carrying the Dushegubs and Unessa. Tony had returned the lawn ornaments to the Pit last night. He’d also mentioned that the Dushegubs had had difficulty accepting their elimination. He tried to explain it to them three times, and they just hissed back.

“I find it hilarious that he didn’t even try to pronounce their proper name,” Caldenia said. “You have to admire a man who knows his limits.”

Kosandion stared down at the trees, his face glacial. “The Dominion thanks you for your participation in the spousal selection. We are saddened by your departure. What do you ask of the Dominion?”

The Dushegubs didn’t respond. Seconds ticked by.

Gaston stepped forward. “You lost. State your ask and leave.”

Sometimes simplicity was the best policy.