Chapter 26

Keilor frowned at Fallon. “Your mother does want you to wed.” There was a silence as they considered just how far the manipulative Portae would go to secure a daughter-in-law. Considering the lengths she’d gone to in the past to manage her only son’s life, there was no telling what she was capable of, and Jasmine was the first woman he’d ever shown a serious interest in.

“Had the drug been in your dessert, Keilor, I would have suspected Urseya.” Jayems smiled faintly. “Under the circumstances, I can’t see her wishing to inflame Jasmine, lest she be forced to toast the pair of you at your wedding feast.”

His cousin gave him a sardonic smile.

“You give up on me too soon, Jayems,” Fallon interjected smoothly. “The lady might have preferred to spend the night in my bed.”

Rihlia stood up, fists clenched. “You leave her alone!”

Surprised by the fury of her command, the three men regarded her with uncertainty.