“We’re not, we haven’t…” Iryana sputtered, trying to explain to her sister. “And you know it isn’t an option.”
Hadima came over and sat next to her, wrapping an arm around her shoulder.
“I want you to be happy,” Hadima said softly. “I want you to let yourself be happy. I think we both struggle with that.”
“I need to figure out how to be Third. Not anger the entire family by cozying up to a soldier.”
Hadima laughed. “Can you imagine their faces? Grandmother might have a heart attack. Andour uncles! I suppose if you ever grow bored…”
“You are far more trouble than I remembered.” Iryana rested her head on Hadima’s shoulder. “I am just happy being here with you all. Having you and Misha close again.”
“And we’re all happy you’re here. But like I said. It’s a tough world we live in. Hold people close.”
“I plan to.” Maybe not everyone her sister meant, but it would be enough.
“You had better,” Hadima snapped, brows raised dramatically.
Iryana chuckled. “Still bossy as ever, I see.”
“I am not bossy.”
“Yes, you are!” Misha squealed, coming from nowhere to stick her head in the room before bolting back down the hallway.
Hadima tossed her head back and laughed.
Her second-cousins ran down shortly after, Velimik and Nevedya chasing after Janar. Their laughter filled the hallway, and the pounding of their feet traveled through the floor.
“It will be louder here than at your cottage,” Hadima pointed out.
“Yes, it will.” But Iryana smiled.
She wasn’t sure if she was relieved or disappointed that her grandmother had put her in charge of the arrangements with the brigades. It made sense; she was the one who knew them, had been one of them for a while. But she’d thought it was something the First would handle, that she’d be sucked into endless preparations before winter was fully upon them.
Iryana walked along the main road of the Myura River Fort, cloak wrapped tightly around her. It felt strange being back again, almost sad. It had been the first place that had felt like home for a very long time, and she had to leave it behind. Leave her friends behind.
And now she’d have to come back now and then, a reminder of what this place had been for her. Who these people were to her.
Things looked different already, more like when she first arrived at the fort. Pyetar must have been making good progress already.
“Iryana!”
She turned to find Vaneshta and Lidishta rushing toward her, both bundled in thick cloaks. Vaneshta wrapped her in a bone-crunching hug, grinning widely.
“Heard you were coming for a visit. We have to hurry, but find us before you leave,” Vaneshta demanded.
“There’s a new batch of blueberry liqueur. You’ll love it.” Lidishta added, eyes flicking to Vaneshta with a smirk.
“Sure,” Iryana agreed, smiling.
Vaneshta grabbed Lidishta’s hand, her thumb rubbing against her hand affectionately. Vaneshta gave Iryana a wink before she headed the other way down the road with Lidishta.
Iryana watched them walk away for a moment, eyes lingering on their joined hands. She never would have expected it, but stranger things had happened.
One day, would she have something like that? Someone to hold on to wherever she went?
She shook her head. She was there on business.
When she finally found Pyetar, he was in a side room of the estate that she’d never been in before. It looked to be some kind of meeting room, a half-dozen captains seated at the table with Pyetar. They quieted when she opened the door.
