“My home, actually. Welcome to Huntley House.”
She peers out the window at the moonlit manor. It’s nothing like Fairbright, or any of the Ashcrofts’ other residences. It’s not even as impressive as my home in Icelantica. But there’s no place I’d rather be than back in these rocky foothills, the mountainous border still capped with snow and the smoke from the mines drifting through the night sky.
This place took my father from me, forged me into the man I am today. I should hate it, yet I keep returning—drawn back by the lives here, by the people I’ve worked tirelessly to give a better life to. Because I knew if I didn’t, no one ever would.
“Your home? You’ve owned a home in Naseria all this time, and you never thought to contact me?”
I shake my head. “Perhaps I didn’t want to be in contact with you, Princess.”
It isn’t that simple. At first, it was impossible to reach her. Then, after I heard about her gift, I was angry and jealous—I had no way of knowing what that gift was doing to her. Had I known, I wouldn’t have hesitated to come for her. Instead, I poured everything I had into building this business and eventually grew numb to Genevieve Ashcroft.
But now that she’s back in my life, I cannot imagine living without her. Still, that isn’t rational. Even after our time in the carriage, I know she’ll choose the crown over me. It’s what she does—and I no longer have it in me to stop her.
She slides her hand into mine as a footman opens the door. “Why wouldn’t you want to contact me if you could?”
I swallow and tell her the truth. There’s no point in keeping secrets anymore. “Once I learned of your gift, my pride kept me away, Princess. It was wrong. I see that now.”
She studies me, as if searching my face for something. “We’ve both been wrong about many things, I’m afraid.”
I step out of the carriage, taking in the hills glowing in the moonlight, and offer her my hand as she follows.
“It’s beautiful here. So wild.”
“Quite unlike Fairbright.”
“What’s that smoke in the distance?”
“The mines. We’ve developed a process to smelt the tracks and train components so they can absorb the natural helachite from the ground—allowing trains to run safely without risking workers or passengers to overexposure.”
Gen cocks her head, a grin spreading across her face. “Kieran, when did you become so brilliant?”
“I’ve always been brilliant, didn’t you know?”
She laughs, shaking her head. “And so humble.”
I rest my hand on her back, guiding her toward the housekeeper and butler—both survivors of the old mining operation and its egregious mishandling of raw helachite. I see how Genevieve takes in their scarred skin, their slow, careful movements, their disfigured hands. She doesn’t waver, only approaches with that quiet confidence I’d hoped she still possessed.
Both look at me in surprise. I’ve never brought a woman to Huntley House, always keeping this life separate from my former lovers in Icelantica.
“Princess Geneveive, I’d like you to meet Mrs. Andrews and Mr. Bridge.”
Andrews looks shocked, but Bridge maintains his composure as he bows. “It’s an honor, Your Highness.” Andrews catches herself and curtsies deeply before giving me a pointed, questioning look.
“Excuse me, Your Highness,” she says. “We were not properly prepared for you.” Her eyes narrow at me in unfettered disapproval.
Gen smiles widely and replies, “It’s no trouble at all. I apologize for catching you off guard with this visit.” She gives me a teasing look before leaning toward Andrews and whispering, “I wasn’t prepared either I’m afraid.”
I shrug. The truth is, Andrews keeps this place in perfect order—always ready for guests, even though I rarely have reason to entertain. “Give her the Lavender Room and have some clothing sent up. We had a mishap with Princess Genevieve’s luggage.”
“Of course, sir. How long can we anticipate your stay?”
Gen looks at me, then back to Andrews. “I apologize, but it may be quite a few days. I’m interested in better understanding the helachite mines and how Mr. Blackwell runs his operation. Then there’s the railway. I’d like to learn more about the infrastructure involved.”
“Of course, Your Highness. We’re honored to have you for as long as you choose to stay.”
I guide Gen into my home and bring her to the parlor. I know Andrews and Bridge need time to prepare the other staff for the princess’s arrival. If I don’t make us scarce, they may just turn on me.
“Well,” she remarks, looking at me expectantly as she smooths her skirts and sits on the sofa, “this is quite the surprise.”
