The Duchess of Ebonmaw ruled with a kind heart but cunning wit. Helen Canon had no doubt marked each exit and assessed the state of the sentries at the main doors. A dagger or two would be found somewhere under the tight-fitting fabric of her dress.
“Helen.” Theo smiled as the duchess cocked a hip and flashed a grin over the rim of her silver goblet. If anyone else hated titles any more than Theo, it was her.
“Theo, it’s been too long.” She flung out her arms and embraced him in a warm hug, taking care to refrain from spilling her drink.
“I only wish you were there till the end.”
“So do I. Believe me, I much prefer running across a battlefield, wielding my sword and shield, to sitting in meetings discussing trade.”
The extensive trade cities and towns littering the coast of Ebonmaw had direct access to the popular trade route within the Nebulous Sea, ferrying goods to the islands and Soyenia. The city of Col was the most populated city second to Valencia, where the king’s palace resided, and it boasted the largest port in all of Godwin.
Helen grasped the arm Theo offered, but those silver stars widened as she gaped behind him. “Esaias, is that you?” She released her hold and charged up the steps, enveloping her arms around him. “By the gods, it’s only been a little over a year, but it feels a lifetime.”
Amaris raised a brow at Theo, her eyes flashing back and forth between Esaias and Helen. Theo only shrugged, offering a brief smile before takingHelen’s hand and leading her through the manor. Theo would spare Amaris the details of how deeply acquainted Helen and Esaias were. He was lucky she hadn’t produced an heir sporting his fiery red hair.
The throne room was their destination, the main spectacle for the night. It served as a ballroom when his father bothered to arrange such affairs or when he removed himself from the throne.
Helen whistled as she took in the tulle continuing to swath the ceiling into the throne room. It shrouded the chamber in a mysterious and dark tone. Amaris balked at the doors. Theo followed her gaze, shooting to the dais.
How could he have been so careless? Only weeks ago, she’d been forced to her knees before his bastard of a father and made a spectacle of in front of his soldiers. He turned to spare her from reliving that dreadful day, but her chest lifted with a large inhale. Her back straightened, and she took a step forward, dragging Esaias along with her.
Theo hadn’t been able to set foot in Oystein Castle since the night he’d been rescued, and he wasn’t sure he ever would. Amaris emanated confidence, with her chin held high as she walked through the chamber. She even hummed, off tune and out of rhythm, but she still sung along to the music coming from a small quartet positioned in the corner.
They went through the ballroom, swiping goblets of wine off the refreshments table. The room already reeked of cramped bodies perspiring their weight in liquor.
Esaias took a sip from his goblet and grimaced. “Would anyone care for a real drink?”
Theo displayed his criticism with a stern set of narrowed eyes but then contemplated the idea that kusu would better suit Esaias’s condition than the sugary wine. He would also be playing the part of a drunken, lovestruck fool to keep others from asking his whereabouts after the Conjugation.
“Yes!” Amaris said all too eagerly as Esaias departed for the kitchen.
Theo leaned in to whisper in her ear. “Do you not care for wine? Thisis some of the finest in Godwin.”
She took a sip, smiling with those perfectly straight teeth as she pulled the goblet back. “I don’t mind it, but kusu should certainly be required for every party, meal, bath…really any occasion.”
Theo’s body shook with his laughter.
“I’m serious, that stuff is to die for!”
“I would have to agree with you, but Eastbury is known for their vineyards. Lord Godfrey will say it was brought as a wedding gift to bestow upon my brother, but it’s really because he’s a snob and finds any other drink repulsive.”
She batted his arm with the back of her hand. “Who is this great Lord Godfrey?” she mocked, eyeing the vast crowd around them.
Theo couldn’t explain why his stomach twisted as her attempt at his accent rolled off her tongue. He wished she could stay and pick it up entirely. Her voice was exquisite as she extended her vowels.
“Do you see the man beside the duke?” Helen interjected, pointing her finger to where Lord Godfrey engaged in a deep conversation with Theo’s father.
“The pasty bald one with the silk robes, appearing to act way more important than he actually is?”
Helen erupted into a thunderous laugh. “Yes,” she roared, wiping a tear from her eye, still unable to contain her fit of laughter. “You are an exuberant woman.”
“I really try.” Amaris wryly smiled. “Who’s that in front of him, seated at the head table?”
Theodoric squinted. Sitting with her shoulders pressed back and her hands laid gently on the table was Winifred Godfrey. Her deep complexion was complemented well by the gold and red gown she wore. Her curls were done up in a crown atop her head, accentuating her tight jawline and sharp cheeks.
“That is Lady Godfrey,” Theo replied.
“How did he land a beauty like that?” Amaris scoffed, but before Theo could explain the title and status that came with Lord Godfrey, she rolled her eyes. “I know, noble birth, titles, gold, power, all the shit.” She raised her hands in silent surrender.
