Page 20 of Esperance

This time when he flashed a smile, she saw a dimple appear. “You’re welcome.”

The light from the windows along the back wall caught in his dark hair, which had fallen over his tanned brow. She didn’t realize she was staring until movement from the arched doorway snagged her attention.

Tam and Rivard walked into the breakfast room. Rivard’s walk was oddly stiff, and Tam’s head was down. With all the people in the room, it was hard to pick up on Tam’s emotions, but it helped that Amryn had felt her yesterday, during the fight.

Today, she radiated sadness, tinged with hopelessness. And there was a distinct edge of disdain as she glanced toward her new husband.

As the two settled in their seats across the table, Amryn caught Tam rubbing her wrist, as if it hurt her.

Beside Amryn, Carver stiffened, and she noted his cold stare fixed on Rivard. His flash of hatred was potent, reminding her of their brief encounter after the fight yesterday. Clearly, there was history between them—and not a good one.

A door on the other end of the room opened, and the high cleric strode in. “Good morning,” he called out, his robe rippling as he walked at a purposeful clip. His bald head seemed to make the wrinkles on his face all the more prominent as he studied them. “I see we’re missing some of our number. The Divinities do not appreciate tardiness. We will need to work on your punctuality while you’re here.”

“Clearlyourpunctuality isn’t in question,” the woman beside Amryn muttered. The pitch of her voice was loud enough that the entire room must have heard.

Her new husband snorted in amusement.

The high cleric stopped at the head of the table, where there were four empty chairs. “I don’t intend to fall behind in our schedule just because others are late. So, I shall begin by sharing that the emperor is resting well and healing quickly, despite the egregious attack yesterday.”

Amryn glanced across the table, to where Cora sat. The girl’s eyes were rimmed red from recent tears, and the cut of pain she still felt from her brother’s brutal execution was acute.

“Now, we have a full day ahead of us,” High Cleric Zacharias continued. “As you are all aware, your time spent in Esperance will be filled with many important tasks, and I have no intention of letting your duties go undone, no matter the distractions that married life can supply.” His gaze grew pointed on the open doorway, and Amryn twisted in her chair along with everyone else to see Prince Argent and Jayveh enter, arm-in-arm. Both were beaming, and the adoration, love, and excitement sparking between them was potent enough that it tore through every other emotion in the room.

Including the high cleric’s thread of annoyance.

Argent finally glanced away from his wife to scan the room, and his grin widened. “Apologies for being late,” he said. “I’m afraid my wife and I became . . . distracted.”

Jayveh’s dark cheeks colored, but her smile broadened.

The high cleric cleared his throat. “I don’t mean to censure you, Prince Argent, but I’m afraid your duties in Esperance cannot be superseded by anything else. All of you have an obligation to—”

“Be married and make peace?” a new voice interrupted.

Amryn looked once more to the open doorway and spotted a man she’d glimpsed yesterday standing near the emperor. He looked to be in his mid-thirties, and his smile reminded her of Uncle Rix. He strode forward with confidence, walking behind Argent and Jayveh as they all approached the head of the table.

The man continued to talk as he walked, his gaze fixed on the high cleric. “Really, Zacharias, wasn’t the emperor’s goal to see these marriages succeed? I believe the prince and princess were simply following orders.”

The high cleric visibly bristled. “Chancellor Trevill. There’s no need to twist my words.”

Trevill cracked a smile. “What else are politicians good for?”

High Cleric Zacharias did not look amused by the quip.

Trevill didn’t seem to notice, or care. He took a slight step back, allowing Argent access to the seat at the head of the table.

The prince lifted a declining hand. “No need, I’ll sit beside my wife.”

That sparked some whispers, from servants and newlyweds alike, but Argent and Jayveh didn’t seem to hear.

Once they were settled at the table, the high cleric took the seat at the head, leaving Trevill to sit on his other side.

The high cleric cleared his throat. “Well, now that we’re all here, I would like to properly introduce myself. I am Zacharias, High Cleric in the Church of the Divinities, and the Caretaker of Esperance. I have been charged by the emperor to oversee this next year, and I take that responsibility seriously. The emperor has given me the authority to act in his name. That means, regardless of the titles you hold outside these walls, you will defer to me. In Esperance, my word is law.” He looked far too delighted at the prospect, though his features were carefully neutral as he turned to the chancellor on his left. “Trevill, would you like to introduce yourself?”

“Of course. Thank you, Zacharias.” The high cleric’s mouth tightened at the informality, even though he’d treated Trevill the same. But the chancellor didn’t seem to notice as he took a turn surveying the table. “I’m Chancellor Trevill. The emperor has tasked me with overseeing the new ruling council, of which you are now all a part. I will carry no vote, but I will be your mediator and advisor. This is a new political structure, and it will require all of us to work together. During our sessions, I ask that you be unafraid to speak your mind, but always treat other views with respect.”

“When you are not fulfilling your new council duties,” the high cleric said, “you will be participating in other ventures. A weekly schedule will be given to you, because we do not want to squander the time we have. You can expect to participate in a variety of exercises that will help you bond as couples and friends, and you will also have lessons that will broaden your minds. Additionally, you will have ample time for prayer and self-reflection to feed your souls. If you have any concerns or difficulties during our time here, you may come meet with me, and I shall be happy to offer counsel.”

He slowly scanned the table, looking at each of them in turn. “Esperance is an ancient word that meanshope. This is fitting, as you are our hope for a brighter future. People journey from all across the empire to be here. To bask in the light and hope of the Divinities. Esperance is a place of healing, and that is what we will do together.Heal. Your individual souls, your new marriages, and the empire as a whole.”

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