Han couldn’t help himself. He pulled Fiona closer against him, allowing a little heat to flow through his fingers.

She smiled at him slit-eyed, purring like a cat on a warm hearth. “Have you thought any more about my proposal back at Oden’s Ford?” she asked, sliding her hands up to his neck and resting her head on his shoulder.

“The one where I give you my amulet?” Han said. “And you get to be queen of the Fells?”

“I notice you haven’t been wearing it lately,” Fiona said, looking down at his chest, where the Lone Hunter amulet was on display.

“I wear it,” Han said. “Just not where you can see it. With all you Bayars around, that’d be like waving a bag of gold in front of a slide-hand’s face. And in case anybody’s thinking of tossing my room, I wouldn’t chance it if I were you.”

She laughed. “If I send anyone, I’ll make sure they’re expendable.” She paused, the smile fading. “I haven’t forgotten that you saved my life in Aediion. I’m in debt to you.”

That and a copper will get me a pork bun, Han thought.

Han scanned the Bayar table again as they swept by. Adam Gryphon slouched back in his chair, head tilted back, his blue-green eyes fixed on Han and his dance partner.

Oh. Right, Han thought. Gryphon is sweet on Fiona. Was that why he’d come home—to court her? Don’t worry, Master Gryphon, he thought, I’m not really getting into your game.

“I’m surprised to see that Adam Gryphon is back from school, too,” Han said.

“His parents brought him back here to assume the family seat on the council,” Fiona said. “He would have been better off staying where he was. The Gryphons are fooling themselves if they think there’s any chance he’ll ever…” She clamped her mouth shut, maybe thinking better of what she was about to say. “Forget Adam. Let’s talk about us. What if I came to you with a different proposal? Would you be interested?” She looked up at him, lips slightly parted.

“Different how?” Han said. “A better one, I hope?”

“Of course,” Fiona said. “That was just the opening of negotiations.” She pressed closer against him.

They passed Raisa and Nightwalker again, tight as ticks in Ragmarket. This time, Raisa was staring at Han and Fiona, a frown on her face.

“I don’t think we should be talking about this here,” Han said. “Your family and friends aren’t the only ones looking on.”

Fiona nodded. “You’re right.” She drew back a little. “But if you are willing to listen, we should talk soon.” Her lips twisted in disgust. “The princess heir has agreed to allow my brother Micah to court her,” she said. “In secret, of course.”