" Shaylah's sudden, sharp exclamation jerked Califa out of her musings. Dare dropped his cup, and it shattered on the table as his head snapped around to his mate.
"I think the new prince of Trios wants to join us for this meal," Shaylah said a little breathlessly.
Drake paled. "Oh, God."
"No one to blame but yourself," Dax said to him with a grin.
"Don't get brassy, Defense Minister Silverbrake," Califa said, setting down her own cup to help Shaylah rise. "You don't want to give him any smart remarks to use on you later."
"To use on me?" Dax echoed, puzzled. Then, as her meaning hit, his eyes widened and he gaped at her. "Oh God."
[...]
"And I'll be there, my friend," Dare teased Dax, "rest assured. "

― Justine Davis , Rebel Prince (Coalition Rebellion, #3)