Page 22 of Sun, Moon & Shadow

“And where have you been?” Evander asked when Callan entered the dining room a short time later, clapping him on the back as Callan took a seat at the table. It was as if their conversation the week prior had never happened. But Callan was too clever to believe his cousin had forgotten.

“Keeping busy on the training field, mostly.”

“Training for anything in particular?” Evander arched an eyebrow.

“A true warrior ensures his blade is always sharp,” Callan replied, a veiled taunt. Though Evander was a gifted bowman, he had come by the skill naturally and rarely bothered to train.

Evander held Callan’s gaze for a beat; the jab had not gone unnoticed.

“Perhaps training is wise. There was an attack in Tundara. An entire patrol squad disappeared leaving no trace.”

“How many taken?” Callan asked, his grip tightening around the end of his butter knife.

“Twenty or so. Lady Samira’s elite guard followed the trail to the foot of the Gray Mountains, but the tracks ended there.”

“Have you spoken with your parents?”

The Lord and Lady were guests in the Summer Court, which bordered Pyralis to the west.

“Yes. That’s what kept me yesterday. Apologies I wasn’t around to entertain you,” Evander said, pouring himself a steaming cup of tea. “I’ll have more time for diversions after the celebration.”

“I managed to entertain myself, cousin. Nova allowed me to give her a tour of the Estate,” Callan said, avoiding further conversation by making quick work of wolfing down all the food piled on his plate.

“How interesting. And where is our lovely guest this morning? Ah, there she is, looking good enough to eat. Is that a new dress, Nova?” Evander rose from his seat as Nova descended the staircase. “You look exquisite.”

Evander intercepted her at the foot of the stairs and grasped her hand, once again pressing his lips to her knuckles. Callan drank in the stunning sight of Nova in a flowing gown of pale lilac. Her hair was gathered in a bun at the nape of her neck, a few strands hanging loose around her face.

“Charming as always, Evander,” Nova said, her tone neutral as she removed her hand from his. “Fawn was kind enough to bring me to the seamstress.”

She breezed past him and filled her plate with food, eventually settling into the empty chair next to Callan.

“Speaking of Fawn, has anyone seen my sister?” Evander asked, taking his seat again.

Fawn burst into the room just then, as if on cue.

“Good morning, everyone!” She flung herself down into the chair at the head of the table.

“How was your visit with . . .” Evander snapped his fingers in the air, a sausage speared on the tines of his fork.

“Josef.”

“Yes, Josef.”

“Quite enjoyable,” Fawn huffed, her tone betraying her annoyance.

“Fawn has a suitor,” Callan whispered to Nova.

“He still hasn’t proposed,” Fawn said, waving her hand in the air as she slumped further down in her seat.

“Perhaps he’s waiting for the right moment,” Evander suggested between bites of egg. “The upcoming celebration would be a grand event for announcing an engagement.”

Fawn sat up at once, as if the thought had never occurred to her.

“Nova, you must come to the seamstress with me after breakfast. I suddenly feel as though I need an even fancier gown for Hayer,” Fawn said excitedly, begging Nova with her big brown eyes.

“I can’t,” Nova said, her tone not quite apologetic. “I hoped to join Callan on the training field today.”

“Why in the world would you do that?” Evander scoffed. “A dirt pit is hardly a suitable place for someone as lovely as you.”