Ilain did know. Before their marriage, Ethenn had explained everything about his past. He fought in the taverns and worked constantly for Terrina’s sake. When Terrina was sold off to Bastien Muirren, it felt to him as though he’d lost his last family member—his only reason for living.
Discovering his relation to Evylin was like learning he had a second sister. For the first time in a long time, it gave Ethenn hope that he could still belong and had a purpose. There could be a reason for him to live and fight beyond the anger urging violence under his skin.
Ilain threaded her fingers through Ethenn’s. “It’s important to me too,” she whispered.
“And if we take the position,” Ethenn concluded, “we’ll be weeks away from them. We won’t see them for years at a time.”
Ilain stared dejectedly at the flames dancing low in the fireplace. The Doorstunds Province apartments were decorated in the red tones of Fire. A crimson rug splayed over the stone floor. Lush scarlet drapes hung open around the windows, and a light breeze drifted in to cool the room. In the mountains, Aulton grew quite hot in the summer. Nearer the sun, it heated the great city like a stove.
“We could make that a condition of our acceptance,” Ilain said hopefully. “If we take the position, they have to allow us time to visit at least once a season.”
A sardonic knowing filled the air. “We’ll be governing a province, Ilain. We can’t just travel to visit family whenever we want.”
She sighed. “Then we don’t accept it.”
Ethenn hesitated, his reluctance palpable. “What else would we do?”
“We’re a Mage and a Warrior,” she said. “Bonded, need I remind you. We would make splendid bodyguards.”
He chuckled, his ribcage pressing against her back. “And who are we going to protect?”
“Jonn and Evylin, of course.”
“Why would—?” He started over, understanding. “Thom doesn’t think they’ll take it.”
“Of course they will,” she insisted. “It may take time, but Evylin will help him see reason.”
“You think she wants it?”
“No. It’s Jonn who wants it. He’s just too pious to admit it.”
Ethenn paused. “That doesn’t make sense.”
“It makes perfect sense, dear. You’re just not looking at it correctly.”
He didn’t argue, though she could feel that he wasn’t convinced.
Ilain patted his arm placatingly. “Don’t worry. They’ll accept, and we can join them in Loclight as one big happy family. And worst case, if they don’t accept, we’ll simply request to go wherever they go.”
Ethenn nodded. “I like that.”
“Me too.”
Resting her head against his shoulder, Ilain settled in. It wasn’t the future she’d originally imagined for herself, but somehow, it felt right. She’d always held a secret desire to be free of her impending duty. It was weighty, considering herself as a ruler. In this version of their lives, Ilain would simply get to live as Ethenn’s wife, enjoying the tranquil life for which she’d always wished.
The press of Ethenn’s lips against her neck drew her to close her eyes. Yes, she quite liked marriage. And Ethenn truly was a splendid husband. With their ever-growing trust, his reservation had eased. He was still quiet and temperamental—she had to watch how often she teased him lest he become annoyed—but he’d grown vastly more tender and caring. He was steadier, as though her magic and his had combined to level out his inner fire.
It soothed the ember within Ilain too.
Ethenn’s hand glided across Ilain’s waist, his fingers tracing the crystal beads and embroidery on the dress. She’d chosen the gown to represent her brother. Golden yellow like Day. Auden might not have survived their mission, but he was in the Heavens now, watching over them proudly. The Alliance had accomplished its goal. Magic was restored to full power (a slow return, though Ilain could already feel a subtle burgeoning within her each time she touched her power), and Allund was a unified nation once again.
After all his hard work and sacrifice, Auden’s life would not be in vain.
A sudden thought struck Ilain, stilling her under her husband’s amorous touch.
Ethenn’s lips paused, his affection halting on her bare shoulder. He lifted his head, looking at her. “What is it?” he asked.
Ilain blinked at the fire. How had she forgotten? She was a miserable excuse for a sister.
