"Trouble?"
Orion sat up straighter. He knew Lilith too well. Unlike Delilah, who would saunter into his chambers to tease him or drag him into some debauched game, Lilith was not here for a late-night rendezvous.
If she was here now, it was business.
"Orion, Kronos and his mother have departed from Soaring Bird City," Lilith said, her voice steady. "How do you intend to handle their arrival?"
Orion raised an eyebrow. He studied her face, catching the unspoken weight behind her words.
"My dear Lilith," he murmured, "is that a hint of mischief I see in your eyes? Or perhaps a touch of reluctance?"
Years of partnership had forged a telepathic sort of understanding between them. Nothing needed to be spelled out.
"Princess Ava will reside in the castle, of course."
Lilith met his gaze. There was a flicker of possessiveness there—a wife's prerogative—but it was buried under layers of playful diplomacy. Using the formal title "Princess Ava" was her subtle jab at the situation.
