She turned to him quickly. “Yes, my lord. While I waited and watched for an opportunity to help, her aunt and a friend came. Together we were all able to get out.” She looked at Tiago and Niniane. “You actually know them—it was Duncan Turner and Dr. Seremela Telemar.”
Aubrey was acquainted with Duncan slightly, for he had met the young Vampyre when Niniane had travelled from Chicago to Adriyel for her coronation. Niniane had been accompanied by a Dark Fae delegation, along with the Vampyre Carling Severan, who had been a member of the Elder tribunal, and her attendants. Aubrey didn’t know the physician, but it was clear from Tiago and Niniane’s intense startlement that they knew both of the others.
“You already said that everybody is all right, but how are Duncan and Seremela?” Niniane asked. She sounded wistful. “I would love to see them again.”
“They were quite well when I took my leave,” Xanthe told her. “And so was Dr. Telemar’s niece. They said to offer you their very best wishes.”
Tiago nodded to her in approval. “Despite your misgivings, it sounds like all ended well.”
She hesitated. “That’s not all, sir.”
Aubrey set his cup down as Tiago’s eyes narrowed. “What is it?”
She straightened her knife in precise alignment with her fork, gaze focused on her hand, as she said, “Lord Thruvial’s other two attendants caught up with us before we could get clear away. Duncan Turner and I had to kill them. The fight was not quiet, and there may have been witnesses. Before that point, I had declared publicly that I was in support of the young medusa’s innocence.” This time when she lifted her gaze, her expression was resigned. “I’m the only surviving member from Thruvial’s household, and I disappeared right after his attendants were killed. For any particularly clever observer, it would not be hard to put two and two together, and there were any number of clever people at Devil’s Gate. With information now flowing freely from America into Adriyel…” She let her voice trail away into silence.
Tiago folded his arms as he regarded her. “Your identity has been compromised. I cannot use you for other undercover assignments.”
Xanthe’s shoulders slumped. Even though she had been the one to bring the point up, Aubrey could see how clearly Tiago’s words disappointed her. Something about it moved him. Loyalty and dedication were precious things, and hers showed in her eyes, shining straight like a sword.
He heard himself saying, “Do not distress yourself over this. Your service will not go unrewarded. You are too valuable of an asset to waste.”
This time when she looked at him, she did not glance quickly and away. Instead she met and held his gaze. He found himself looking at her deeply. He did not know what he saw in her eyes—surprise? Gratitude? He did not know her well enough to read the nuances.
“I like her,” Niniane said suddenly. Her voice broke the unexpected connection that had grown between them, and they both turned to her. The Queen rested her chin in one hand as she studied Xanthe. “She’s discreet, she rescues kittens and she cares about the consequences of her actions.” She said to Tiago, “I want her.”
His expression turned indulgent. “If you want her, you can have her.”
“Well, thank you,” Niniane said, “but I think we should consult with her about that.” She turned back to Xanthe. “What do you think? Would you like to come work with me as one of my attendants? Please answer truthfully. I know guard duty isn’t for everyone, and those who have been close to me in the last year have not fared very well.” A shadow darkened her eyes, and Aubrey remembered the casualties from last year, a bright human woman named Cameron Rogers who died while saving Niniane’s life, and Arethusa, the late Commander of the Dark Fae army.
As he thought of them, his heart felt as heavy as a stone, and as dead. So many deaths, so much grief, that Naida had caused.
Niniane shook herself visibly and continued. “Perhaps you are no longer interested in active duty or this position, so you won’t hurt my feelings if you would rather not. We will make sure that you are placed in a position to which you are suited and that will make you happy.”
Pleasure had lit Xanthe’s expression, and in that moment she was truly beautiful. “I’m deeply honored, your grace, and I would love to work for you.”
The shadows disappeared from Niniane’s gaze, and she clapped her hands. “Oh goody!”
“I promised her time off first,” Tiago said. “She’s earned it.”
“Of course she has,” Niniane said. She asked Xanthe, “How much time would you like?”
“Might I take a sevenday?” the other woman asked in a diffident tone.
“You have been gone for some time. You may take a month—I mean a moon—if you like,” Niniane told her. “Are you sure a sevenday is sufficient?”
Xanthe nodded.
“Very well, come to me first thing on the eighth day.” Niniane gestured to Xanthe’s unfinished plate of food. “Have you had all that you want?”
“Yes, your grace.”