Chapter Seven

L éhiona had been gazing out the massive window in her sitting room that overlooked the main courtyard when the Beitarans arrived. She stood, absently rubbing the tattooed wedding band on her finger as she watched them ride in on their horses, and her heart ached to go to them—to talk with them of home.

She knew she couldn’t, though; to do so would cause her unbearable pain. She wasn’t entirely sure it wouldn’t kill her. When the King of her homeland put the magical gag on her before sending her to Ichorna, she hadn’t understood why . What was he so afraid she would tell?

Some of the consorts over the years had been men and women of the royal family, but she had barely been raised at court. She had no secrets to reveal—only memories of her culture to share. But, traditions must be followed, so she was bound just like all the consorts before her. All of these years, she had tried to make the most of her situation. Sometimes, though, it was hard. This was sure to be one of those times.

Léhiona fought against the tightness in her throat as she watched Evienne greet the two men. One she did not know, but the sight of Lord Solon sent pangs of homesickness through her heart. She had not known him well in her former life, but he had been good friends with her father. How she missed her family. She knew he would likely have seen them recently, but she simply could not ask.

She turned at the sound of steps echoing across the wood floors. She had insisted on wood instead of marble for her private space—it felt like home.

“There’s my sweet sister! How are you faring?” Sylvain du Pont strode toward her, all youthful confidence and joy. She couldn’t help but smile at him; Sylvain was the perfect brother-in-law, and she absolutely adored spending time with him.

“Sylvain, I am so very happy to see you. I’ve missed you!” She said, embracing him. “I’m glad you could spare us a few weeks. I hope we don’t bore you to tears!” She added, laughing.

“With parties nearly every night? Not a chance! I wouldn’t miss it,” he answered with a wink. “You didn’t answer my question, though. How have you been?”

Léhiona felt her smile falter as she tried to find the words to answer him without mentioning her homeland. “I… I have been well. I am just more tired lately, I think,” she said slowly, trying to regain her smile to reassure him. Sylvain wasn’t fooled, though. Those who didn’t know him well thought him shallow and pleasure-seeking, but Léhiona knew it was all a fa?ade. He was insightful and caring, and he had known her since she arrived in Ichorna twelve years ago.

“Tired, hm? We’ll have to get you to the healers and see if they can identify what the issue is,” he said with a tinge of concern.

“Sylvain, I’m sure it’s nothing. I’m just run down from all of the event planning. You know how particular Aldith can be,” she said, laughing.

“Oh, do I ever. I grew up with her as my older sister, remember? I’m not quite sure how I survived!” He took her hand then and gave it a squeeze. “I’ll call for some tea, and you can tell me all about how things have been here.”

Léhiona was grateful for his company. He had found her at just the right time—she was fairly sure her loneliness would have swallowed her whole if she stared out at her countrymen for a moment longer. She felt tired at the thought of avoiding them for an entire month, but she wasn’t sure her heart could take being near them.