Page 100 of Tides of Shadows

“Mina, please,” he said, sounding once more like a boy who was ten years old again. “I came here to take care of things. And also I need your help.”

He turned and looked toward me, extending his hand in invitation.

I pushed back my hood and walked forward slowly. I wore a dark blue leather riding suit, marked with the emblems of the Veymaris Family. My red hair fell loose over my shoulders.

The woman went very still. Her face drained of color.

“Sarah…?” she whispered. “How can this be… it is impossible…” She lifted a hand as though to touch me, then let it hover in the air.

“Mina, this is Nerissa Veymaris,” Aidenar said, surprised by her reaction. “Victor’s daughter.”

“Nerissa,” he continued, turning to me, “this is Minerva Cavareth. My grandmother.”

Minerva stared at me for a long while, as if she could see straight through my skin.

“Daughter of Victor,” she repeated, more to herself than to us. “Daughter of… Sarah.” Her gaze traveled over every part of me. “Interesting.”

Then her expression softened, as though she had stepped back into the present. She looked around at everyone.

“Oh, Peter, it is good to see you. You have grown thin. Does the White City truly lack even proper food?” she laughed. “Come, all of you. It is time to feed you, you poor souls.”

Cavareth knights and servants that came back with us from White City got a warm welcome from their families. Lesser nobles and counselors embraced Aidenar with sincere joy.

Durminas, cold and vast outside, brimmed with life within.

Another figure approached. A young nobleman, as tall as Aidenar and strangely, much like him. Gray tunic, blond hair longer than Aidenar’s, brushing his shoulders, the same clear Cavareth blue eyes and the same roguish smile.

“I did not expect you so soon,” he said, folding his arms.

“Nor did I,” Aidenar replied, tone dry.

“Mina is right,” the stranger murmured. “There is little entertainment here for you.”

“I did not come here for pleasures.” A spark of irritation flared in Aidenar’s voice.

“Then perhaps you will finally get to work. How long must I keep an eye on everything here?” He tipped his head toward the castle.

“Next time you may stay with my mother,” Aidenar cut back.

“Oh no, I thank you, I would rather carry palladium from the mines with my bare hands.” He gave a short laugh, Aidenar answered with a reluctant grin. “Good to see you again, brother.”

“You as well.” They both laughed and got each other in a strong, honest embrace.

Brother? I froze. Aidenar had never spoken of him.

“Will you not present me?” The blond man turned his gaze on me, curiosity alight in those blue eyes. “You are not Velena Salvadore.” Pain stabbed my chest, my face stiffened. But there was no scorn in his voice, only a mild, pleasant surprise.

“Nerissa,” Aidenar said, “my brother, Tristan Cavareth. Tristan, Lady Nerissa Veymaris.”

“Cousin, strictly speaking,” Tristan added, “but we were raised as brothers.” He swept the most graceful bow I had ever seen and waited, ready to take my hand and kiss it. I returned only a slight curtsey.

He understood, still his gaze did not waver. His features were softer than Aidenar’s, almost boyish. I knew the type: gentle faces, ruthless hearts.

“I will see Nerissa to her chambers,” Aidenar said curtly. “We shall speak later, there is much to settle.”

“I will wait,” Tristan answered, stepping aside.

The corridors of Durminas were vast, the palace of White City seemed small beside them. Narrow bridges spanned chasms, I kept my eyes fixed ahead.