Someday, they would know. Together.
“Will you stay with me awhile?”he asked quietly.“You’re all the kin I have today.”
“Brother,”The Midnight laughed, bright as wind through snowfall.“I’m here.”
Viktor straightened in the saddle, scanning the air as though he might actually glimpse him lingering nearby.
“Can I come to you?”
“You shouldn’t.”
“Why?”
Silence, then:
“I’m with your bride.”
The words steadied Viktor, touched his heart like balm.
“Take care of her until I get there.”
“I will.”
Viktor swung down from Ruby, patting her neck as he led her toward the stable. At the gate, Gabriel leaned against a pillar—lazy as sin, sharp as glass.
“Where’d you run off to, High-Captain?” he jabbed.
“I should ask the same of you.” Viktor tilted his head. “Where’ve you been all day?”
Gabriel grinned. “I have something for you.”
He bowed as Storne passed, already leading Matteo toward the armory.
“You’d best be off to the apothecary,” Gabriel nudged Viktor. “Or it won’t matter where I’ve been.”
They climbed the stairs together.
“Although…” Gabriel stretched, casual as ever. “Can’t say I’d mind if your bed stayed cold as mine tonight.”
Viktor grunted, pushing open the massive iron door.
“You wouldn’t believe the day I’ve had.”
“I heard,” Gabriel said quietly. “About The Midnight.”
Viktor only nodded.
“Will you tell your father?” Gabriel asked.
Dask. He hadn’t even considered it.
How would Issachar react, knowing his other son lived? And would The Midnight even want it known?
“I’ll let the boy decide,” Viktor said at last.
The silence between them was answer enough.
“And your Endowment?” Gabriel pressed. “Not to mention the small fact you’re marrying a princess.”
