Ollie let out a nervous chuckle. “That’s precisely what I said, Your Grace.”
Laeliana blinked at him as if she’d forgotten he was there.
“That is—er, I mean to say?—”
“You are dismissed,” said Laeliana.
“O-of course. Good day, ma’am,” he stammered before making a hasty retreat, leaving Elyria alone with the duchess.
“What purpose was there in scaring him off? He’s my friend,” Elyria said petulantly.
Laeliana arched a brow. “He’syour friend? He’s your jailer.”
“Close enough,” Elyria said, her tone flippant even as a pang ran through her heart. She was momentarily overcome, as though she could feel the warmth of the summer sun and smell the roses in the gardens at the Ravenswing estate. She could hear Kit’s laughter ringing as she chased her brother around the fountains, could hear Evander’s indignant shout when his sister doveintothe fountain to get to him. Couldstill see Laeliana watching over the inseparable trio from the balcony, a cup of tea in her hand.
Elyria blanched. Eager to rid her mind of the unbidden images, she went on to say, “I suppose I have you to thank for my expedient dismissal?”
Laeliana nodded, watching Elyria’s face closely.
“You have my thanks. But I confess, I find myself at an utter loss as to what you’re doing here. You’re a long way from Aerithia, Your Grace.”
The duchess tilted her head. “Walk with me.”
“Oh. Er...I’m not...properly...” Elyria waved a lame hand at the state of her clothing. Laeliana looked her over with an amused expression. “Didn’t know I would be in the company of nobility today,” Elyria said.
“I know better than to think you’d go out of your way even if youhadknown, my dear.” The duchess snapped her fingers and a long purple cloak, the color of orchids, soared over on a controlled gust. It landed upon Elyria’s shoulders, draping over her legs and hiding the worst of her outfit’s offenses.
“Convenient,” Elyria murmured, unable to mask the admiration in her tone at the duchess’s graceful wielding of her storm magic.
They exited the jailhouse and walked in silence toward the city proper. Day was just breaking, the clouds a kaleidoscope of soft grays, pinks, and blues. Birds sang in the mistwood trees. Elyria relished the moment of peace...but that’s all it was. A moment. Because as she scanned the sky, she saw the morning star. It was exactly as Ollie described—bright and angry. The Gate would open soon.
It wasn’t until they crossed into the gardens beyond the city square that Laeliana resumed speaking. “I won’t ask how you ended up here...again.”
Elyria’s cheeks heated.
“But I will say that I was glad when word of your most recent escapades reached my ears. I flew here as quickly as my wings would allow.”
“Dare I ask why?”
Laeliana drew a deep breath. “The Arcane Crucible is upon us once again. I think you know this—I saw you watching the morning star. And King Lachlandris’ personal oracle and best diviners all agree theaurora will bloom any day.”
Elyria swallowed the knot that was forming in her throat. “I mean no offense, Your Grace, but what does that have to do with me? You know better than anyone my feelings about the Crucible. Let the aurora bloom, let the Gate open. I do not care.”
Laeliana’s expression tightened, her reaction making Elyria feel as though she’d struck her.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t?—”
“Katerina—Kit. She has decided to enter the Crucible.”
The words of apology Elyria had been about to speak died on her tongue. “No. What are you—No. Impossible.” Laeliana said nothing as Elyria’s words spewed forth in a furious tangle. “She wouldn’t. No. Not after—She can’t. You cannot allow this. You muststop her.” Shadows flickered at the edge of Elyria’s vision. Her control was slipping.
A memory swept in—fierce, fast. She saw the pride on Evander’s face, colors dancing over his skin as the sunlight filtered in through broken stained glass. He grinned as he strode toward the Gate, stopping just before he reached it.
She remembered watching him turn, searching for her as she stood at the front of the crowd of onlookers. She was huddled next to his sister, Kit’s hand firmly squeezed in her own. Elyria remembered the way she’d nodded, encouraged him. She had truly believed he would be the one, that he could win.
Evander winked at her, his golden eyes burning with resolve. And then he stepped through the Gate.
She never saw him again.
