The pang in her chest made her breath catch.
Ford noticed. “I know Carver doesn’t think he’s alive,” he said quietly. “But I think maybe it’s just his way of protecting himself. From reliving the memories of his own captivity. As much as he doesn’t want Argent to be dead, he doesn’t want to imagine him suffering somewhere.”
Amryn didn’t argue, and Ford turned back to his painting.
Amryn watched him work a while longer before she turned to her own project. She’d gotten the idea after Carver had given her the emerald ring. Her gift wouldn’t be as expensive or fine—and it certainly wouldn’t be as exquisitely crafted, since she was making it herself—but she was excited to give it to him. Since she couldn’t easily leave the palace, she’d recruited Ahmi to help her get the supplies. It should be finished by tonight.
When Ford asked what it was, and she explained, he grinned. “He’s going to love it.”
“I hope so.” Carver had given her so much. The ring, and the cello. Love, and acceptance. A family she never imagined would welcome her as they had. And even though there were always demands being made of him, he made an effort to give her as much of his time as he could. She treasured those rare and precious moments they had alone in their suite, where they talked about everything and nothing. Sometimes—especially when the moon was high, and the protection of night had drawn around them—Carver shared some of what he’d been through in Harvari. Amryn also shared stories about her life in Ferradin, and what it had been like to grow up as an empath.
They were closer than ever—heart, body, and soul—and Amryn had never been happier.
She ran her thumb over the leather cords in her hands. “I wish I could give him more,” she admitted softly.
“You have no idea what you’ve given him.”
Ford’s adamant words touched a place deep inside her, and she murmured her thanks. “You know what I mean, though. He’s given me so much.”
Ford glanced at the emerald ring on her finger. He’d admired it for a good ten minutes the first time she’d shown it to him, grinning as he’d triggered the spring several times. She obviously hadn’t explained why it was such a perfect weapon for an empath, but Ford was sufficiently impressed even without knowing that.
“The man adores you,” he said simply.
“And I adore him. I want to show him that.” An idea struck her. “Ford, will you help me with something?”
“Anything. And not just because I’ve been bored out of my mind.”
Her lips twitched. “It may involve abducting Carver,” she warned.
Ford’s eyes glittered. “Tell me more.”
Amryn still wasn’t sure how it had all come together so perfectly. Ford had convinced her to recruit Elowen’s help, and things moved quickly after that. Carver’s sister had pulled in Ivan and Alora, and Amryn had turned to Ahmi to help with a few other arrangements.
Now, soon after sunset, Amryn stood on the rooftop garden on top of the Vincetti townhome. Despite coming to the townhouse a couple of times in the last week to train in self-defense and join Carver’s family for dinner, Amryn had never visited the rooftop garden until today. The already idyllic space had been transformed with glowing lanterns and a small table set for two. The potted trees and flowering hedges would give them privacy, and their view of the stars would be breathtaking once night fell. Elowen had even thought to sprinkle the ground with vibrant flower petals. Well, they’d mostly been thrown by Fowler and Wren, who had gotten into a fight with them. But with the sky painted in shades of dusky purples, fading pinks, and darkening blues of night, the setting was almost surreal. Certainly more than Amryn would have been able to do on her own.
She heard the carriage roll into the courtyard. Sudden nerves danced in her stomach, and she brushed a hand over her dress. It was a nicer gown than she usually wore. The soft lavender color seemed a perfect shade for the rooftop garden, especially with night approaching. The skirt was long and flowing, with a fitted bodice, a square neckline, and intricate lace sleeves that flared at the wrist. Her red hair was pinned up in a relaxed bun, with loose curls falling to brush her shoulders and frame her face.
“He’s here!” Fowler hissed, running up to her.
“We heard the carriage,” Wren said.
He stuck his tongue out at his sister.
Amryn twisted to face Carver’s mother, who had just put the last dish on the table. “Thank you again for doing all of this.”
“It was my absolute pleasure,” Alora said, beaming. She squeezed Amryn’s hand, her voice lowering as she added, “He’s always looking after everyone else. Thank you for taking such good care of him.”
Elowen swept over, giving everything a last look before she nodded. “It will do.”
“It’s perfect,” Amryn corrected.
Elowen gave her a small smile, her eyes shining as she said, “He won’t even notice any of it once he sees you.”
Ivan and Keene had just finished lighting the last lanterns when the rooftop door opened. Ford stepped out first, guiding Carver. Who was blindfolded.
Amryn frowned.
Ford grinned at her. “Let me have my fun.”
