The Flame. The Sword. The Dragon. The Storm.
She needed paper. A place to make notes, so she didn’t mark the journal itself.
Before she could rise to search for a quill and paper, she felt him. The ripple of Carver’s emotions brushed against her empathic sense a moment before she heard the low murmur of voices outside the door.
Amryn sensed his weariness, but still he spoke briefly with the guard outside before he opened the door. His blue eyes found hers, and the bolt of relief he felt when he saw her made the tension in her own chest loosen.
She rose as Carver stepped into the room. The glow of the lone lamp clearly showed the fatigue pulling at his shoulders, as he closed the door and twisted the lock into place.
Amryn’s heart beat a little faster. The room felt smaller with him in it.
Carver studied her, and she didn’t miss his flare of appreciation as his eyes traced over her lavender gown. The lounging dress wasn’t much more than an elevated nightgown, and she was suddenly very aware of how thin it was.
Her cheeks warmed.
“Hello,” he said, his voice low, warm, and deep.
Her own voice was soft as she said, “Hello.”
His eyes dropped to the journal she held. “Learn anything interesting?”
“Not really. I have a new idea of how to try reading it, though.”
“Good.” He nodded, his dark hair falling over his brow. He glanced at the table, laden with food. Concern bloomed as he clearly noted the unused plates. “You haven’t eaten?”
Her fingers tightened on the book. “I haven’t had much of an appetite.”
There were too many flickering emotions to accurately read, but Carver’s expression softened. “It’s been a long day.”
The hesitancy she felt coming from him was echoed in her own chest. For the first time in weeks, they were truly alone. There was so much to talk about, and yet she had no idea where to begin.
“Your sister came to visit.” It wasn’t the most important thing to say, but it was what popped out.
The corner of his mouth lifted a fraction. “I should have realized she’d immediately corner you.”
“She was very kind.”
“She is,” he agreed at once. Amryn could feel his brotherly affection as he asked, “Did she stay long?”
“No.”
He nodded once. “My father wanted to stop by, but I asked him to give us the night to rest. He’s anxious to see you again.”
Nerves fluttered in her belly. “He is?”
Carver must have caught something in her tone, because he gentled his voice as he assured her, “You don’t need to be nervous. He just wants to get to know you.”
“Oh.” Uncertain how she felt about that, Amryn said, “I didn’t expect them to be here.”
“Neither did I.” Carver frowned. “Apparently, they arrived a few weeks ago. Along with Berron.”
“Elowen told me.” She hesitated, then asked. “Did you have a chance to see Berron?”
“No.”
The relationship between the two brothers was not an easy one, so Amryn didn’t press for more. “Were you with the emperor this whole time?” she asked.
Carver shook his head. “I spent the last few hours with my father and the two generals who are overseeing the fight against the Rising—Morelli and Keats.” There was a flash of displeasure as he said the last name. He explained who they were and briefly told her what they’d discussed. “It took a while to go over everything,” he said. “Then my father wanted a brief word. But I’m sorry I left you alone for so long.”
