Ivona did have her doubts. She knew Clive Kelly very well, after all. But Katya--well, their Queen did have her secrets, everyone knew. Time would tell. And only the survivors would write the histories, as the saying went.

"Anticipating something dire to come roaring out of the woods, love?" she gently teased, tapping a perfect fingernail against the back of his hand. "While I grant the lack of catastrophe around here is a bit disconcerting, I've resolved to simply enjoy the breather. Heaven knows there will be time enough for panic and crisis later."

She gave Jordan a knowing look. "Translation, Sir Novak: Seize the night." A giggle. "And whatever else you can reach."