“I missed my firstborn son’swedding,” Alora stressed. “And Argent’s! I can’t forgive that.”
Carver tensed at his friend’s name. A quick look at his father made it clear that Alora hadn’t been told about Argent’s fate yet. She must believe the public lie—that Argent was at the palace right now, only ill.
Alora glanced over at Jayveh. The princess had moved to the side of the yard to have a more private reunion with her brothers. Her guards had fanned out, keeping watch. Tears streamed down Jayveh’s face as she talked quietly with the two boys, all three of their dark heads bent close together. Everything in Carver’s mother softened. “Those boys have missed her terribly.”
“She’s missed them, too,” Carver said.
She patted his arm. “I know how she feels. Being away from the ones you love—not knowing if they’re safe and well—is sheer torture.”
Carver wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “I’m here, and I’m safe.”
“I’m so glad.” She pulled in a breath, then asked, “Berron?” It was only one word, but it held an ocean of longing.
Carver’s throat flexed as he shook his head.
Hurt flashed in her eyes, but then her shoulders straightened. Raising her voice enough for the others to hear, she said, “Let’s head inside. Dinner will be getting cold.”
Chapter 35
Amryn
Amrynsatonthecarpeted floor in the corner of the Vincetti sitting room. Her skirt was spread on the floor around her, her legs tucked beneath the flowing material. The fireplace across the room burned lowly, giving off heat and flickering light.
“This one’s probably my favorite,” Fowler said, handing Amryn one of the bronze coins from the small box at his side. “Father brought it home from a trip to Sibet. It’s one of their old coins, from before they joined the empire.”
Joined the empire. It sounded so innocuous, especially said in Fowler’s young voice.
But Amryn only smiled in the face of the boy’s excitement. She studied the old coin, running the pad of her thumb across the worn grooves that depicted a wolf’s head. “It’s incredible,” she said.
The young boy beamed, flashing a dimple in his cheek. Even at ten years old that smile was devastating. Carver had probably looked just like that when he was a boy.
The Vincetti family somehow managed to be nothing like she’d expected, and yet alsoexactlywhat she’d expected. Loud, warm, and brimming with love and laughter. Dinner had been surprisingly comfortable. The food was delicious, and while the conversation was a little more boisterous than she was used to, she’d laughed freely. There was a peace in this home she hadn’t expected. An acceptance she hadn’t dared hope for. There was no doubt the Vincettis had claimed her.
In the spacious dining room, Fowler and Wren had immediately taken the two seats beside Amryn. Carver had protested at once. “What about me? Don’t I get to sit beside my own wife?”
“No,” Fowler said easily. “You’ve had her all this time already.”
“It wouldn’t be fair,” Wren agreed with a firm nod.
Carver had looked so petulant, Amryn had nearly laughed.
“They’ve got valid points,” Keene chimed in from across the table. “Besides, Carve, you might not get to sit by her at dinner, but tonight you’ll get to—”
“Keene Vincetti,” Alora interrupted sternly from across the room. “If you finish that sentence, I will have you scrubbing dishes until you’re old enough to retire from the military.”
Amryn’s cheeks had flamed, and Carver had sent her an apologetic look as laughter rippled through the room. But her husband was grinning, which sort of ruined the wordless apology.
Her lips had twitched as she shook her head. Her own family had become so fractured, she hadn’t experienced anything like this since she was a young child. She relished every moment of happiness, heedless of the passage of time. And she didn’t think she was the only one.
Darkness now filled the windows, but no one seemed to care. They’d gathered in the large sitting room, except for Jayveh and her brothers, who had sought some privacy in the cozy library across the hall. The love and relief Jayveh felt at being reunited with her brothers made Amryn’s heart swell. The two boys had told Jayveh over dinner how wonderful their time in Westmont had been. While they’d missed her, the last few months for them had been a grand adventure. Jayveh was filled with gratitude as she’d thanked Cregon and Alora for protecting them so well.
Carver had left the sitting room with his parents a while ago. Ford, Elowen, and Keene were playing a game of cards on the other side of the room. Amryn was currently sitting on the floor between the youngest Vincetti children. Wren and Fowler hadn’t left her side since dinner. Wren had all sorts of questions about Ferradin—she’d read about the lochs and mountains, but she wanted to hear Amryn describe them.
Fowler mostly wanted to tell her about his favorite things and show her some of his treasures—thus, the box of coins in his hands. He’d also introduced her to his energetic dog, Cove. The brown and white mutt had barked happily as he bounced between their feet, and when Amryn knelt, he was quick to leap onto her lap andlick at her face and petting hands. Eventually the dog had calmed, and he was now curled on Amryn’s lap, dozing lightly.
Fowler took back the Sibeten coin, then dug through his beautifully carved box, sending bits of metal clinking loudly together. “I know I have an old Palarian coin in here somewhere—”
“Carver!” Wren’s excited voice made Amryn look up.
