“Oh. Well, I like it a little,” said Lily. “Not too much. After a while it starts to scratch at your nerves. Ángel, I am soaking beans for tomorrow night’s soup.”

“Great.”

“I found a similar recipe with no ham,” she said. “Oberon doesn’t really like ham. And I might put a little ginger in it.”

“Then it won’t be just like my abuelita’s,” said Ángel, smiling, “but that’s okay. I’m looking forward to your version.”

After she’d wiped down the counters, she put on her coat and headed back to the gatehouse. When the door closed behind her, Oberon said quietly, “She is married.”

“I know.”

“Her husband is an important member of my security team. I highly value them both.”

“Yes. Oh,” said Ángel, with a puff of laughter. “No, oh my God. Don’t worry. I’m not trying to get with Lily.”

“Does she know that?”

“I think so. She hasn’t slapped me across the kitchen.”

“I wouldn’t want misunderstandings to make her, or her husband, unhappy.” Oberon seemed to be serious. The envoy’s eyes were as green as jade and just as hard.

“Neither would I.”

“You smile at her,” said Oberon. “You are very beautiful when you smile.”

Ángel’s face heated. “No,” he said, averting his eyes.

“And you danced with her.”

“And I flirt, yes.” God, he was blushing like a little girl at a surprise birthday party. “I know. But she is my mother’s age and married, and I am extremely gay. So.”

“But,” said Oberon, “does she know that?”

“That I’m gay? Yes. It’s totally obvious.”

“How?”

“I don’t know. People can tell.”

“Explain to me how you communicate that you are gay.”

Ángel reminded himself that Oberon’s questioning wasn’t intended as a challenge, but came from genuine desire to understand. “The way I walk and move, probably,” he said. “And also I have gay voice?” He deliberately upspoke. “I don’t do it on purpose. Some guys are really kind of swishy all the time, but I usually tone it down, unless I’m out with other gay guys. Or trying to annoy people.”

Oberon was silent, and Ángel shrugged. “If it makes you feel better, go ahead and talk to Lily and her husband. Assure them of my innocent intentions.”

“You would not be offended if I did that?”

“No.” Ángel smiled wryly. “I think they’ll be surprised that you’re worried about it.”

They ate in silence for a moment, and then Oberon said, “Ángel. I know you are not very happy here. Please do not leave.”

Then disable the cameras in my room.