Amryn felt the blood drain from her face. She hadn’t really thought about the fact that she’d be meeting Carver’s family once they reached Westmont; she’d had far too many other concerns aboutgettingthere. Now it was all she could think about. She’d briefly met his father at the wedding feast, but soon she would come face to face with his many siblings—and his mother. It didn’t matter that Carver had always spoken fondly of the woman, Amryn was suddenly terrified at the prospect of meeting Alora Vincetti. Elowen’s words certainly didn’t help. Saints, did Carver’s mother dislike her already?
Carver’s sister must have read something in Amryn’s expression, because she chuckled. “Don’t worry, you have nothing to fear from Mother. She can hold a grudge, of course—and she does about this whole Esperance business—but it has nothing to do with you.”
Amryn wasn’t sure about that. What mother wantedher son to marry to a stranger? A woman she hadn’t been given a chance to even meet, let alone approve of?
Oh Saints, would Lady Vincetti approve of her? What if she found Amryn lacking? What if she resented Amryn purely because Carver hadn’t been given a choice in marrying her?
“How was your journey?” Elowen asked. Kindness—even eagerness—poured from her, which helped stall some of Amryn’s bursting panic.
She shoved all thoughts of meeting Carver’s mother aside so she could answer Elowen’s question. “It was mostly uneventful.” She wasn’t sure how much she was supposed to share with Elowen about what had happened in Esperance—or on their journey here—so before that spark of curiosity could fully ignite, Amryn hurried to ask a question of her own. “How long have you been at the capital?” Carver had sent a message to Westmont, but there was no way his father would have had time to receive it, then arrive before them.
A cloud of unease drifted over Elowen, dimming some of her brightness. But her smile resolutely remained. “We’ve been here about three weeks. My father, myself, and my brother Berron.” Her mouth tightened ever so slightly, though it was the rush of concern—mingled with pity and a low twist of grief—that told Amryn far more about Elowen’s thoughts. Still, Carver’s sister forced a smile. “Berron was summoned to the palace to assist one of the emperor’s chancellors in some . . . legal matters.” The hedging was obvious, and Elowen must have realized it. She bit her lower lip. “I’m not sure what Carver has shared about our brother . . .”
“He told me about thesonne,” she said, as gently as possible. “And what happened to him afterwards.” Berron had become addicted tosonneyears ago, and he’d lost a great deal of coin to the dangerous men who sold him the illegal drug. When he could no longer steal more gold from his family to cover his debts, the criminals had taken one of Berron’s hands and one of his eyes as punishment—and as a warning to others that not even a Vincetti was safe from them.
Sorrow rolled through Elowen. Her expression was somber as she said, “Yes, well, one of the emperor’s chancellors—Chancellor Janson—was put in charge of dismantling thesonnetrade. Father doesn’t think it’s possible to stop it completely, but . . .” She shrugged. “Any efforts that can be made will be worth the struggle. Chancellor Janson asked Berron to give his testimony of all that happened to him, and inform on anything he learned while spending time with those criminals. My father wanted to accompany him, since . . .”We don’t really trust Berron to be alone away from home.
That was what she didn’t say, but it was clear in the uneasy guilt that bled into her eyes, and in the slight blush that crawled over her cheeks. She forced a thin smile. “Berron isn’t always the best company, so I insisted on coming along. Not to mention, I love any opportunity to socialize and shop at the capital,” she added with a wink.
Despite her play at levity, Amryn felt the strength of Elowen’s desire to be there for her father. And her brother, though she probably wouldn’t admit that to anyone—especially Berron. “Luckily, it all worked out,” Elowen continued, grinning as she added, “And of course, now I get to brag to everyone else in the family that I met you first.”
There was another knock on the door, though this time Amryn wasn’t startled. She easily recognized Ahmi’s familiar, soothing presence inthe hall.
Amryn stood. “That’s probably my maid.” She gestured to her dress, her cheeks warming once more. “I’m a bit of a mess.”
Elowen rose in one quick motion. “Oh, not at all. But I won’t keep you. I know how wonderful it feels to get clean after a long journey.” Before Amryn could move toward the door, Elowen reached out, taking Amryn’s hand. With a light squeeze, she said, “I know we don’t know each other, but I look forward to changing that.” Her eyes sparkled as she added, “And I can’t wait to see how besotted my brother is.”
Amryn had no idea what to say to that, but thankfully Elowen didn’t seem to need a response. They walked together to the suite’s door, and Amryn opened it before Ahmi could knock again.
Ahmi’s flare of surprise at finding Amryn with a visitor showed in her eyes before she quickly bowed her head. “Apologies for interrupting, my lady. I can return later.”
“No need,” Elowen said. “I was just leaving.” She twisted to face Amryn. “I’m sure you and Carver are exhausted and want to rest tonight, but perhaps we can have dinner together soon? I’m sure my father will be available, and Berron . . . He may have other plans,” she said, the obvious lie falling heavily between them. She winced apologetically before saying, “I’ll talk with Father and let you know.” She didn’t wait for a response—which was just as well, because Amryn didn’t know how to tell her that she and Carver were leaving this place as soon as possible. Immediately after the emperor’s meeting tomorrow, she hoped.
With a little wave, Elowen was gone.
Ahmi raised a questioning eyebrow.
“One of Carver’s sisters,” Amryn explained.
Understanding filtered over the maid’s expression. “Ah.” She glanced about the room. “Is the general here?”
“No. He’s in a meeting with the emperor.” For the first time, Amryn truly looked at Ahmi. The middle-aged woman must have had a quick bath while the Chosen had met with the emperor, because Ahmi was clean and looked quite refreshed, despite the weariness that clung to her after their hard journey. It was the undercurrent of her nerves that had Amryn straightening. “Is everything all right?” she asked.
Ahmi’s throat flexed as she swallowed. “Yes. Of course.” She glanced at the guard stationed in the hall. He wasn’t looking at them, but he was undoubtedly listening.
Amryn stepped aside, waving for Ahmi to enter the room.
The maid did so, before closing the door with a soft click. When she turned to face Amryn, her hands were clasped loosely before her, her eyes lowered. “A palace maid has been assigned to you, my lady. She’ll be here shortly to take over my duties.”
Amryn’s breath caught. “You aren’t . . .?” The question went unfinished, because of course she’d known Ahmi wouldn’t remain her maid forever. Ahmi’s assignment as Amryn’s maid had been a temporary one. And it made sense that she’d be anxious to return to the temple she called home. Still, Amryn’s heart sank. Ahmi had provided gentle companionship over the last few months. She had a calming presence that made her easy to be around—an invaluable trait for an empath, who was easily drained or overstimulated by others and their emotions. Ahmi’s steadiness and gentle kindness had made her a perfect friend. Amryn would miss her—intensely.
Ahmi’s lips pressed together, her gaze flicking up to meet Amryn’s eyes. “It has been an honor to serve you, my lady. I admire you a great deal and have greatly enjoyed your company. I . . . couldn’t leave without saying goodbye.”
There it was. A flicker of desperation amidst her resolve. A crack that betrayed her reluctance.
Amryn held her gaze. “Are you set on returning to Esperance?”
Hope lit through Ahmi, though her expression remained carefully smooth. “Esperance has been my sanctuary for many years. I never thought to leave it.” She bit her lower lip. Old pain surfaced as she said, “I was married, once.”
