“The quakes are concerning. Though they seem to be coming less now, the last one was very powerful,” Simon noted.

“We are told these are borne of magic,” True informed them of what he’d been telling others along their journey, and as the pixies and birds were flying, they probably knew. “And we are hard at work with the Great Coven to put an end to them.”

The men nodded, seemingly appeased by this information, as had been all the others.

Bruce looked to Farah before he nudged Simon and remarked, “We shouldn’t keep you from your bed any longer, my prince. Thank you for gracing us with your presence and thank you for the honor of meeting our future queen.”

“The honor was mine,” Farah murmured, catching True’s attention, for her tone sounded sleepy.

Yes, it was time for bed.

“Kind to say, milady, but trust me, ’tis untrue. The honor is all ours,” Simon replied to Farah before pushing out of his chair.

Bruce followed him.

True tightened his arms around Farah as he made to do the same, but both men held hands up to him as Simon urged, “Please, keep your seat. We hope the Lights shine for you while you’re here and we hope to see you again in our village soon.”

True remained seated, nodded to the men and watched as they took their leave.

When they were gone, he turned again to Farah.

“Is it time to find our room?” he asked.

“Are there others you wish to speak to?” she asked in return.

He scanned the pub.

All that were left were in the final throes of flirting with intent, doubled over drafts they would probably pass out before finishing, or already passed out.

He also caught Bram’s chin lift to Alfie as he led his maid out the door.

True gave his attention again to Farah.

“No.”

She grinned and slid off his lap, grabbing his hand and feebly beginning to pull him out of his seat.

He did not make her work at this and came up, glancing over his shoulder at his men.

Both nodded as he led Farah to the stairs that would take them up to their room.

“Are Bruce and Simon important personages in this village?” she asked after they were up three steps.

“Not that I know of. Indeed, I’ve never met either until tonight.”

She seemed to startle, and he pulled her closer with her hand at his elbow as she did so, looking down at her.

“All right?” he asked.

“You usually talk to leaders,” she said instead of answering.

He was bewildered.

“I do?”

She appeared just as bewildered.