Another giggle burst from my throat mid-sentence, derailing whatever I’d been about to say. My chest tightened with dismay. Not again. Not now, when we were finally connecting, when Sasha had actually laughed with me instead of frowning. When the walls between us had started to crack.
It was as if some curse ensured I’d falter just when she might start seeing me as more than a partner in solving problems. I was doomed to disappoint, to prove I wasn’t the steady presence she deserved once these issues had faded.
I pressed my fist against my mouth, trying to contain the laughter that kept bubbling up like a torturous spring. My shoulders shook with the effort, but it was useless. Another giggle escaped, then another.
Sasha’s expression shuttered. The warmth that had been building in her dark eyes dimmed, hurt flashing across her face before something else replaced it. Not the careful blankness from yesterday, but concentration. Her gazesharpened, studying me with the same focus she’d used with the dying plants.
Part of me withered under that look. Her expression didn’t show hurt, but seemed analytical, as if she’d found relief in retreating to the familiar study of puzzles and strategies. Of course she’d prefer that to whatever warmth we’d shared. She was interested in solving these problems, not getting to know the man beneath them.
The dining room door swung open.
“Good morning,” my mother’s voice rang out. She swept into the room with the grace of someone who’d ruled for decades, her silver-streaked hair arranged in an elaborate style that looked both elegant and effortless.
Lady Kenneth strode in behind her, dressed in her usual leather tunic and pants, followed by Lady Edwina, her midnight blue gown jingling with amulets. As always, Edwina clutched her velvet bag holding her divination stones. I’d rarely seen her make an accurate prediction, but she made up for it with her enthusiasm for ongoing predictions.
Lord Turren trailed at the rear, stumbling while staring into the small silver mirror in his hand.
“Dominic, dear.” My mother paused mid-stride, her sharp eyes taking in my giggling state and Sasha’s composed observation. “Are you all right?”
I tried to answer, I truly did, but another laugh burst out instead. Warmth crawled up my neck.
“Mother,” I said between chuckles. “This is Sasha. My wife. Sasha? This is Iberia.”
“I gathered as much from the wedding yesterday.” My mother’s tone remained warm despite the dry humor threading through it. She turned her full attention to Sasha, and I watched my new wife straighten under that assessinggaze. “Welcome to our family, dear. I hope you’re beginning to feel settled here. Your accommodations suit?” She glanced my way, her eyes sparkling.
“It’s nice to finally meet you,” Sasha said. “The accommodations are lovely, thank you. Dominic has been showing me around the court.”
My mother’s expression softened. “I’m so glad to hear it. Did you sleep well? If there’s anything you need, you have only to ask.”
“Everything has been wonderful, thank you.”
I quickly made introductions.
Lady Kenneth settled in a chair across from Sasha and I, her brown hair catching the morning light. She gave Sasha a direct, appraising look.
“Lady Sasha,” she said, inclining her head. “It’s a pleasure to meet you properly. I understand you’re skilled in strategy magic?”
“I am.”
I caught the hint of satisfaction in Sasha’s voice.
Lady Kenneth flashed a brief smile. “Have you worked with many weapons, or do you stick strictly to planning?”
“Both,” Sasha said. “I’m fairly decent with a sword as well as short blades, though I haven’t had much practice with close combat.”
“Excellent. We should spar sometime, if you’re interested. Swords, perhaps? I’d be interested to see how a witch’s approach compares with that of the fae.”
“I would enjoy that very much,” Sasha said, her posture loosening.
“The cosmic energies surrounding this union are absolutely extraordinary,” Lady Edwina announced from where she sat on Lady Kenneth’s right, her divination stones scattered on the tablecloth in front of her. She took two morestones from her pouch and tossed them into the mix, leaning over them to study their positions. “The alignment of morning forces suggests profound transformation ahead. Though there’s a curious dissonance in the astral currents.” She frowned at us all. “Or perhaps the indigo hex is indicating unexpected joy?”
“The only thing I’m experiencing is unexpected wrinkles,” Lord Turren said, finally looking away from his mirror with an expression of horror. He’d slumped in a seat on Sasha’s left. “This constant giggling is terrible for one’s complexion. The strain on the facial muscles and the way it disrupts one’s carefully maintained composure is absolutely devastating.” He turned to Sasha. “You seem remarkably unaffected, Your Majesty. What’s your secret? Is severity truly the solution? Should I practice looking more serious?”
Sasha blinked, clearly uncertain how to respond, and I would’ve laughed if I wasn’t already doing so uncontrollably.
My mother had taken the chair on the other side of Lord Turren. “So wonderful that we’re all having breakfast together.” She gestured to the servants who’d appeared in the doorway. “Additional settings, please.”
I watched Sasha as the room filled with movement and conversation, noting how she handled each distinct personality. With my mother, she was respectful but not cowed. With Lady Kenneth, genuine and engaged. She showed polite interested without mockery when Lady Edwina made another pronouncement. She even kindly told Lord Turren that laughter might actually make someone appear more attractive.
