“Do you want to be part of my court too?” Austin asked.
Reba’s hands went still on Austin’s calves. Calloused and dripping with oil, his hands stayed there as he lifted a young, hopeful face. “Really? Can I be?”
Austin’s fear of rejection eased away.
“My court, I mean. Not Tristan’s.”
Reba nodded quickly.
“If you’re in my court, then you’re more to me than just service,” Austin added.
Delight sprang forth, stubborn and bright.
“And you’ll outrank Inx.”
At that, Reba hesitated. “He’s my captain.”
“And you’re my court. So, yes or no.”
“Can wenottell Captain Inx I outrank him?” Reba asked, plaintive.
The door suddenly swung open. A drenched Lassie stood there, holding an empty plate.
“Sir, I was knocking,” Lassie said, breathless. “I was bringing you food, but—the wind took it.”
Austin’s lip curved in amusement. “I’ll come to the dining room.”
Lassie let out a breath of relief. “Thank goodness. I’ll go prepare another dish.” She went ahead, and Austin changed from his robe into clothes before following.
The storm surge was upon the estate, and wild winds whipped Austin’s hair as he and Reba stepped out, thick droplets soaking them instantly. The air smelled of salt, ozone, and lightning. Dark, angry clouds blotted out the moon and stars.
Reba hunched protectively around Austin, trying to shield him from the elements, though his wings caught the gusts like sails. He was panting with effort when they rushed into the main hall. “Maybe we should connect these buildings?” Reba suggested, shaking himself out.
“I like that they’re disconnected,” Austin replied. The fireplace had been lit, but the wind was strong enough that the fire guttered out, then relit, with each gust. “And I like the storms.”
A bang echoed from the kitchens. Austin peered down the hall.
“Lassie? Did you fall?” Austin called. It was just as likely that an open door had let in a gust and knocked over some pots.
Reba quickly disappeared down the hall, his soaked wings shedding droplets on the wooden floors. Austin took one step to follow, but some instinct made him go still. An uncomfortable feeling in the back of his head had him turning, and he watched a figure dressed all in grey duck through the open doors, out of the storm.
Gusts battered a pencil-thin body, and rainwater soaked his hair tight to his skull like a swim cap. Desor’s acidic gaze found Austin and latched on.
Cold crept over Austin. He gritted his teeth but forced his body to remain relaxed, refusing to let his intense dislike show.
“You are not welcome on this estate,” Austin said, his voice sharp.
“Forgive me.” Desor’s eyes burned with temper. “I did not think you’d see me otherwise.”
“Leave. Walk back to the city,” Austin ordered. Maybe a storm surge would rip him off the path and drown him.
Desor stepped forward into the entranceway. “I apologise for anything I might have done to offend you. I never intended any such slight.”
“I saidleave.” An uncomfortable pressure bloomed behind Austin’s eyes.
Desor hesitated, closely examining Austin’s face, as if seeking confirmation of something.
Austin’s gaze slid to the man’s right pocket, that feeling behind his eyes growing worse. Anger spread, then rage. “Reba,” Austin called. “Come here.”
