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“An honorable champion does not confirm or deny such rumors.”
“As a champion of secret romances, neither shall I,” she promised, before taking her seat.
“Lady Valentia,” Solia continued, “I hope you will join my retinue as well.”
Lady Valentia raised her head, her eyes wide. “Your Highness…your generosity astonishes me. I am not certain I am a fitting companion for you. But if you will have me, I will serve you with honor and endeavor to atone for my family’s transgressions.”
“What transgressions? Allegiance to Evander’s family?”
Pain filled Valentia’s aura. “Yes, Your Highness.”
Solia rested a hand on Valentia’s shoulder. “Evander and his father were the only men in Castra Roborra who did not betray me.”
Valentia pressed a hand to her mouth, shutting her eyes. As they all watched, Lio felt years of burdens lift from her.
They might not be able to tell her that Evander still lived, but at least Solia had given this back to Valentia—his honor.
“I dared hope,” Lady Valentia said, her voice thick. “Thank you. Thank you, Your Highness.”
“Under my reign, his family name will be restored, and all of Tenebra will know they were loyal to the true queen. I understand his family estate remains vacant, wasting in possession of the crown. I will see it entrusted to its rightful lord…or lady.”
Valentia shook her head. “You will always have my allegiance, but beware of my betrothed. Whatever rewards you give to me will fall into his hands.”
“My sister has warned me of the danger.”
“I am the only asset I have to offer you. Making me one of your ladies is the only elevation you should give me.”
“For now,” Solia agreed. “But it seems to me we have two betrothals to dissolve, don’t you agree?”
“My Queen. You have given me…all of us…the greatest gift. Hope.”
“Rise, Lady Valentia. We will all do great things together.”
Sabina caught Lio’s eye and gave a slight nod to the empty space beside her. Lio pulled up a chair for Lady Valentia, and the two women whose forefathers had slaughtered each other sat side by side.
Lio put his hands behind his back. “I’m afraid I must excuse myself from this lovely company soon. The night is short, and we must cast wards over Patria. But I am told you wished to have a word with me first, Lady Nivalis.”
She still stood on the edge of the gathering, as if now unsure of her place. She gave Lio a curtsy. “Ambassador.”
“How are you?” he asked sincerely.
“As well as can be expected.”
“I understand.”
Her gaze fell. “Lady Sabina has explained the truth of the events in her father’s camp. I know now that the Gift Collector is allied with the king, and he targeted my sister due to her involvement with the Allied Lords. It was unjust of me to blame you.”
“Sometimes our hearts do not heed our minds.”
“I should not have let my anger overrule me,” Nivalis said. “Even if my parents can never know the truth, allow me to give you our sincerest apologies. I ask for your forgiveness, and pledge to treat you as befits my queen’s ally.”
Lio had expected Nivalis to say what Solia required of her, but he was not prepared for the truth in her aura. She truly did not blame him.
Solia gave him that look again.
“I accept your apology,” Lio said.
So why did he feel as if he still owed Pakhne’s family an apology of his own?
