“I’m sorry I wasn’t able to meet her. I am terribly sorry for your loss.” I do my best to appear sympathetic while contemplating how I could overcome the magic that keeps them alive.
“You honor her by bringing peace to our empire. It was her dream to see a time without war. I hear there’s already a truce at the frontline. That for the first time in sixty years, there’s no fighting at the border.” She smiles.
“That’s good news.”
“Quite. Now, Marian, who did my grandson hire to dress her for the Darkfall ball?” the duchess asks.
My brow furrows. “Darkfall ball?”
“Every five years when the moons retreat, we hold a celebration,” Marian says. “Did they not have this in Iskvaland?”
Most of the year, both our moons are visible, but for part of the year, we get one or the other. Once every five years, they both vanish from the sky for two weeks. Growing up, it was a time to lock your doors and be inside before sunset. We left offerings of food near our home for any creatures that might pass throughthe veil. Extra firewood was gathered in advance to keep the fire burning all night.
I can only remember going through it once with both of my parents. Before I moved from our home in the mountains to the city where my life changed forever.
Our first Darkfall after my father’s death was spent in a rebellion safehouse. My mother tried to continue some of the traditions from our old life, but there was always so much work to do. Even so, there was joy. It was the first time I saw her smile again. I could almost see my brothers around our modest fire. Felix had just started leading his own missions, Arthur always by his side. My mother was so proud. That was about the time I started helping with maps and documents.
Last Darkfall I spent most of my time with Lee, but I don’t want to think about that, either.
I blink away the memories. “It’s a little different where I come from.”
“That’s because the Iskvalandians are superstitious and fearful of the dark,” a male voice says. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”
“What an unexpected surprise.” I smile at Caiden as he walks into the room.
The duchess’s whole expression softens, and she greets her grandson with a hug. “Don’t you look handsome.”
“It’s nice to see you, Grandmother,” he says.
“Your bride is very beautiful.” She glances my way. “You’re lucky. I’ve met my share of homely girls from Iskvaland.”
It’s both an insult against Iskvaland and praise for me. “You’re very kind.”
She hums, not removing her gaze from me. I think she expected me to react differently.
“What are you doing here?” he asks, ignoring her remarks.
“I arrived back in the city two days ago, and you had yet to call upon me.”
I’m grateful her attention is no longer on me.
“I’ve been busy.” Caiden picks a piece of lint from his sleeve.
“Yes, so I hear. Running an empire? Nobody has seen your father in three years,” she says. “There are rumors. None of them good. They make you look weak.”
“I am not weak. And father is currently overseeing some important operations for us,” he says. “Plenty of people have seen him and those who haven’t aren’t important enough to merit a visit.”
The older woman purses her lips. “I remember when there were still manners in this court.”
“Do us all a favor, darling grandmother, and tell me why you’re really here? Is it to see my father or to spy on my bride-to-be?” He’s smirking, as if he’s amused by her.
She lifts a finger and wags it at him as if she were scolding a child. “You should have invited me to meet her. I should not have had to make the trip myself, unannounced at that. Like I’m unimportant. I may no longer be the mother of the empress, but I am the grandmother of the future emperor.”
He catches her finger, then clasps her hand in his. “I know. And tradition says I was not to show her off until she’d been formally introduced to the court. Which she will be in a few days. Until then, she’s not even supposed to have visitors or leave the castle.”
“Rules that you’ve already broken.” She rests her hand on her hips. “Jacques was my jeweler first, you know.”
“And he’s got a big mouth.” Caiden tenses his jaw.
