Page 48 of Mistress of Hours

“We missed you every day you were gone; it doesn’t quite feel the same when you’re not here,” Evienne said, giving the prince’s arm a supportive pat.

“Well, I suppose I ought to be off to find my wife. I can’t very well leave her to all the diplomats alone, can I?” Léhiona said.

Sylvain smiled at them both, and turned with Léhiona to guide her through the crowd.

Evienne’s heart felt so heavy; she knew her friend’s magic had been bound, but why? Should she have told her? Told Sylvain? She knew in her heart the prince would help. He had always been good and warm and kind where Aldith had been stoic and prickly. She just didn’t understand why Aldith would do something like this to the woman she loved. For all herstern nature and ambition, she believed Aldith did really care for Léhiona. Evienne had watched their love grow over years as they’d grown up together. It had been arranged from the moment they were born, yes, but what was between Aldith and Léhiona was at least somewhat true; Evienne was certain of it. Aldith loved Léhiona in her own imperfect way.

She was interrupted from her thoughts by the sound of Solon’s voice close beside her.

“Good evening, High Sangviere,” he said, his voice as deep as the night sky was dark above them.

“Solon, you know you don’t need to be so formal, I’ve told you a hundred times this month,” Evienne said with a laugh.

“Silly me to keep forgetting,” he said with a wry smile. “I may have had more important things on my mind,” he continued.

Evienne raised a brow at him in question.

“What do you know of dragons, Evienne?”

Evienne’s heart stopped at his question. She quickly gathered herself, remembering that eyes and ears surrounded them.

“They are only legend, Solon. Have you been at the folklore books in our library today?” She said, trying to sound teasing.

“I have, in fact,” he said, eyes shining with the mischief of their exchange. “I read something about a dragon in Assombrie Forest; do you know anything of it?”

Evienne couldn’t help the smile that captured her features. “It is an ancient place, to be sure. I wouldn’t be surprised if a dragon had haunted its mossy depths.”

Solon smiled back at her, a wicked gleam in his eye.A dragon, of all things. Solon’s animal soul suited him.

“Do you happen to know where Orion is this evening?” Evienne asked, not wanting to dwell too long on the topic of dragons with so many others around.

“He said something about a hedge maze,” Solon said.

“Ah, of course. Well, if you happen to see him before I do, lethim know to find me, will you?” Evienne said, smiling at him. Solon nodded, grinning, and Evienne turned away to make her way to the hedge maze. She had no intention of just waiting around for Orion to find her; they had a lot to discuss.

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Léhiona let Sylvainescort her through the crowds that filled nearly every inch of the gardens. It was truly a magical sight; warm lights dotted the inky darkness, the smell of warm cider on the air.

She felt so very tired.

“Sylvain, why is it that you stay away so much? Evienne was right. It doesn’t really feel like home without you here.”

He looked out over the gathering with an air of regret coloring his features.

“To be honest, it became difficult to sit by silently and watch Aldith rule. I know she is respected by our people for all she has done for them, but I found myself often disagreeing with the way she treats people. I didn’t agree with her pursuit of so-called progress at any cost. I would have done things differently, but you know she doesn’t listen to me. It was easier to leave and explore the world.”

Léhiona felt sorrow deep in her soul over Sylvain’s admission. She had thought he left only to see Domhan na Rùin, happy to be free of any responsibility to Ichorna. She had not realized he felt so strongly about how Aldith ruled.

“What would you do differently?” She asked.

Sylvain looked at her and considered for a long moment.

“Many things, but to start, I would be kinder to the palace staff and not force them to obey simply out of fear. I believe a ruler should be loved, not only feared. I would stop trying to force our Rail onto our neighbors, and I would put our resourcesinto resolving the Gevaud Crisis, which actually affects our rural population.”

Léhiona was surprised to hear Sylvain had these ideas at the ready. She had always seen beyond the shallow façade he put on for others, but she realized now how truly great he could be.

“I’m sure if you talk with her and explain your desire to be more involved she would be happy for the assistance,” she said encouragingly. Sylvain only smiled ruefully in response.

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