Page 128 of Fate of the Sun King

“Immensely.”

“Were you crying?” Willow asks. “What happened?”

“Did you talk to her?” Tristan asks, and I nod.

“We did.” I opt not to share the details that sent me into a spiral. I’ll explain the true source of my scar to my brother and sister later.

I do share what Cloris told us about the arks as everyone listens intently.

“Anyway, we’re now wondering if this is what the Mirror wants to give me,” I say.

“How do we find out more?” Amya asks. “I don’t understand how we’ve never heard of this.”

“I get the sense it’s the kind of information reserved only for the ascended,” Nadir says.

“I have a friend who works in the archives,” Nerissa says. “I could ask her if there’s anything written about it?”

“That would be amazing,” I reply. “Thank you.”

She dips her chin, clearly happy to be useful.

“What about you?” Nadir asks Hylene next. “Any luck on your end?”

She tosses a red curl over her shoulder. “Of course. I’ll be attending the festivities with one Lord Cedric Heulfryn.”

Nadir nods. “Well done.”

“Wait,” I say. “Heulfryn. As in Apricia’s family?”

Hylene’s eyes sparkle. “Her brother, in fact.”

I bark out a laugh, not sure why that’s so amusing.

“Impressive,” Mael says. “I guess you are useful around here.”

Hylene narrows her gaze, and I’m sure that one day, Mael will find himself with a dagger pressed to his throat. Or maybe his cock, depending on Hylene’s mood.

“That’s good,” Nadir says. “You’ll be invited to the palace to stay for a few days.”

“I’ll get my bags packed. I’m expected soon. So we need to get moving on whatever plan you’re hatching.”

“She’s right,” Willow says. “I won’t be able to come back here either. Apricia has made it clear we’re to remain by her side in the days leading up to the ceremony.”

Nadir pinches the bridge of his nose, and I feel his mounting frustration.

“Have you had any luck getting your hands on a schedule of the events?” he asks her.

She grins and pulls out a piece of paper. “Yup. This is everything.”

Nadir grabs it, and I read over his shoulder.

“What’s the presentation?” I ask, noting its place on the timetable the day before the bonding.

“It’s when Atlas and Apricia will greet the citizens of Aphelion one by one. It’s kind of like the second-tier invite for those who aren’t important enough to garner an invite to the real ceremony,” Amya says.

“Anyone can attend?” I ask.

“In theory, yes.”