Uncle Cyprian.
And Nikias right behind her?
This was going to be messy.
Aimilia had no idea how she was going to answer any of the questions she was about to encounter.
The gates opened and Aimilia rode through first to see the courtyard bustling with servants and Runai all in black. She also spotted the royal carriage near the stables, so that answered the question of who had arrived first, them or Nikias’ parents.
She expected as much, considering the distance and the additional delay with the ambush.
“Aimilia!”
She finished dismounting to see her mother hurrying through the crowd toward her, dressed in a black peplos.
Aimilia took a deep breath and let her mother pull her into a quick embrace as she said, “I came as fast as I could, Mother.”
Her mother pulled back, holding onto Aimilia’s shoulders. “I knew you would. Your grandfather was always dear to you, but it’s still a relief to see you here in time with my own eyes.”
The doors leading into the main house opened again, and another figure in black emerged, this time a red commander’s cloak swapped out for a black one.
“I’m sure my parents have already offered our condolences, but let me offer them again, Lady Ione.” Nikias stepped up behind Aimilia’s shoulder and out of the corner of her eye she could see the stable boys leading their horses away.
Her mother reached up and wiped at her eyes. “Thank you, Your Highness. Your mother has been most gracious in these trying times.”
Just his mother?
But before Aimilia could ask, Cyprian reached them and gave Nikias a bow. “Your Highness.”
“Commander,” Nikias said with a nod. “If there’s anything I can do to help, please, just say the word and it will be done.”
Mother shook her head. “Oh, no, Your Highness, you’ve done more than enough, especially giving us something to celebrate even in a time of mourning.”
“Mother, what are you talking about?” Aimilia asked.
She blinked and Cyprian’s eyes narrowed. Her mother said, “Obviously you made the right decision to forego the necklaces until the funeral is over, but as soon as it is?—”
“We are not engaged!” Aimilia sputtered as Nikias shifted even closer. “What on earth could possibly make you think otherwise?”
Cyprian stepped forward, directing a harsh glare at her. “You mean to tell me you travelled all this way with him and you’re not his betrothed?”
“He had me assigned to the same project he was on, so when the news came, we were in the same location and travelled together with his guards.” Aimilia took a step away from Nikias, shooting a glare at him that rolled right off his back. Her cheeks were unbearably hot as she ignored the echo of Nikias’ arms wrapped around her that night after the attack. “Nothing inappropriate happened, and nothing has changed.”
He’d been injured and delirious. What was she supposed to do, leave him?
All the color left her mother’s already pale face. “Aimilia?—”
Nikias cleared his throat. “Lady Ione, Commander, I assure you, Aimilia is correct. You must not have heard the news of our mission that took us to Clan Desero, along with my brother and his wife. Our arriving together was out of practicality, not a sign of our engagement. Right now, our focus is on honoring Commander Vires for his many years of service to Imperia and to House Mitis. All other discussions can wait until after the funeral.”
Cyprian reached for Aimilia’s arm, but Nikias was faster, looping it through his and starting for the doors into the main house, saying, “If you’ll excuse us, Aimilia has promised me a tour to ensure I don’t get lost around here, and we must get changed into appropriate mourning attire.”
Aimilia stumbled until she was able to get her feet under her as Nikias pulled the door open and ushered her inside. She hissed, “What are you doing?”
“Oh, pardon me.” Nikias kept his voice low, but his dry tone seeped through regardless. “I didn’t realize you wanted to be dragged away by your uncle as he tries to browbeat you into marrying me.”
“Isn’t that what you want?”
Nikias looked down at her as he released her arm once they were safely inside the stone walls. “Absolutely not. If you’ve already forgotten, I’ll remind you.Whenyou agree to marry me, it will be because you want to.”
