“How did you convince him of your devotion, Lady Tea?” an armor-clad woman asked.

“I’m still not quite sure. But I remember the day he convinced me of mine.”

“What was it, if I may be so bold?”

“I saw him bathing in a river with his shirt off.”

I was certain the tables would break; the Yadoshans pounded their fists, howling their glee. “We must demand Lord Kalen’s side of the story!” Aden chortled. “Is your young beau still with the First Minister?”

“Not anymore” came the amused reply behind me. “First Minister Stefan didn’t want to keep me for too long. It was a wise decision.”

“A wise man, is our Stefan. Our pretty asha would no doubt be accosted by some hooligans had not our wholesome selves intervened. O’ course, we would never think of stealing your girl, milord! Let’s have another toast for you both!”

“How many toasts have you had?” Kalen asked, peering down at me.

“Does it matter?” My voice slurred. “I am having a very lovely time with all these genta…genner…genteel…boys, and they have been very kind.”

“That’s nice, Tea.”

“I told them alla ’bout you.”

“That’s nice, Tea.”

“I love you. I really do.”

“I know. You are also very drunk.”

“Whatsa sense o’ drinking from Stefan’s very expensive vintage if you don’ get drunk off your ass?” Knox countered.

“I love him,” I confided to the others. “He saved me so many times. He smells really nice.”

“We’ll take your word for it, little lady.”

“He didn’t like me at first though. I changed his mind.”

“So you said.”

“He would have been a fool not to,” Balfour agreed.

“We fought only this evening. He wants me to stay here, but I think I should return to Kion.”

“Tea,” Kalen said.

“I am quite in favor of Kalen’s decision, milady,” Knox said.

“I have reshponsi—reshpunsib—duties to see to. But I would spend forever with him if I could. I would trade heartsglass with him this instant. He is glorious in bed.”

“Tea!” Kalen sputtered, turning a bright red, as the roars of the other men and women grew louder.

“And if anyone here so much as touches a hair on his adorable head, I shall pull out their beating hearts and force them to consume every last vein,” I added cheerfully.

“I think Tea’s had enough for today, gentlemen. If you will excuse us.” Kalen reached down and scooped me into his arms. Without protest, I tucked my head underneath his chin, knowing I belonged there.

“I understand, Lord Kalen,” Aden said almost reverently. “I would follow Lady Tea into battle with that kind of encouragement.”

“You are an idiot,” Kalen said as soon as we were out of earshot.