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“He is receiving what he needs. We are confident his situation will improve.”
“Would the mind healers allow him to attend tonight?”
“In fact, we are doing our best to encourage him out of his isolation. If you don’t see him tonight, however, do not take it to heart. It has nothing to do with you.” She put a hand on Lio’s arm briefly before proceeding around the coffee table.
“Congratulations on your future in the Circle of Rosarians,” Uncle Argyros was saying to Cassia. “A most fitting choice, and certainly a position to be proud of.”
“I feel very fortunate in the Second Princess’s mentorship.”
“Kona is also a most excellent and patient teacher, and I believe you will feel right at home among her students.”
“As for my service…” Cassia began.
“Give it some thought. You and Lio deserve a rest from diplomacy tonight, hmm?”
“Thank you for your patience,” she said.
“Take your time.”
“I will most certainly be lending a hand with your fruit trees, regardless,” she said firmly.
“Ah, my coffee sapling can breathe a sigh of relief. Speaking of coffee, I brought a new blend with me tonight, which I hope you will taste.”
“It is my favorite coffee in the world,” said Lio with anticipation.
“I thought your namesake coffee was your favorite.” Cassia accepted a tall mug from Argyros and paused to breathe the fragrance of the creamy, red-brown brew. Comprehension began to dawn on her face. She took a sip, then smiled at Uncle Argyros. “I have been so honored tonight—as a newgift, a new rosarian, and possible new diplomat. But it is a rare honor indeed to be a coffee.”
Uncle Argyros had not appeared so sanguine in a very long time.
The night wore on, and the house filled and overflowed with family, friends, and their goodwill, magnified by the power of the Solstice Ritual that had bound them all even closer together tonight. Every new arrival paused to pay their respects to the Annassa before approaching the gift table.
Lio and Cassia stood at the table together while tributaries of all ages came through the gift line. And for the first time in Orthros’s history, a liegehound guarded the stash of Gift Night presents. That did not make anyone hesitate to shower Lio and Cassia with well-wishes. His heart filled with gratitude as each and every guest made the same promise.
“We’ll visit Alkaios at the Healing Sanctuary on our way home.”
“If you’ll excuse us after this, we’re going to see Alkaios.”
“We cannot let this night end without showing Alkaios our gratitude for his role in bringing Newgift Cassia safely to your side, Firstgift Komnenos.”
“The entire gift line is going to form up outside Alkaios’s door before the night is through!” Cassia marveled.
Lio squeezed her hand. “Have no doubt their power will bring him strength and comfort.”
It wasn’t long before Aunt Lyta joined the celebration and assured Uncle Argyros he would not fit into Alkaios’s room.
Lio heard the congratulations and assurances over and over, but he never got tired of listening to them. It had never been such a pleasure to itemize crafting materials to skilled elders or hand out glass trinkets to the children. It did not surprise him to see Cassia take to the responsibility with confidence and poise.
“You’re a natural at this,” Lio said between guests. “Did anyone ever tell you that you would make an excellent liege lady…or even queen?”
“I heard that somewhere. What a boring idea. Weaving…taxes…sitting on a throne all day… I think I’ll become a heretic instead.”
He grinned, flashing his fangs at her. “I can highly recommend it.”
Moon hours waned, and the guests’ spirits only rose. Sucklings dashed to and fro, engrossed in games of veil and step through the rambling house, while their parents savored the good taste of Blood Komnena. The elder firstbloods sat reminiscing with the Queens. Lio’s Trial circle and their companions kept him and Cassia company during lulls in the gift line, and Nodora led the musicians in a few impromptu dances for them all to enjoy.
Everyone traded festive feelings in the Blood Union until together, they were stronger than their fears and worries. Lio took solace in that and in Cassia’s nearness. He only wished his Ritual father would take advantage of his rare stay in Orthros and come spend time with them all here at House Komnena. If it had not been Aunt Kona who had assured him otherwise, he would have believed Ioustin truly was unhappy with him.
Not until it was almost veil hours did the gift line give way to a line of those repeating their well-wishes and taking their leave. First veil had rung when exclamations of welcome stirred the remaining guests. There, at last, a noticeable head of blood-red hair was visible amid the crowd. A sigh of relief escaped Lio.
