“We did,” Evylin confirmed distractedly. It felt so strange being a guest in the house she once called home. She’d grown up in these halls. This foyer was once a common pass-through in her day-to-day. She’d fallen from the banister of that darkwooden staircase as a youth. She’d painted the watercolor that hung on the wallpapered hallway that led to the dining room.
Calyn mentioned inviting their elder sisters for dinner, but Evylin hardly heard a word as her parents made their simultaneous appearances. Lawton stepped out of his office off the foyer first. He looked the same as ever, dressed in a dark blue waistcoat and trousers. His brown hair contrasted with his bright eyes, a gaze that widened ever so slightly as he caught sight of them.
“Oh!” Laurisa cried out from farther down the hall. Her cream dress rustled as she hurried across the wooden floors. Evylin had barely taken a step forward before her mother crashed into her, motherly sobs wracking her body. “Oh, Evie. My sweet Evie.”
Evylin had forgotten the pleasure of a mother’s hug. The embrace provided so much love, safety, reassurance, and devotion. Her muscles instinctively relaxed in her mother’s arms, soaking in the woman’s goodness and care.
Beside them, Lawton greeted Deckard. “This is a most welcome surprise,” he said as they shook hands. Then he added teasingly, “So long as you aren’t returning her.”
Deckard chuckled with polite amusement. “Not for the world, sir,” he said.
Laurisa finally released Evylin, forcing her to turn to her father. For her entire life, the relationship between Evylin and Lawton had been strained. She’d never really known him, as he was commissioned with the army for the first six years of her life. Even when he returned, it seemed they were destined to merely be acquaintances since he spent all his time working, and she spent all her time with Ryen. Due to their shared stubborn and independent personalities, father and daughter had never developed any real relationship.
Evylin had never minded until now.
Staring at her father, Evylin didn’t know what to do. She didn’t care to hug him, but it felt wrong not to greet him with the same warmth as her mother.
Lawton took a step forward, gently placing a hand on her shoulder and smiling. “I’m glad to see you, Evie,” he said, his eyes glistening strangely. “So very glad.”
Her breath caught. Evylin believed him, but still, she felt no more inclined to embrace him. Instead, she returned the smile and the salutation alone.
“What brings you to Whickam Village?” Lawton asked, stepping back to stand at his wife’s side.
Deckard took the initiative. “We’re on a mission for King Ephren,” he said. “I believe I mentioned that in my last letter?” At Lawton’s nod, he continued, “Well, it’s taking us to Olbury, which led us here. We don’t wish to impose on your hospitality, but—”
“Family is never an imposition,” Laurisa pronounced brightly. Then her gaze drifted to the four behind them. “Or their friends. I’m not sure we’ll have quite enough room though—”
The ringing of the doorbell interrupted her.
Calyn opened the door and froze. Her jaw dropped.
“Hello, Miss Glaas,” Thom said, standing there as handsome and officious as ever in his Order of the King coat. His gray-blue eyes scanned Calyn with interest. “You’re looking quite well.”
Rafferty peeked around him. “Oh, you’re right, Thommy,” he said snidely. “She is prettier than Eve.”
Calyn flushed brighter than Ethenn ever had, and Evylin sent the weasel a disapproving glare.
While Calyn backed away to let the remaining three men into the cramped foyer, Laurisa laughed, her nerves obvious. “As I was saying, I’m not sure we’ll have quite enough room forallyour friends. Though we’ll do our best.”
Deckard offered an apologetic look. “We are a large party, I know, and if you can’t host us, we completely understand.”
“Not at all,” Laurisa insisted. She scanned the group once more. “Is there, uh... You travel with quite a mixed company, and I just wonder, are there couples other than yourselves among you?”
“Ah, yes.” Deckard turned and gestured to the group. “Allow me to introduce our friends. You know my brother, Thom, of course.”
Thom raised his chin toward Magistrate and Mrs. Glaas. “Pleasure,” he said, then winked at Calyn.
Calyn blushed even deeper, and Evylin pursed her lips.
“Beside him is Corporal Rafferty—”
“Call me Raff.”
“And on his other side are Mr. Vayden Calder and his wife...” Deckard hesitated, then said, “Isla.”
The couple wore amused smiles as they bowed and curtsied.
Deckard gestured to Ethenn at his side. “This is Corporal Loxley and...” He paused again, tipping his head in consideration before adding, “his wife, Ilain.”
