I gasped when I saw Seymour. The flytrap perked up immediately once he sensed my energy and tried to scoot his pot closer.
“I’ll come to you,” I murmured happily.
“Nice to see you’re more excited about the plant than the Lord,” Caelan murmured.
I spun because I hadn’t even noticed him and smiled sheepishly.
His eyes widened and skimmed down my body, leaving a trail of heat everywhere he looked. “Stunning,” he murmured.
Color touched my cheeks.
Simone excused herself and shut the door. The sound of ceramic hitting wood made me laugh. I held up a finger. “Sorry. Let me take care of this first.”
Caelan’s eyebrows rose as I turned to the flytrap to murmur sweet nothings to him. Seymour made a happy little noise and butted my finger with his trap.
“That is quite disturbing,” Caelan said.
“Did you bite him?” I whispered to Seymour.
The carnivorous plant cooed happily.
“Good.” I gave him an extra scratch and turned to Caelan. “Thank you for the dress. It’s spectacular.”
He nodded. “I am a cautious man, which is the reason I called you in tonight.” Caelan gestured for me to sit, but I grimaced.
“It’s hard to sit down in this thing. I’d rather stand until dinner if possible.”
“Of course.” He leaned against his desk. “Rowan has professed his support for you. Ethan is still on the fence. Halvar is against you. Thorvin has made no move either way. Soren will support me, and Donovan wishes to meet you before he makes up his mind.”
I blinked. “Why does any of this matter?”
“Any threat to my territory is a threat to them.”
I sighed. “I’m not a threat to anyone.”
He grinned. “You’re such a lovely little liar, Evie Quinn.”
I threw my hands up. “I don’t even know why I try.”
“The ball will end outside once the centerpiece is complete, but you will be required to stay.”
My heart skipped a beat. “Why?”
“The Shifter Lords wish to test your magic.” Caelan’s jaw tightened.
“Do you test everyone’s magic? Or am I just special?”
He sighed. “There’s no need. Everyone in this town has a straightforward gift. Their lineage is easily traceable, but you’ve been secretive about yours. We can find no records of your birth parents.”
Ben hadn’t told Caelan about Cliona’s visit. My heart warmed. “That’s because it’s none of your business.”
His eyes darkened. “You know this could go much easier for everyone if you were a little more forthcoming about yourself.”
I snorted. “Like you are?”
“I am a Lord.”
“Yes,” I said bitterly, “thus allowing you to get away with anything you want.”
