Page 54 of Sun, Moon & Shadow

Isla nodded and chose one, draping it over her forearm.

The dress featured a black leather bodice with silver stitching and a multilayered skirt of sheer black fabric. Thankfully, the skirt’s many layers ensured it was not entirely see-through. Finally, Isla helped her into a pair of black silk slippers.

“His Grace should be ready to see you now.” She looked Nova up and down and nodded in approval. “Much better. Follow me, miss.”

Once in the corridor, Isla took to her wings, fluttering several strides ahead of Nova. Rather than descending the stairs to Great Hall, as Nova had expected, Isla led her to the wing on the opposite side of the Estate. The maid ushered her into a private chamber, past a large bed and stately furniture, and out onto a wide terrace overlooking the seashore in the distance.

The sky had darkened, and several moonstone orbs lit the space with pale light. At the center of the terrace sat a black metal table with a glass top set with tiered platters of fruit, boiled eggs, and fresh sliced bread with butter and jam. Nova’s stomach growled at the sight. Two males sat at the table, but only one rose on Nova’s entrance. She’d already had the displeasure of meeting the one who remained seated: Commander Lucan. Nova looked past him, focusing her attention on the other male.

Nox. Her uncle. The Noble Lord of Silvergard.

He was nothing like what she’d expected.

Straight white hair fell past his shoulders, and the genuine smile on his wide mouth warmed his charcoal eyes. He wore a loose shirt and black leather breeches on his tall frame. Studs of glowing moonstone and several silver rings pierced his ears.

“Nova,” he said, extending a hand to her. “Welcome.” His voice was a soothing baritone.

Nova crossed the terrace and stood beside the table, taking his offered hand.

“Your Grace.” She bowed her head. He squeezed her fingers gently and motioned for her to take the seat beside him.

“Please, call me Nox,” he said as he settled back into his chair. The commander slouched in his seat, ignoring her. To her surprise, Nox swatted him lightly on the shoulder.

“Say hello to our guest, Lucan.”

The commander straightened and forced a thin smile. “Welcome, Nova.” He resumed his slouching immediately afterward.

Nova thought she caught Nox roll his eyes. “You must be hungry. Please, eat,” he said. “Lucan tells me you had quite the journey.”

Nova glanced at the terrace doors, realizing Isla had silently taken her leave. She was on her own. Lowering herself into her seat, she quickly scanned Nox’s breakfast of melon, eggs, and tea. She helped herself to servings of the same foods, assuming those items would be safe to eat.

“Yes, your guards boarded us and took me hostage,” she said calmly as she leaned forward, reaching across the table for the silver teapot. Lucan tensed, his eyes lingering briefly on the scars running down her shoulder blade and disappearing beneath her bodice.

“You should see the wolf that did it,” she said.

Lucan glanced warily at Nox, who chuckled quietly before sipping his tea.

“How did you know I was on the vessel? Your commander came prepared with an invitation for me to remain here as your guest.” Nova poured herself a cup of steaming tea and took a sip. Strong and bracing. Thank the gods. Her day should have been ending, while Nox’s day was just beginning.

“Lucan showed me,” he replied.

“Showed you?”

“I’m sure you’ve heard whispers of the abilities I possess. Abilities I don’t often use. But when Lucan saw you on the ship, he allowed me to see you through his eyes.”

Nova casually sipped her tea, marveling at what it must be like to possess such power.

“Believe it or not, word travels fast in Aemoria,” Nox continued, observing her closely. “The sudden arrival of a mysterious, raven-haired female with pale skin and silver eyes in the Autumn Court set tongues wagging. Word of you first made it to me after you attended the Hayer celebration dressed like Orika herself.” He set his drink down on the table before him. “You certainly glow just like a moonstone.”

“I can see how my arrival may have caused a stir, given my appearance and the reputation of your Court.” She bit into a juicy slice of fresh melon.

“Surely you mean our Court,” Nox said, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. Nova kept her face neutral, politely chewing her food.

“I suspected you were descended from Silvergard when I heard the description of you. But I knew you were my niece, last of the Elsever bloodline and heir to the Lunar Throne, the instant Lucan showed me your face.”

Nova swallowed dryly, then tried and failed to clear her throat.

So, Nova Greenmore was Nova Elsever all along.