Page 177 of Between Despair and Hope

“Because she wants you to,” Dewalt whispered, entirely too loudly, and, though I couldn’t see it, I knew Rain was glaring up at his Second.

“Be that as it may, Iamsorry,“ Rain offered, and I felt his reluctance through the bond.

“Don’t be. I expect you to lay me out if I’m the one being dense. Just as we’ve always done.”

I hid my snort when I reached for the porcelain container decorated with a golden vine, which held the green tea. Dewalt cleared his throat, and I swore I heard his foot tapping.

“I swear to the gods, I’ll do it again—Gods damn it, Dewalt. What do you want from me?”

“You know what I want.”

“No.”

“Go on, say it.”

I felt my brow pinch, wondering what he wanted, right as the water came to a boil. Not bothering to heat the kettle first, I dumped the tea into the bottom and poured the hot water over it. I leaned against the counter, settling in for it to steep while the two men finished their conversation. Rain must have said something, because Dewalt was laughing. Leaning over the slightest bit to peek into the dining room, I watched as my friend doubled over, his loose hair catching the light.

“You’re welcome. And I know I was right, but, gods, do I love hearing you say it.”

“Em, you can come back out now. I’m sure you’ve had enough of the entertainment,” Rain grumbled.

Pulling the corner of my lip into my mouth to fight a smile, I carried the kettle and a few cups out on a tray, gently placing it on the table beside Rain. The moment I set it down, he was wrapping his arm around my legs, pulling me down into his lap.

“The Cascade has been evacuated,” Dewalt said.

“What?” Rain’s grip on my body tensed.

“Declan’s army positioned themselves to take the Cascade. Triple how many came in the fall—his soldiers, not mercenaries. You said if—”

“I know what I said.” Rain cut him off, propping his elbow on the arm of the chair. “I just didn’t expect Declan to do it so soon. You got everyone out?”

Dewalt nodded. “And everyone from Clearhill who was willing as well.”

“And Lamera is still his target? You positioned soldiers in Nara’s Cove too, like I asked?”

“Of course. Did you doubt me?” Though his tone was jesting, I saw something in Dewalt’s eyes which told me it might have been a valid insecurity.

“Gods, no. Besides Ven, you two are the only ones I trust to rule in my stead.”

“You trust us quite a bit then, you’d say?” Dewalt asked, and I knew where he was going with it before the slight hint of a smile curved his lips.

“Don’t—“ I started, but Rain interrupted by snagging a teacup from the tray and pretending to throw it at his friend. Dewalt flinched, ready to catch an object hurtling at his face, before chuckling and relaxing against the wall as he had been before. I changed the topic, eager to move on from past unpleasantness.

“Anything else? Is Shivani eager to move on with the coronation? Or perhaps the opposite?” I asked, unsure if she was truly willing to hand over full control to Rain. Though I hadn’t been to the council meetings, I knew Rain had been running them since he’d been back, so I was hopeful she was ready to give up control.

“Ah, she, uh. Fuck. Elora has been visiting Shivani while you’ve been gone,” he offered, rubbing his hand along the back of his neck, clearly nervous about our reaction.

“Why?” and “What?” came out of our mouths at the same time, both Rain and I clearly confused.

“Listen, she sent a letter addressed to Elora. I read it before I gave it to her,” he added, giving us a searing glare as we protested. “I’m not stupid. She apologized for not reaching out to her sooner and invited Elora and a chaperone to dine with her. Thyra went, and she claims it seemed as if Shivani truly wanted to get to know the girl. She said she was kind.” Rain and I exchanged a glance. “I know. They’ve repeated the meal a few times.”

“Gods,” I sighed, not prepared for Shivani’s change of tune. “Should we be worried?”

“We should always be nervous about my mother and whatever ulterior motives she might have. But, I don’t know, she seems different. Without my father around, she’s…warmer. To me, at least. I think we should take it a day at a time with her.”

“She’ll know you’re back by now. I expect the coronation will take place in a few days’ time. Meanwhile, two of the Nine have been eager to meet with you and your new bride,” Dewalt said with a raised brow, and my stomach dropped.

“Which ones?” Rain’s voice dropped low as his thumb dipped beneath my shirt, rubbing soothing circles on my hip. It didn’t stop my racing heart, but it was still a comfort.

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