This time, the words were her mother’s hand, softer, and clearly hurried.
Your father will not forgive me for this, but I will not miss my daughter’s wedding. I am coming. Wait for me.
Kara held the letter to her chest, joy bubbling inside of her. “She’s coming,” she told Sebastian. “My mother is coming.”
Relief flashed across his face. “Good. At least one of them has sense.”
The night before the wedding, Eliyana Hale arrived at Thorne Keep. It struck Kara that in her mother’s memory, she had not seen her face since her trial. Hadn’t spoken a word to each other since Kara had left Vallenna City to hunt Sebastian. Kara herself could hardly recall the conversation they’d had by Sebastian’s grave; lost as she’d been to her grief.Somuch had changed since. Kara stood breathless at the gates, Sebastian beside her as her mother dismounted. The moment Eliyana’s eyes met hers, Kara ran. Straight into her mother’s arms – she caught her in a fierce hug that said more than words ever could.
“Karalynna,” Eliyana cried, tears streaming, arms holding her close. “Oh, my brave, brave girl. I’ve missed you so much.”
“I’ve missed you too.”
Eliyana appraised her, the way only a mother could. “You look well, Kara, Thorne suits you.”
“It does,” Kara confirmed.
When they finally drew apart, her mother’s gaze shifted to Sebastian. He stood waiting, his hand brushing Kara’s at her side. He was wary, expecting the same treatment from her mother as he’d gotten from Alaric, steeling himself for coldness or insults. Kara hadn’t been able to reassure him, she had no idea what her mother thought. But Eliyana stilled, as if listening, just like Elias had done.
Eliyana gasped softly. “The bond really does sing between you both.”
To Kara’s complete shock, her mother crossed to Sebastian and took his hand in hers. He stiffened immediately. “You saved my daughter’s life,” Eliyana said, her voice trembling. “And you love her, deeply. I can feel it.”
“I do,” he said roughly.
Without warning, she drew him into a tight embrace. Kara almost laughed at the shock on Sebastian’s face, but he didn’t pull away.
“Thank you,” Eliyana said as she released him. “For keeping her safe, giving her a future. For making her happy.”
“I’d die before I let anything happen to her,” he promised.
“Yes, you would, wouldn’t you?” Eliyana mused.
Her mother stepped back and studied him intently. “You are nothing like my husband described.” She smiled knowingly at Kara. “I can see why you defied your father. The Council. All of it. For him.” A faint shimmer of Lyran violet bloomed at her hands. “Your emotions are clear, Sebastian. Fierce. Steady. Honest.” She gave a small, approving nod. “Good.”
Sebastian shifted on his feet and Kara could feel embarrassment burning through the bond. His discomfort of being described like that – of having someone see right through his armour. But Kara sighed in relief – she should have known her mother would see it too.
Eliyana tilted her head, her eyes mischievous. “Very handsome too.”
“Mother!” Kara yelped, cheeks flushing deep scarlet.
Sebastian’s mouth twitched, the faintest sign of a cocky smirk, before he caught himself and cleared his throat. Kara groaned inwardly. Trust him to look smug at that part.
Eliyana only laughed, unrepentant. “A mother’s prerogative to embarrass, darling.” Her hand brushed Kara’s cheek. “I’m proud of you. For following your heart.”
Kara glowed at the words. Tomorrow, she would marry Sebastian, and become Lady Karalynna Thorne. But tonight, she was just Kara, with both halves of her world here. Sebastian’s hand found hers and for the hundredth time she thanked the Gods, the Arcanth, and anyone who was listening that he was standing by her side.
CHAPTER 49
THE HOUSE OF THORNE
They healed what was broken. For peace, they sacrificed.
–House Thorne and House Hale, 77thYear of Earth.
It was the morning of her wedding. Kara woke to an empty bed.
For an instant, panic rose–
