Lumeria stood down the dock, hidden behind her veil and flowing fabrics. A line of honor guards stood on either side, creating a walkway for Vi. She approached stiffly and bowed low.
“Your highness, Queen Lumeria, it is an honor to meet you.”
“It is,” she replied in her whispering tones. “Or should I say, meet again? Which would you prefer?”
Vi straightened in shock. She had told Deneya years ago that she could share the truth with Lumeria in her reports, but… she hadn’t been expecting Lumeria to actuallybelievethe stories. Jax and Elecia arrived at that moment. She was prevented from questioning as they bowed.
“Your highness, I present Lady Elecia of the West and her husband, Lord Jax.”
“Welcome to Meru, Lady Elecia and Lord Jax.”
Vi turned to the next two. “This is Lady Ellene of the North—she is blessed with Lightspinning—and her honor guard, Jayme.” Vi had changed Jayme’s post before they set sail.
Even though things were better in this world, Vi still thought it was healthier for her and Jayme if the woman reported to Ellene. Besides, Vi didn’t know where her travels would take her, and Jayme needed to remain on the same continent as her father as much as possible.
“Welcome.” Lumeria raised her voice slightly, and said, “See that the dignitaries and their guards are shown to the palace.”
Soldiers stepped forward, each one appointed to a different person. Vi watched as they paired up with her friends and family. There was not a single trace of foul play, which was a welcome change from the last time she’d stepped foot in Risen.
“I am to be your escort.”
She met a familiar pair of blue eyes. “Deneya,” Vi said with a sigh of relief, and threw her arms around the woman.
“This is a nice change from the last time I saw you on theStormfrost. It’s good to see you again,” Deneya whispered as she held Vi in a crushing embrace. She pulled away abruptly and looked Vi up and down with narrowed eyes. “It really isyouthis time, isn’t it?”
“Yes, it is. I’m goddess-free.”
“Good. I mean, not good. Yargen don’t smite me, I just like my friend. Now, Vi, follow me.” Deneya stopped her rambling and started after the rest of the procession.
“I’m glad nothing horrible befell you for… you know.” Vi stopped herself before she could say “stealing the Flame of Yargen.”
“I’m just glad I made it back in time.” Deneya and Vi had lost their communication token when Vi’s body had been destroyed. Without it, they’d only been able to exchange a few letters, in which they didn’t dare write too much. So there were still large gaps Vi was ready to have filled in between now and when they’d parted ways on theStormfrosttwenty years ago.
“In time for what?”
“To make sure my Queen knew of Lord Ulvarth’s treachery.” Deneya shook her head sadly in the face of Vi’s shock. “Stealing the Flame of Yargen and framing the last Voice.”
“Then the Voice survived?” she asked hopefully.
“Unfortunately, the woman had already been put to death.”
Vi winced. She felt every bit of guilt and sorrow she should’ve felt on theStormfrost.
“Tell me, at least, that Ulvarth faced the same fate.”
“That’s the greatest crime of them all. He’s been stalling trials and leveraging favors from friends in high places to spare his neck from the executioner’s block.” Deneya scowled. “Lumeria is fed up and, for now, has locked him up and thrown away the key. Hopefully being away from public eye will cool his influence, and she can revisit the matter in the future.”
“Good to know that justice for the wicked being elusive isn’t exclusive to Solaris.” Vi had spent the past few years entrenching herself in Solarin’s politics. Some of the records she’d read—like a sham trial involving her own mother—made her skin crawl.
“Indeed.” Deneya paused. “Are you all right with a detour?”
“If we have time?” Vi glanced back to Lumeria.
“She made sure we have time for this.” Deneya stepped off into a side alley and Vi followed. It was right before the public crowds began to thicken, ready to watch and welcome the first dignitaries from the Dark Isle in centuries.
Deneya led her down the narrow alley to the back of building that lined the port. They climbed several flights of rusted stairs toward the top floor. Deneya stepped up to the door, opened it with a flourish, ushered Vi inside, and closed it behind her.
Inside was a simple room—a meeting space for traders, perhaps, judging by the tables and chairs. A row of windows overlooked the port and Vi could see her own vessel in the distance. The sun glistened off the sea, casting everything in a warm glow. Including the man who stood, framed by light.
