Page 14 of The Robin on the Oak Throne

“The game begins when you enter,” was all Graves said.

Of course. It always did.

Graves moved to the fireplace, seemingly inspecting the craftsmanship. Kierse circled the room and took up a spot by the farthest balcony. She pushed gently against theFrench door and found it opened on a breeze. If something went sideways with Estelle, this would be the easiest exit.

On a sideboard against one wall, tiered silver trays held little French delicacies. Gold-rimmed flutes of champagne sat on a matching silver platter. Kierse’s stomach grumbled. She’d gotten so invested in her work that she’d forgotten to eat today, and with the adrenaline wearing off, she wished that she’d thought better of it. Not that she would indulge from an unknown warlock.

A few moments later, a slight woman entered wearing a sumptuous red gown that looked like it had walked straight off the runway. Her hips swayed as she moved, one foot in front of the other, on mile-high heels. Her cheeks were painted with rouge, lips a glossy cherry red, button nose highlighted, and her liner, lashes, and shadow only enhanced her arresting violet eyes.

“Welcome,” she said with a melodic voice. “It’s been too long, mon chéri.”

She strode across the room and embraced Graves like long-lost friends. Graves’s eyes rose to Kierse’s over the top of Estelle’s head. Kierse had to stifle a laugh.

“Whatever are you wearing?” Estelle asked.

Graves pulled back and adjusted his collar. “It’s been a night.”

“And you showed up without even a suit coat?”

“Do you want to hear about what happened in the limo?”

Estelle laughed. “You scoundrel.”

Kierse gritted her teeth at the implication. She had been wondering why he’d disrobed in the car. But now his disheveled appearance made more sense with her own torndress and his rumpled suit pants. They both looked like they’d been having a wild night.

“And you brought your…friend?” Estelle said.

Graves’s answering smile made Kierse’s knees weak. Fuck, he could be charming when he wanted to be.

“My wife,” he corrected.

Kierse’s stomach dropped. No matter how many times he told that lie, she would never get used to it coming out of his mouth.

“Wife,” Estelle repeated, though there was no surprise in her voice.

“As I’m sure you have already heard.”

“Good news travels fast,” she said with a knowing smirk. “Now, you’re being rude. Introduce me.”

Graves took Estelle by the arm and brought her over to Kierse. “Madame Estelle, might I introduce you to Kierse McKenna.” His eyes lifted to meet Kierse’s. “Kierse, my longtime friend, Estelle Beaumont.”

“Pleasure to meet you.”

“The pleasure is all mine,” Estelle said. She leaned forward and kissed Kierse once on each cheek. “Anyone who can lock down the most formidable bachelor on either side of the Atlantic has my appreciation and condolences.”

“‘Condolences,’” Graves grumbled.

Estelle shot him a wry smile. “She has to put up with you.”

Kierse snorted. “She knows the right of it.”

“Will I get to hear the story of how you brought his heart back from the dead?”

“Is that what I did?” Kierse asked. She directed the question at Estelle but knew Graves would pick up that itwas clearly intended for him. Kierse arched an eyebrow.

“Another time,” Graves said. “That’s not why we’re here.”

“No?” Estelle said with a soft laugh. “You didn’t come to tell me the good news? I’m shocked.” She put a hand to her chest. “Truly.”

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