“Nero,” his greeting is formal, keeping up our front of only being friendly but not friends. “Happy birthday.”
He extends his free hand, and I take it.
“Appreciate it.”
We automatically adjust our footing, so the wall is at our sides and we’re watching each other’s backs.
“How’s the party?” King keeps his volume low, and I know no one can overhear us above the music and droning voices.
“I need you to grab an artifact for me and put it in storage. Gently.”
King swirls the amber liquid in his glass before taking a sip. “One I’ll recognize?” he finally asks.
“Yes.” My fingers itch to curl into a fist, but I keep them loose. “The coconut honey.”
King’s brows raise, the smallest amount, revealing just how surprised he is by my request.
“Here?” he clarifies and I nod.
Even if no one ca
