“That’s Japanese for ‘charmer’,” Dairfyn stage whispers.

My friend snorts. “No. It means ‘asshole’.”

I choke, shocked at Sakura’s vehemence and choice of words—she never swears. “Actually, I’m not mated to Dairfyn, but to Ilian.”

She continues to stare, shaking her head. “You want me to believe that you’re mated to this man when you won’t even go on a date?”

“…there’s a lot to unpack.”

“Clearly. Can I invite you in for tea?”

“That sounds delightfu—”

“Not you, Dagon, Zhuliya and…her mate.”

“Ah, but your parents will be most displeased if you don’t show me the proper hospitality—and we know how much you aim to please them.”

Sakura grips her hands together until they turn white, and I grab her elbow before she either combusts or murders Dairfyn.

Pulling her to the side, I hiss, “What’s going on between you two?!”

“What? Nothing! Absolutely nothing! The bigger question is what’s going on with you!”

“I’ll spill when you do.”

She sighs. “Everything was nice and quiet until he popped up out of nowhere—with the Prime Minister—demanding I be the ambassador for Japan. As if I’m even qualified!”

“What did your parents say?”

“They’re ecstatic. It’s the highest honor ever bestowed on our family. To refuse would be a direct insult to both my country and my ancestors, but I don’t trust that Dagon. He’s up to something.”

I wince, and Sakura pounces. “Ah-ha! I saw that face. What do you know?”

“Oh no no no, you’re not putting me between you two. I have enough problems. You won’t even believe what’s happened to me.”

“Nothing tea and a bathhouse can’t fix.”

We share a smile. It’s been a few years since I’ve been to Okayama, but I adore Sakura’s home so much. Her parents are a bit overbearing, but they love their daughter and only want what’s best for her—according to them.

Makes me wonder what my parents would think of Ilian.

I glance over at my Ithaqua, and my heart stumbles over a beat. He looks up swiftly, sensing the rush of emotion through our bond, his gaze seeking mine for reassurance.

With a smile, I wave him over. “Sakura is going to let us use the bathhouse.”

Ilian bows to my friend. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome to stay, as well.” Dairfyn clears their throat, and Sakura wilts but is too polite to not extend the invitation to them.

“Lovely. Shall we go see my little cherry blossom’s parents?”

“Please don’t call me that.”

My mate pulls me back as Sakura and Dairfyn head inside. “Your friend doesn’t seem too keen about mine.”

“Sakura is very straight-laced. Dairfyn’s personality is probably too much for her, but it might be a good thing. If anyone needs to find love more than me, it’s her.”

Ilian’s lips curl into a big smile. “You’re just a regular little cupid now that you’ve embraced our bond, aren’t you?”

“I guess I just want Sakura to be as happy as I am.”

“It’s my hope that you’re always happy and that we grow old together.”

“Will you still love me when my hair is gray?”

My Ithaqua rolls his eyes. “I don’t see why not—you seem to accept my gray fur just fine.” His expression grows serious.

“What?”

“You know it won’t always be perfect, though, right? I mean, I’ll work every day to make you happy, but—”

I reach on my tiptoes to kiss him. “Ilian, I know our relationship isn’t going to be rainbows and sunshine all the time.

Even my parents argued, but their love was anchored into their souls like ours—I mean, not exactly how ours is—but you get it. True love can weather the storms.”

Ilian cups my face, inching his skull closer to mine just as Sakura calls out for us to hurry up.

A pathetic sound escapes me, and Ilian laughs. “Don’t worry, soyam, we’ll find somewhere private to continue this later.

Let’s go get cleaned up and then we can meet with Sakura’s parents and the Prime Minister.”

“Two weeks ago, I was a nobody, and now I’m rubbing elbows with goddesses and foreign leaders.”

“Don’t forget about gods,” Ilian reminds.

“Ugh, I want to erase Ulyen from my memory more than I want to get back on a boat.”

“Is that what you asked Aisyth when you two were whispering?”

I grin. “Don’t worry about it. Will you teach me to do tattoos?”

My question takes the Ithaqua off guard. “Yes, if that’s your wish.”

“You know I love ink, especially yours.”

“Then it will be my honor. We can sketch designs out together and work on them.”

“I thought you didn’t draw?”