Savina’s gaze lobbed between us. “Do you fancy her?” she asked, gemstone eyes popping.

Little Rose believed in fairytales and romance. Her favorite books followed gallant knights on quests to save young princesses from evil, and they always fell in love and lived happily ever after. I had read her every iteration of the same storyline before bed since she was born. The vast collection of tall tales had colored her idea of my own love life. She believed any woman within three feet of me could be the one.

Lou raised her brows and side-eyed me with a look of confused distrust. I’d surprised her with the exchange, perhaps more than my immunity to the sirens. I wondered what Lou would think if she knew the truth about Savina.

“What do you think, Little Rose? Is she worthy? Should I fancy her?” I asked, turning my expression severe.

Savina inspected Lou from head to toe. “She doesn’t look very happy. She’s squirming a lot. Mama says a lady doesn’t fidget.” Savina stepped forward, her toes almost touching Lou’s. “Do you fancy Rye?” She motioned with her finger for Lou to lean in.

Lou still hadn’t spoken but bent down to hear Savina’s secret.

“Women blush when they see him,” she whispered.

Lou jerked upright like the words were a circling wasp. “Nay, I do not like his sort.” She glared in my direction, an angry flush racing up her neck.

Savina’s nose scrunched. “Then why are your cheeks red?”

I covered my laughter with a fake coughing fit.

“That’s enough, Savina,” King Delphi said interrupting her inquisition with a hand on the back of her head. “And you, fetch yourself some water so you don’t choke to death. You’re no good to me without a heartbeat.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” I said, still hiding my amusement.

Smitter popped out of nowhere with a glass of water. “My liege.” He dropped into a bow that sent his blond curls forward, covering the angled scar through his brow.

I rolled my eyes.

Savina retreated from Lou to slip her small hand into mine. “Can Rye play with me for a while after dinner?” she begged her father, cobalt eyes twinkling. If she had me wrapped around her finger, she had King Delphi in a vise.

The King smiled, but it was Queen Olivine who responded as she floated to his side. “I’m sure Captain Rylander will have to check on his crew this evening. Maybe another time.” Olivine swirled her wine in her crystal goblet as she peered down her nose at me.

Savina frowned. Her hand squeezed mine, and I gripped back. “Before I leave, Little Rose, I will make the time. Why don’t you go find Edgar and see when we should be seated for dinner?”

Savina nodded, but her pout told a different story as she trotted off.