Lucian looks even more exhausted, if that’s possible. “Celeste is still maintaining that she was attacked by Daciana. She’s bringing forward a new witness every day.”
Cold fury settles in my gut. “Then I’ll take my mate and leave. If the King can’t even control his own subjects…”
“Kieran.” Lucian’s face flushes red, his own anger rising.
Leon is between us in an instant, his hands raised. “There’s no need to fight. Both of you, stop.”
“Lucian’s hands are tied, Kieran,” Seth says. “You don’t understand how necessary politics are here. He’s trying to help you.”
I know they’re right. I know Lucian is doing what he can. But the thought of Daciana having to face the Council tomorrow, having to defend herself while she’s still raw with grief, makes me want to burn the whole palace down.
“I apologize,” I say stiffly. “Daciana and I will be in the throne room tomorrow for the meeting.”
Lucian nods, the tension draining from his shoulders. “Thank you.”
Tonight,I can’t sleep.
I toss and turn in the empty bed, acutely aware of Daciana’s absence. The sheets smell like her, which only makes it worse. I’m used to her warmth beside me, her steady breathing, the way she curls into my side in the middle of the night.
I give up and climb out of bed. The baby blanket and pendant Daciana found are sitting on the dresser. I pick them up and bring them to the desk by the window.
The blanket is old, faded. But when I touch it with my magic, I feel that trace of Daciana again. It is so faint that I almost missed it the first time. Why would her mother hide a baby blanket with Daciana’s magic on it?
The pendant is even more interesting. I hold it up to the lamplight, studying the intricate design etched into the metal. It’s definitely a family’s mark. But whose?
I need answers.
“Artisem!” I call out loudly, knowing he’s probably asleep in his quarters down the hall.
It takes about five minutes before he appears in the doorway, hair disheveled and shirt hastily thrown on. He’s rubbing sleep from his eyes but looks alert enough.
“What is it?” he asks, stifling a yawn.
“This pendant.” I hold it out to him. “Find out which family this mark belongs to. I don’t care how long it takes or what you have to do. I need to know.”
He takes it without complaint, examining it briefly in the lamplight. “I’ll start first thing in the morning.”
“Thank you.”
He nods and leaves, and I’m alone with my thoughts again.
The sky is just beginning to lighten when I hear the door open. I turn to look; Daciana stands in the doorway, her hair loose around her shoulders, her eyes tired but clear. I’m on my feet instantly, moving toward her. I cross the room in three strides and pull her into my arms, kissing her fiercely.
“Are you okay?” I cup her face in my hands, searching her features. “Did you sleep? Do you need anything? Are you—”
She cuts me off with a kiss, her hands gripping my shirt. When she pulls back, there’s a hint of a smile on her lips. “I’m happy to be back by your side.”
Relief floods through me. “I missed you.”
“I know.” She touches my face. “You look terrible. Have you gotten any rest at all?”
“Not really.” I pull her toward the bed. “I had a hard time sleeping without you here.”
We climb under the covers together, and she fits herself against my side like she belongs there. Because she does. She presses a kiss to my cheek and rests her head on my chest.
“We have a Council meeting to attend in a few hours,” I say into her hair.
She stiffens. “I heard.”
