Jayveh looked to Amryn. “That’s your uncle with King Torin, isn’t it? I’d love a personal introduction.”
Carver opened his mouth, but Amryn spoke first. “Of course.” She shot him a warning glance before the two women walked back toward the line.
Cregon chuckled. “Easier to give in gracefully, son.”
Even though he knew his father was right, he’d still prefer to get Amryn out of this crowded garden. Make sure she was truly all right. Watching her greet Rix, then Torin, he realized just how close he’d come to losing her tonight. His hands rolled to fists.
“She’s safe,” Cregon murmured. His father had read his thoughts so easily, Carver had to wonder what his face looked like.
Jayveh smiled graciously as Torin and Rix bowed, and then she chatted easily with them. Something she said made Torin chuckle.
“She will make a remarkable Princess of Craethen,” Cregon said softly.
Carver agreed. But his eyes remained on Amryn. Even with dirt on her dress and her curls a little wilted, she was beautiful. When she embraced her uncle, Rix’s gaze landed on Carver.
Even with the distance between them, Carver had no trouble seeing the animosity aimed at him.
Cregon set a hand on his shoulder. “He’ll come around.”
Carver snorted. “Doubtful.”
His father flexed his grip. “If it helps, your mother’s father once threatened to eviscerate me.”
“What?” Of his two grandfathers—a retired general and a spice merchant—a violent threat from the latter was the last thing Carver had expected.
“Don’t sound so surprised,” Cregon said, sounding mildly offended. “The man can be quite terrifying.”
“Grandfather Lorenzo is the most soft-spoken man I know.”
His father grunted. “A man’s a lot less genial when he’s giving away his daughter. Trust me. I told Leo I’d feed his body to the sharks if he ever hurt your sister.”
Carver’s eyes widened. “But you’ve always loved Leo.”
“Yes,” he affirmed. “Can you imagine what I would have threatened if I hated him?” He cracked a smile. “My point is, Rix is protective of Amryn because he loves her. Give him some grace. The circumstances of your marriage have certainly been unique, and he may need more time to adjust. Try to imagine how you would handle watching your daughter get married to a stranger.”
Carver stiffened. Blazing Saints . . .And if his daughter was anempath? He nearly choked. “She is never getting married.”
Cregon patted his shoulder, an amused sort of sympathy glowing in his eyes. “I once said the same thing, Carve. Good luck.” With that, his father returned to stand behind the emperor’s chair.
Emotions rioting, Carver made his way over to Amryn. Thankfully, Rix and Torin had moved on, so Carver didn’t have to engage with them.
Jayveh was just greeting Cora’s father when he reached Amryn’s side. He didn’t have to be an empath to see the grief that overshadowed Lord Amin. Heaviness dragged at the middle-aged man, the lines on his face deep.
He glanced at Carver’s approach, but his focus remained on Jayveh. “My wife grows weary, but we both wanted to offer our congratulations on your news before we leave for the night.”
Carver spotted the man’s wife a few paces away, standing before the emperor. The Amins were both dressed immaculately, with all the finery of their peers, but it was easy enough to spot the slump in their shoulders and the hollowness in their eyes.
“Thank you,” Jayveh said. Her face softened along with her voice as she added, “I know these last months have been impossibly difficult for you and your wife. I’m so sorry for your losses.”
Lord Amin’s throat bobbed as he swallowed. “I appreciate that, Your Highness.”
Compassion filled her expression as Jayveh reached out, laying a hand on the man’s arm. “I know the emperor has loved having you here as his treasured guests, but he would understand if you’d prefer to return home.”
Sudden moisture swam in Lord Amin’s eyes. “Perhaps it’s time,” he said hoarsely.
Jayveh squeezed his arm. “If you ever need anything, you—”
Lord Amin moved blindingly fast. He grabbed her wrist with one hand, his other gripping a small blade. He thrust it toward her slightly rounded abdomen.
