“You know this means we’re basically family now, right?” His dark eyebrows rose inquisitively.
“Erm, I don’t know much at all about the North Star other than the basics I learned yesterday.”
He chuckled. “Goddess, you being from Soleil is so fun. Did you know that legally, a North Star bond supersedes marriage here? Like, if you wanted to, you could skip getting married, have your North Star ceremony instead, and it would give youall the same legal benefits in Clair de Lune. And getthis. Let’s say you’d married that prick Alastair before you knew about the North Star. If you got the rune after you’d married someone else, under Clair de Lune law, that marriage would become null and void.”
Scarlett let out a nervous laugh, trying her best not to think too deeply on the disturbing alternate reality James was describing. She made a mental note to ask Brayden what he’d told him about Alastair. “I didn’t know any of that. Thank the Goddess I never got married.”
“Yeah, seriously. Anyway, ready to head out? We’re going to the guildhall.” He wore a button-down shirt with dress pants and nice shoes, and his blazer hung on the back of his chair. It was the most formal she’d ever seen him, and it made her question her own outfit.
“Am I dressed okay? Manon bought this yesterday. I don’t have many outfits here with me.” She gestured down at her sleeveless black dress. It was a little short, hitting at the middle of her thigh, but the skirt flared out enough that it wasn’t hugging her hips. Laylani wouldn’t have approved, but she’d seen other peers wear similar things to Soleil’s parliament.
“You look great,” said James without looking at her. “It’s good you brought a jacket. It’s a cold morning.”
“Good,” she said, trying to sound excited. She was excited. But she wouldn’t be totally at ease until she and Brayden had worked things out. Sighing, she followed James to the courtyard and climbed into the passenger seat of his SUV.
James drove around the outskirts of Clair de Lune. They passed lots of adorable terraced houses with decorative timbers on the exteriors, the homes painted brown in contrast to the white stucco. Scarlett stared longingly at the quaint-looking city center in the distance. She wanted Brayden to show her more of his country, but they were already running out of time together.
After a quarter of an hour, James parked the car, and they walked up to the guildhall. Scarlett stared up at the intricate stonework of the old building.
“This is gorgeous. What’s it used for?”
“Commerce. I’m here most days, although we go to Parliament for the big meetings.” He pointed to a white dome visible over the tops of the buildings. “That’s Parliament. The prime minister is visiting Evory this week, but if you’re still here next week, I’ll try to get you a meeting with her.”
“Thanks, but I’ll be gone by then,” said Scarlett regretfully. She’d met Greta Crow, Clair de Lune’s PM, at a state dinner the previous year, but their interaction had been brief.
“Shame,” said James. “Maybe next time.”
They passed through a set of grand wooden doors, and Scarlett stared up at the high ceilings with their exposed wooden beams. Shields painted with family crests adorned the walls.
“Let’s sign you in.” James stopped at a round desk just to the right of the door. “Now on to the council chamber,” he said once she had a visitor’s lanyard around her neck. He led her up a grand staircase. “We’re discussing tariffs today. I think you should say a few words on the subject, just to try out your valor.”
“You want me to give a speech?” Her eyebrows shot up.
“Just a quick one,” he said. “You know all about the impact of a restrictive economic border, right?”
“True…”
He pointed to a set of double doors. “That’s where we’re headed, but wait just a second.” They stopped a few feet away from the doors. “My boss is the secretary of commerce. He’s very much a free-trade guy,” James explained.
“Okay,” said Scarlett, nodding. She knew Clair de Lune had a market economy, paired with national control of natural resources and extensive—and enviable—social programs like universal healthcare. Their secretary of commerce being pro–free trade made sense.
“The Brightness Isles just instigated tariffs on agriculture imports—which affects us, as agriculture is one of our biggest exports—but my boss doesn’t want to retaliate with our own tariffs. He wants to respond to the Isles by signing a free-trade agreement with our allies across Hieratia. Can you address the chamber and tell them about your goals for Soleil’s border? If they hear your position, they might be reminded of how important free trade is,” said James. “I already called my boss to suggest you say a few words, and he thinks it’s a great idea.”
Scarlett considered for a second. “If you’re sure they’ll find it relevant.” She looked forward to hearing James’s boss discuss tariffs, but she didn’t know how much she’d have to add. She had no experience aside from school and observing her dad.
“They’ll be fascinated by you,” James said with confidence. “And while you’re speaking, watch the people listening to you. You’ll see your vox powers at work.”
“Can you be more specific?” she hissed.
“I could, but that wouldn’t be any fun.” He gave her a devilish grin as he strode toward the double doors, and she hurried after him.
Hushed voices filled the council chambers, and the sight of all the people was something to behold for Scarlett, who marveled at all the soul lights hovering around the room. She felt eyes on them as she and James sat on a wooden bench near the front with a good view of the speaker’s podium. The council chambers were a smaller version of those she’d seen in Soleil’s parliament. Old paintings of government officials adorned the walls, and there was a lot of wood paneling. It even smelled like a government building should—like dusty books. The familiarity was comforting.
“How will Soleil receive the news you’re eternally bonded to my brother?” asked James as they waited for the meeting tobegin.
Scarlett pursed her lips, choosing not to question his use of the phrase “eternally bonded” even though she was still doubtful it was true. She could answer a theoretical question. “If the public’s reaction to my father marrying my mother is any indication, me dating someone from Clair de Lune will not be received well. Some said he wouldn’t have become prime minister if my mother hadn’t died. He became much more popular once he married Laylani, although I disagree with whoever thinks that’s because she’s from a Goldenrod family. People just liked him being married to a woman from Soleil.”
James winced. “They really hated your mam being from Clair de Lune, huh? Do you think it’ll be any different now?”
