I’m sure after a fewsuperawkward family dinners, they’ll be back to awkward family dinners, then maybe only moderately awkward family dinners as the universeintended.
I straighten, threading my arm in his and leading the way out of our room. Moth deserves to feel like he belongs somewhere, and tonight is the first step to making that happen.
If it’s news that sounds like it came from a soap opera, the people of Eclipsica are totally here for it. Moth’s tale of returning from the dead with amnesia is a typical Tuesday here. Still, gossip is as gossip does; regardless of how normal this kind of thing is, Moth is the long-lost prince. Holly enthusiastically informs us he’s the topic of whispers in the hallways and songs in the tavern. I make a mental note that we absolutely have to checkthat out.
“It is unusual to have a private dinner like this during the social season,” Queen Plume begins. “But I thought the occasion of your return called for a break in protocol. The rest of the court can have their fun with you tomorrow at tea. Tonight, it will remain just the four of us.”
“That was gracious of you.” Moth’s nod is as stiff as ever. But I agree; easing into this world and the “social season” seems like the best idea for both of us.
“Perhaps afterward we can retire to the parlor together,” Holly suggests, her eyes wide and filled with hope. “I’m sure you’re aware that my brother is a brilliantpianist.”
“Am I?” Moth’s deep voice echoes across the dining room.
“Don’t be so modest!” Holly exclaims. “I remember curling up in the parlor with a book while listening to you play when we were children. You had a way of playing exactly what the scene I was reading called for.”
“How perceptive of me.”
“Perhaps you could play us something after dinner,” Queen Plume suggests, her tone measured with the grace and pose expected from a queen.
“Perhaps,” Moth agrees, though I’m not sure he means it. Historically, I have had a thing for musicians, though the idea of Moth becoming even more attractive is almost intimidating.
“I believe it would be best if you two had some time apart.” Holly leans close, so that the whisper is for my ears only. The clink of her dinner knife landing on the table sends a shiver through me.
“To jog my brother’s memory, of course,” she continues, leaning in even closer, and in response, my wings tense tightly in what feels like a knot. How is me staying away from Moth supposedto help?
“But I want to be there to support him,” I whisper back, trying to keep my face neutral.
“And you will be,” she continues. “Give me just a day or two to show him around the castle with no distractions.”
Hang on, is she callingmea distraction? I don’t know whether I want to puff up or sink into my chair. Moth regaining his memories would help him connect to his family again, and that’s what we’re here to do. If giving him space is what he needs, I can do that for him … even if it’s not whathe wants.
“You really think it will make a difference?”
“I would like to try.” The honesty of Holly’s statement strikes me. At the end of the day, we’re both just trying to do the best for someone we care about.
“If he agrees, you don’t have to worry about me tagging along.” I nod. “I want to help him any way I can.”
“So, you think it’s a good idea?”
“Sure, yes?” If she really thinks it will be good for Moth, I’m willing to tryanything.
Holly clears her throat. “Heather has suggested it would be a good idea for Moth and I to tour the castle together tomorrow. A brother-sister day, if you will. Just like old times.”
Okay, that’s not exactly how the conversation went down,but sure.
“Is that so?” He raises an eyebrow.
“Yeah, totally. It’s been decades, right? You’re long overdue for some siblinghangouts.”
After a long moment, he finally nods, which gives Holly the go-ahead to rattle off every little thing she’s planning on showing him.
The ballroom, the gallery, the armory, the way she rattles off rooms makes me realize we’ve only scratched the surface of how big this place is. I’m a little jealous.
Queen Plume showed us around some of the halls, but I wouldn’t mind going on a grandtour too.
But no, when they ask, Holly nudges me under the table, and I lie through my teeth saying it’s “so no big” and to “have fun without me” and how much I would love a rest day. Moth doesn’t look like he buys it but doesn’t press the issue at the dinner table.
It’s his sister.
