“You would know of such matters had you not been otherwise preoccupied with the wrong”—Rorn tossed more nuts into his filthy mouth, then grinned—“thing.”

Dade cleared his throat far louder than necessary. “Good, we’re on topic then,” he said, and Rorn reluctantly tore his undeserving gaze from my mate. “I’m afraid I need my commander back, and you’ll need to surrender your wife to him to make that achievable for me.”

“Careful, king.” Rorn leveled Dade with a reproachful glower. “For I’m thinking I’m already done with this conversation.”

Unperturbed in the slightest, Dade lifted a shoulder. “I would not be standing here watching you eat if I did not have something of interest to offer you in return.”

Disbelief straightened my spine and momentarily stole my careful focus from the king and his wolves. “What?”

Aster took my hand again. She tugged it, and I knew she was telling me to shut the fuck up.

Dade noticed and nodded to Opal.

Rorn’s brows lifted as the queen of Vordane stepped closer to the table. “While it’s terrible,” she said softly but strongly, “what is happening to your beautiful realm, it’s also clear that it cannot be stopped.”

Rorn smiled at the queen in a way that made Dade stiffen. “This conversation is now over.” He looked at the wolves, and they advanced toward Aster and me. “Enjoy the refreshments, then see yourselves out.”

Dade growled, and the wolves halted.

Opal took the chance to quickly say, “I know a sorceress capable of providing wards. Wards we’ve recently put in place along our coastline to better guard against another attack.”

The emerald king’s attention was officially retaken.

Though he tried not to show too much interest as he waved his warriors back to their posts and looked at Dade for confirmation.

Expressionless yet tense with growing loathing, Dade nodded, indicating that what his wife had said was true. That he even had to confirm as much pricked at both of our skins, our beasts riled and waiting beneath the surface.

“Interesting,” Rorn said, eyeing Aster. “And how might one go about having this sorceress put such a thing in place?”

“You must pay for them,” Dade clipped. “And dearly, for they will be forever bound to her.”

Rorn’s jaw clenched.

Aster, although still in her robe, stood like the queen she was, her shoulders back and her chin high, as she stated confidently, “I’m afraid our coffers are too drained to afford it.”

“We will compensate her for you,” Dade said, his gaze fixed upon Wistensia’s king.

Rorn rubbed at his chin, laughing low beneath his hand. “Of course, and dare I even ask what you seek in return?”

“Your wife and nephew’s freedom,” Dade said, his lips quirking. “Of course.”

Rorn returned his smirk. “Of course.” He then looked at said wife, and my mate stared back. “No,” he said.