Carver’s father cleared his throat again, the sound no less embarrassing the second time. “They arrived at the palace soon after you left to train,” Cregon explained. “They wanted to see Amryn right away.” And he had brought them, clearly never expecting to find Carver and Amryn as they had.
She might die of mortification.
Carver’s hand landed on the small of her back. “King Torin,” he greeted, his voice smooth and respectful, despite the tension humming inside him. “Lord Varden.”
Her uncle’s lip curled.
Torin’s eyes flickered between Carver and Amryn. His growing unease made it clear he would like to see some distance between them. But that might be more for his friend’s sake, judging from the worried look he gave Rix.
Her uncle was glaring at Carver, a vein in his temple throbbing.
Amryn had known Rix and Torin were coming to Zagrev, but she hadn’t known when to expect them. Seeing them now felt a little surreal. But reality finally penetrated. She mastered her shock—and embarrassment—enough to speak, even if it was only a single word. “Rix.”
Her uncle tore his dark gaze from Carver, his focus shifting to her.
Despite the awkwardness, Amryn’s chest swelled as she took him in. She darted forward, and Rix didn’t hesitate to catch her in a firm embrace.
Her eyes stung as she breathed in deep, the familiar cedar and pine scent of him filling her lungs and her heart. With his strong arms banded around her, the feel of his short beard against her face, she struggled not to cry.Home. Safety.Ever since she was a child, that was what Rix had always represented for her. “I missed you,” she whispered, her voice cracking.
Rix’s emotions were chaotic. A torrent she couldn’t hope to untangle. And yet at those words, she felt the rawness of his heartache. “I’ve missed you, too.” His voice was rougher than normal, but still achingly familiar. His accent alone was soothing.
It was a long time before he eased his grip on her. When he did, Torin was there. He gave her a half smile. “Is it my turn yet?”
She immediately embraced him. “It’s so good to see you, Torin.”
“You have no idea how relieved I am to see you’re well.” He ducked his head, pulling her closer. “Rix has been unbearable without you,” he whispered in her ear. She sensed he was only half joking.
When Amryn pulled back, she saw Carver was once again locked in a staring match with her uncle.
She cleared her throat. “Rix, you remember Carver.”
Her uncle’s eyes did not waver from him. “I remember.”
Amryn fought the urge to wince at the coldness in his voice. She swallowed and hurried on with the introductions. “Torin, this is Carver.”
She was grateful when Carver moved to stand by her side. “It’s an honor to meet you, Your Highness. Amryn has told me a lot about you.”
The king of Ferradin studied Carver. “You look like your father,” he finally said. It was clearly not a compliment.
The tension in the air was thick. Amryn couldn’t imagine what the trip to the townhouse had been like. Torin, Rix, and the Bloody General all in close proximity.Saints.
Cregon shifted closer to his son. He and Carver were now facing Rix and Torin, with Amryn standing between them. “Why don’t we go inside?” Carver’s father said. “We can have a drink before dinner.”
Dinner. Rix and Torin, sharing a table with the Vincettis? Amryn nearly grimaced at the thought.
“I’d like a moment alone with my niece,” Rix said, his tone brooking no argument.
Carver stiffened, but Cregon gripped his arm before meeting Rix’s stare. “Of course. You can use my study.”
Amryn felt the pulse of Carver’s anxiety as the door closed, cutting her off from his view.
Rix immediately pulled her into another embrace, his emotions roiling. “Saints, Amryn. I’ve barely slept in months, I’ve been so worried. I’ve been cursing myself for ever leaving you at that bloody temple. For letting you leave home in the first place. I’m so sorry.”
“It’s all right—”
“It’s not.” Misery gripped him. “When we reached the palace, we learned you were here. That only half the Chosen even survived Esperance. That you’restillbeing targeted by assassins.” He pulled back to meet her gaze, his hands wrapped around her arms in an unbreakable hold. Tears shimmered in his eyes. “I could have lost you.”
Her heart squeezed as she felt his grief and fear. “You didn’t lose me. I’m safe.” She swallowed hard, holding his gaze as she said, “But I wouldn’t be, if not for Carver.”
