Lang gave an anemic smile as I approached his perch on a table near the edge of the room. “Your Grace.” He raised his mug to me in an ironic salute, wiping foam from his upper lip with an ink-stained finger.

“Captain.” I sat on the bench next to his feet, studying the room. Cobie stood alone in a corner, arms crossed over her worn black dress as though daring someone to approach her. Perrault seemed to be busily ingratiating himself with a group of thegns, though I wondered whether his flattery would find purchase in a place like this. J.J., I hoped, was in bed. “Enjoying yourself?”

“Sure.” Lang shrugged. “And you? Things look like they’re . . . moving along.”

I glanced at Torden. He stood at his stepmother’s side, listening to her intently. My heart warmed a little. “He’s kind. He’s handsome. He’s genuine.”

“I’m sure he is.”

I frowned at Lang, and he laughed wryly. “He’s so honest and brave, he’s like a prince in a fairy tale.”

My eyebrows shot up. “Excuse me?”

Lang gave a sardonic half grin. “He’s a paper doll.” He eyed me, curious. “I’d just think after what you’ve been through, you’d have a bit more appreciation for . . . chemistry.”

The kiss.

Bear and me, in front of the fire.

Lang’s words sent a flash of heat and shame through my blood.

I sat up straight. “After what I’ve been through?” Across the room, one of the twins had stalked away from the head table. Torden stood, resolute in his blue military jacket, between his stepmother and whichever twin remained. “Lang, what I’ve been is lied to. And what I appreciate now,” I said, jerking my head at Torden, “is solidity. Sincerity. And those things can coexist with attraction.”

He shrugged. “I’m sure you’re right. I just don’t see it, that’s all.”

“Well, you don’t have to worry about that,” I said awkwardly. “You run the ship and keep us safe, and I’ll worry about figuring out how I feel.”

“Ooh, are we talking about our feelings?” With no warning, Aleksei slid down the bench and careened into my side. He draped an overly familiar arm around my shoulder, and I shrank away, laughing uncomfortably. I had no idea when he’d returned, dressed now in a black suit.

“Good evening, Baron Aleksei.” Lang’s barely disguised grimace belied his greeting.

“Delighted to formally meet you.” Aleksei gave the captain a broad, ghastly smile. “Mind if I steal her?”

Lang looked away. “I’m not Selah’s keeper. She’s made that abundantly clear.” He gave a tight nod and leapt from the tabletop, striding off toward Cobie. I frowned after his back, feeling a little deflated, though I didn’t know why.

“So. I see you’ve tamed the stallion.” Aleksei nodded at Torden, grinning wolfishly.