Melek said nothing, neither confirming nor denying the accusation.
Which probably meant he was guilty.
On any normal day, I’d likely be pissed to have been dragged into one of his little games. Yet I felt oddly content with how everything had turned out.
My Phoenix was… calm. Happy, even. He seemed to be hovering right alongside me, our spirits joined in a way I had never really experienced. Even my energy levels seemed tranquil, my usual need to expel excess power nowhere to be found.
I’m at peace, I realized, frowning.Because I have mates? Or is this a temporary reprieve after today’s events?
“I accept your terms, little prince,” Typhos finally said. “As well as the cancellation clause. But I reserve the right to renegotiate later, just as I reserve the right to alter course should Ajax or Cami require it.”
Melek considered him for a long moment, likely evaluating those words and searching for whatever loopholes Typhos was creating by uttering them.
There were several that came to mind, specifically about how Typhos could manipulate Cami and Ajax toalter coursefrom the agreement. But he would attempt to do that even without the added clause.
Typhos was a strategic genius.
However, so was Melek.
Hence the reason they paired so well together.
Melek placed his palms on Typhos’s thighs and stood, then leaned down to brush his lips over the king’s mouth. “It’s a deal, my love.”
I didn’t move forward to join them, just added mentally,I accept, too.
“This will satisfy your agreement with Ajax?” he asked aloud.
“You can’t pursue him or Cami. And I need to be given time to earn their trust.” Once I did, my deal with Ajax could be altered, and we could discuss Typhos again.
Or that was my hope, anyway.
“It seems I need to make amends, too. How am I to do that when I can’t pursue him?” Typhos asked.
“I’m certain you’ll devise an appropriate course of action, my love,” Melek said as he straightened. “But worst-case scenario, we’ll see them at the Interrealm Fae Ball in the Midnight Fae Kingdom.”
Typhos glanced up at him, his eyebrow lifting once more. “We will?”
Melek grinned. “Yes, we will.”
“I don’t recall saying I would attend that event, little prince.”
“No, I took the opportunity to confirm our attendance when speaking with Zakkai earlier. Or I implied it, anyway.” Melek shrugged. “With Ajax and Cami being royal guests, they’ll definitely be in attendance. So it’ll provide the perfect opportunity for a reunion, yes?”
Typhos sighed, his eyes rolling upward as he settled more heavily into his chair. “Interrealm Fae politics. You would find that to be theperfect opportunity,wouldn’t you?”
Melek grinned. “I would, yes.”
“Fine.” Typhos waved a hand. “Ajax and Cami can remain in the Midnight Fae Realm asguests. But you’re staying here with me and helping me determine the cause of these security breaches.” Those words were for Melek. However, the ones that followed were directed at me. “And you will keep an eye on Ajax and Cami for us.”
I dipped my chin. “I will.”
“And train Cami,” Melek added. “Which I have some ideas for. I’ll share them with you on your way out.”
Typhos gave him a look. “More meddling?”
Melek pressed a palm to his chest, his posture the picture of innocence. “Me? Never.”
Typhos just shook his head again and pushed away from his chair. “Go. Meddle. I need some time to process all of this anyway.”
