Chapter 43
“Starfall is beautiful,” Ro said.
Green, rolling hills speckled with flocks of marula were backed by towering mountains capped in white, but on the other side, the land gave way to the distant shores of the Whistling Sea. From here, the Brightwater Bridge was plainly visible.
As were the shores of Malveaux.
She inhaled, the air crisp and fresh in a way that not even the air around Castle Clarion was. Maybe it was the hint of salt that was stronger here.
Ro was thrilled to finally see the estate for herself. She’d given Gabriel the estate sight unseen, relying on the suggestion of Professor Everand Larksford that the estate was a worthwhile property.
He wasn’t one of her favorite professors, but he’d done well with this. And Gabriel was overjoyed with it, so that was what really mattered.
Gabriel stood on the balcony next to her. “It’s a fine piece of property.”
She laughed. The sun would be down in a few hours. “It’s better than fine.”
“That it is. In fact…” He moved closer. “It’s the third best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
“What are the first two?”
“The day Raphaela was born. And the day you arrived in Summerton.”
She smiled and dipped her head. “That was a pretty special day for me, too.”
They stood a while longer in silence, just taking in the view.
A guard came out onto the balcony and bowed. He was one of the group who’d accompanied them from Castle Clarion. “Lord Nightborne, you asked to be notified when Valentyne and Nazyr had been shown to their quarters.”
Gabriel nodded. “All went well?”
“It did, sir. There’s a guard stationed by their doors.”
“Good. Dismissed.”
Ro waited until the guard had left. “I know neither of them know what’s about to happen, but if they do anything to create havoc during this meeting—”
“I don’t believe they will,” Gabriel said. “Nazyr seems truly appreciative of this opportunity. Valentyne, too, in his own way. He would be a fool not to prefer Starfall to life in a cell at Tenebrae. And granted, he is a fool, but still smart enough to understand that. I hope.”
“So do I.”
Gabriel smiled. “We should go down to dinner. It’s nearly time.”
She nodded, but she was reluctant to leave this spot. Gabriel had given her a wonderful little apartment to stay in while she was here. She wondered if the view from it was as good as the one here at the front of the estate. Of course, the company was what made it. “Where are your rooms?”
His brows lifted, eyes twinkling. “Planning something, are you?”
She laughed and poked at his shoulder. “Don’t you think I should know how far away my head of security is?”
He was smirking now. “I’m only a few doors down the corridor from you.” He brought one of her hands to his mouth and kissed it. “Do you think I’d ever be far from you?”
“No.” She wrapped her arms around him and laid her head on his shoulder. He was so warm and strong. She closed her eyes. “When this is over, regardless of the outcome, I want to announce our engagement. After I tell Violet and JT, of course. Have you said anything to Raphaela?”
“I have, but I also swore her to secrecy.” He kissed her jaw, sending a shiver through her. “You’re not worried about what the citizens of Summerton might say?”
She clung to him, reveling in the sensations tripping across her skin. “They’re allowed their opinions, but I’m allowed my life.”
“Wise words.” He kissed the side of her neck.
She sighed. “Have we decided to skip dinner then?”
He pulled back, smiling. “No. We’d best go down now.” He bent his head. “My lady.”
She let go of him and smoothed her tunic top. She was still in her traveling clothes, as was he. Probably smelled of horse, too, although she didn’t notice it on him. Either way, she’d bathe after dinner.
He escorted her to dinner. The dining room at Starfall wasn’t nearly as grand as the one at Castle Clarion, nor would she expect it to be, but it was elegant.
The dark blue walls patterned with constellations and the gold trim made the room majestic and cozy at the same time.
The gold and crystal chandeliers bathed the room in warm light.
The dark wood table was beautifully set. Small bowls of wild roses down the center and on the side tables added softness and perfume. The space felt dreamy and wonderful.
She touched his hand. “Your staff has done you proud here.”
He looked pleased. “I’m glad you approve.”
He pulled out the chair at the head of the table, then pushed it in once she’d sat.
Uldamar joined them, as did Professor Cloudtree.
Ro had invited him at the last moment, which she’d apologized for, but she’d decided having someone with his historical knowledge could be very beneficial.
Especially against Beatryce, who had most likely been given an education that leaned in Malveaux’s favor.
“Gentlemen.”
Both men bowed. Spencer looked very happy. “This is quite an honor, your highness. Not just to be invited but to share a meal with you, Professor Darkstone, and Lord Nightborne.” He glanced at Gabriel next. “Your estate is exceptionally fine.”
“Thank you.” Gabriel took his seat beside Ro.
Uldamar and Spencer joined them at the table. Uldamar took a sip of his water. “Professor Cloudtree is right. This is an honor. And the estate is quite spectacular.” He lifted his glass. “To our gracious queen and her endeavors tomorrow. May they be fruitful.”
They all saluted that. As they drank, Gabriel nodded to the footmen.
Dinner was brought in. Game fowl with herb dressing, roasted potatoes with gravy, and fresh peas glazed in butter. A loaf of seeded bread and fresh butter was added to the table as well.
As they began to eat, Ro headed straight into the topic of the impending meeting. “We don’t know what to expect tomorrow, other than there is every chance Beatryce isn’t actually coming to discuss peace.”
Gabriel nodded. “For all we know, Beatryce isn’t even coming. It might all be another ruse by Anyka.”
“Yes,” Uldamar said. “I have pondered that myself. I promise you, your highness, whatever the truth, whoever shows up, this will not be a repeat of Tenebrae.”
“It can’t be,” Ro said. “Because I won’t be wearing a puncture-proof vest. I do think Beatryce is coming. How much she’s been influenced by her mother remains to be seen. I would imagine quite a lot.”
Spencer swallowed. “I agree with you. Just as Anyka was influenced by Leda. There is no real reason to think Beatryce would be different.”
“I suppose,” Uldamar began, “that seeing what happened on Tenebrae could have given Beatryce a new perspective. It was her hand that loosed the dagger that nearly killed Anyka.”
“And would have,” Ro added, “if not for you and Ecclesia stepping in immediately with your magic to stabilize her. Maybe that kindness showed Beatryce that we aren’t really the enemies her mother has led her to believe.”
Gabriel snorted. “Pardon me, my lady, but I fear Beatryce has had too many years of her mother in her ear to ever have a change of heart.”
“You’re probably right, but you know I always like to hope for the best.”
He smiled. “I do.”
Spencer finished the bite of food he’d just taken. “May I ask, then, your highness, what the plan for tomorrow might be?”
“If Beatryce really shows up, I will present her with the same peace treaty I’d planned to give her mother.
She’ll have time to read through it and then we can discuss it, although there are very few areas I will compromise on.
Hopefully, we’ll sign it and that will be that.
However, if she shows up with an ulterior motive—”
“Meaning if she attempts to kill you again, like she did on Tenebrae,” Gabriel said. “Then she will immediately be taken down. By Uldamar or I.”
“Or both of us,” Uldamar said. “I will use every iota of magic I have to keep our queen from harm.”
“I know you will,” Ro said.
Gabriel sat back. “And what if Anyka shows up?”
He already knew the answer to this, but she understood he wanted it made clear to Uldamar and Spencer. “Then she will immediately be taken into custody and held for trial.”
Uldamar didn’t react, but Spencer blinked in surprise. “Do you really mean to do that?”
“I do,” Ro said. “I’m done with the games and the meetings and the letters and nothing happening. Tomorrow, this back and forth between Summerton and Malveaux comes to an end. In some form. Either with peace or prosecution.”
For a moment, Spencer’s face didn’t change. Then he smiled and nodded. “Your rule is one for the history books, your highness. I feel deeply privileged to be a part of it.”
She had to smile at that. Spencer was one of her favorite professors and she was glad she’d asked him to come. It would be good to have the First Professor of History here to witness what was probably going to be an actual historical moment.
They finished their meal. Coffee and dessert were brought in, along with spiced cocoa for Ro. The desserts were simple lemon tarts, which were delicious and perfect after the hearty meal they’d had.
The cooking and presentation had been rustic, but Ro found that comforting. This was not the palace, and it didn’t need to be. This was a country estate and the kitchen had shown that perfectly.
“Breakfast will be served here in the morning,” Gabriel told them. “I hope tonight’s meal was to everyone’s liking. The kitchen is just getting its legs.”
“It was so good,” Ro said. “And those lemon tarts were the best ending to the meal I could have hoped for. Tell your cook she did an amazing job.”
He smiled. “Nell will be pleased to hear that. She was nervous to cook for you.”
“No need for her to feel that way,” Ro said. “She did herself, and you, proud.”
“Indeed,” Uldamar added.
Spencer downed the last of his coffee. “A very good meal. One, I dare say, that has put me in mind of my bed.”
That got them all nodding and chuckling. Ro got up and said good night to Uldamar and Spencer, knowing Gabriel would walk her back to her rooms.
As the two of them left the dining room, she stopped in the hall. “What about a walk before bed? I’d love to see Starfall’s garden.”
“And I’d love to show it to you,” Gabriel said. “But not on this trip, your highness. For one thing, it needs some work before it’s worth walking. For another, I’m not taking a chance that Malveaux hasn’t already sent someone through the portal. Someone who might be looking to do you harm.”
“But there are wards on the portal. Uldamar would have said something if those wards had been tripped.”
Gabriel nodded. “True, but if they have a sylphnoct in their power, there’s no telling what other kinds of dark magic they might employ. I’m not going to risk it.”
Maybe she’d been too busy with everything else going on, but that hadn’t even occurred to her. A ripple of fear went through her. She took hold of his arm. “You think someone might be here now? An assassin sent from Malveaux?”
“Truly, no. I handpicked the guards that came with us and half of them are currently on patrol. Two of them are wyvern, and one of them is on aerial patrol. But I still don’t want to take any chances.”
She nodded, calming down. A hot bath would do her good. She was definitely feeling nervous about tomorrow. “Right. And I’ll have those guards outside the door of my rooms.”
“Yes,” he said, smiling oddly. “But you won’t be sleeping in those rooms tonight.”
She gave him a look. “I won’t?”
“No. For an added layer of safety, you’ll be elsewhere.” He offered her his arm.
She took it and they started walking. “And where might that be?”
“Not far,” he said. “Just down the hall.” He kept his eyes straight ahead, but that did nothing to hide the light sparkling in them. “In my quarters.”