CHAPTER SEVEN
Kiva barely had time to clean up and change clothes before a servant arrived to deliver her across to the western palace’s River Room. There she found Queen Ariana reclining on one of the comfortable couches, with Princess Mirryn sitting opposite her. Her trepidation grew at the sight of the princess, knowing that Mirryn could be caring and generous, but her mood could quickly turn cynical and biting.
“Kiva, darling, so wonderful you could join us,” Queen Ariana said, rising to greet her with a kiss on her cheek. Mirryn offered a chin dip, smoothing her wine-red dress and watching Kiva take a seat. Ariana also wore a gown, hers a navy blue with complicated beading, making Kiva feel significantly underdressed.
“Thank you for inviting me,” she said. “It’s an honor to be here.”
The queen smiled kindly. “No need to be so polite. You’re among friends.”
Kiva would have felt more comfortable in a pit of snakes, but she made herself return Ariana’s smile.
“I wasn’t sure what you’d like to eat, so I had the kitchen prepare a selection for us,” the queen said, moving toward the table that was near overflowing with food. “Let me get you a plate.”
Uncomfortable at the idea of the queen serving her, just like last night all over again, Kiva fidgeted as Ariana went about her task, humming quietly.
There was something so gentle about the queen, so loving, that Kiva struggled anew to see her as the villain she’d envisioned for a decade. But she couldn’t afford to look at her differently. For all Kiva knew, this was some kind of act. The queen had years of experience learning all the airs and graces that came with her title. No matter how she appeared, there was no telling what lay beneath the caring façade.
An hour later, however, Kiva was having trouble remembering that she was in the company of her enemy, especially since the queen had spent the whole time sharing adorable stories from Jaren’s childhood.
“. . . and he’s been terrified of turtles ever since,” Ariana finished her latest tale.
Mirryn snickered into her tea. “It’s true,” she said. “I was there.”
“My fearless son,” Ariana said with clear affection. She looked at Kiva and added, “He’ll be horrified to know we shared that little piece of history with you.”
“My lips are sealed,” Kiva promised, her grin genuine.
“No, you should definitely use it to embarrass him sometime,” Mirryn stated. “It’ll do him good to be taken down a peg or two.”
Kiva considered the comment, curious how the princess could say that about her brother. If anything, it was Mirryn who could use a good ego deflation.
“You must have some interesting stories about my son,” Ariana said to Kiva, refilling her dainty teacup. “Jaren has told us hardly anything about his time in Zalindov. How did you two meet? What was it like in there?”
All the delectable food Kiva had ingested during the last hour turned over in her stomach.
Showing uncharacteristic consideration, Mirryn jumped to her rescue and said, “I’d much rather hear about your abduction last night. I can’t believe no one came to get me — I missed hearing all about it.”
“I can’t believe I forgot to ask,” the queen said, concern in her gaze as she peered at the side of Kiva’s face. “How’s your head feeling today?”
“Much better,” Kiva answered.
“Those Silverthorn healers are worth their weight in gold,” Ariana said.
“Speaking of gold,” Mirryn said, her eyes lighting with passion as she turned to her mother. “I’m thinking blue and gold as the color scheme for my party. What do you think?”
Kiva felt as if she’d missed a step, but the queen was nodding slowly, a thoughtful look on her face.
“I’ll tell the decorators,” Ariana said. Seeing Kiva’s confusion, she shared, “It’s Mirry’s birthday in just under a fortnight. She’s having a masquerade here at the palace to celebrate.”
“The weather kept us trapped in the mountains longer than expected,”
Mirryn told Kiva. “I’ve been running around like a headless chicken since returning, organizing all the details.”
“You haven’t only been organizing the party,” Ariana said with a sly smile. “I hear you’ve also been staying up until all hours writing letters to this
mystery girlfriend of yours. Will we finally get to meet her for your birthday?”
Mirryn brushed crumbs off her lap. “Since she’s not answering my missives, and her last one said she thought it best if we break up, I can only assume she won’t be coming.”
Ariana’s face fell. “Oh, Mirry. I’m sorry. I know how happy she made you.”
“Only fools find their happiness in others,” Mirryn said, her expression hard, but Kiva could see how hurt she was. Ariana saw it as well and moved to sit beside the princess, reaching for her hands.
“Be that as it may,” the queen said quietly, “there’s someone perfect out there for you, my beautiful daughter. I promise you that.”
Mirryn looked away, but not before Kiva saw the sheen of tears in her eyes. “I know,” she whispered. “And now I’ve lost her.”
“Darling,” Ariana whispered, leaning forward to hug her daughter.
Kiva averted her gaze, fighting the sting of jealousy, of longing. It had been over ten years since she’d felt the loving touch of a mother. Seeing Ariana embrace Mirryn left a tightness in her chest, along with the painful knowledge that she would never have that again.
Mirryn cleared her throat and pulled away, wiping under her eyes and reclaiming her teacup. Not looking at anyone, she declared, “I think we should use Chef Laveau for the catering, but I want the cake to come from Euphorium. Nuru is a master when it comes to flavor and design.”
Seeing how much her daughter was struggling with her lost love, Ariana allowed the change of topic and simply said, “I agree. They’ve both proven themselves highly capable at our past celebrations.”
Together, the queen and princess launched back into discussing the masquerade, brainstorming ideas for decorations, music, and menus. Kiva remained mostly silent, resolutely ignoring the sympathy she felt at seeing the sadness lurking in Mirryn’s eyes, and answering any questions with whatever she thought the royals wanted to hear. She was just considering how best to remove herself from the discussion when the door to the River Room opened and a burst of activity flew inside.
Two bursts, actually.
Tipp and Oriel, on a break from their studies.
Behind them walked Caldon, Naari, and Jaren, the latter of whom looked particularly good in a black shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, his
corded forearms drawing her shameless attention.
“You’re h-here!” Tipp cried, running straight for Kiva and interrupting her blatant staring.
“Tipp,” she chided when he bounced onto the couch beside her, “remember your manners.”
“Oh, r-right,” he said, jumping back up to his feet, before sitting down again much slower.
“That’s not what I —” Kiva broke off with a sigh. “Never mind.”
Everyone over the age of eleven chuckled, but Kiva’s attention was snared by Prince Oriel when he shyly held out a flower — a snowblossom.
“For me?” Kiva asked.
Oriel nodded at the ground, his cheeks pink. “I’ve been practicing my magic, and Jaren said they’re your favorite.”
Kiva glanced up to find a soft smile on Jaren’s face. She’d only shared her love for the winter-white flowers after they’d escaped Zalindov, during a moment of reflection when she’d considered the one he’d created out of nothing down in the tunnels. To this day, she couldn’t remember if she’d favored the blossoms before then, or only afterward.
“It’s beautiful,” Kiva said to Oriel, inhaling the fresh, sweet aroma, before tucking the stem behind her ear.
The young prince’s cheeks turned pinker at her actions.
Wanting to ease his discomfort, Kiva leaned in and whispered, “You
know what?”
“What?” he whispered back.
She transferred the blossom to his ear, hiding the stem in his soft golden locks. “I think it looks much better on you.” She touched the tip of her finger to his nose briefly, causing him to giggle. “Will you keep it safe for me?”
Oriel nodded eagerly, a bashful but still bright grin spreading across his face.
“I want one t-too!” Tipp said, bouncing beside Kiva. “P-Please, Ori?”
The prince scrunched up his face in concentration, and seconds later, an identical snowblossom appeared in his hand. Tipp thanked him profusely and shoved it behind his own ear, beaming with pleasure.
“Now we’re t-twins!” he said excitedly.
“And very handsome twins,” Queen Ariana said, still seated beside her daughter. “The handsomest in the kingdom with those flowers, I daresay.”
“Careful, or you’ll make Jaren jealous,” Mirryn drawled. There was no
trace of sorrow in her eyes now, her emotions firmly locked away. “He’s not used to having competition.”
“Sure he is,” Caldon said cockily, prompting Naari to roll her eyes.
“Here you go, Jaren,” Oriel said, creating another snowblossom.
“Thanks, Ori, I love it,” Jaren said, ruffling his brother’s hair.
“Where’s mine?” Caldon asked.
Oriel frowned. “You called Flox fat yesterday. He’s not fat — he’s
fluffy.”
Caldon arched an eyebrow. “Your point?”
“I’m not making you anything until you apologize to him.”
Oriel’s beloved pet chose that moment to bound into the room, a silver and white streak heading straight for Jaren. There, he rubbed up against the prince’s legs like a cat before collapsing on top of his boots.
Kiva had met Flox upon her arrival at the River Palace, and after some deep consideration, she still had no idea what kind of creature he was. Part fox, part ferret, part racoon was her best guess, combining to form an unholy bundle of mischief. All she knew was that he had as much energy as Tipp and Oriel, and he was absolutely infatuated with Jaren — not that Kiva could blame him.
“You can keep your flower, kiddo,” Caldon said, mouth quirking as he watched Jaren try to extricate himself from Flox, only to have the fluffy creature cling to him with fierce desperation. “And I’ll keep my apology.”
“As much as we appreciate the company,” Queen Ariana cut in, “dare I ask why we’ve been graced with your presence?”
Her question was addressed to the room, but it was Caldon who answered, “Jaren needs to blow off some steam.” He glanced from Ariana to Mirryn and asked, “Do you two have time for a quick trip downstairs? We’ve already cleared it with Ori’s tutor.”
The queen’s expression grew troubled as she looked at her eldest son.
“The council meeting didn’t go well?”
“It didn’t go at all,” Jaren answered tightly. “Grand Master Horeth sent a note postponing until this afternoon.” He abandoned his attempt at dislodging Flox and picked up the silver fluffball, cradling his squirming body close until he settled. Within seconds, Flox’s eyes closed and he fell into a light doze.
Kiva marveled at the sight, something about it so pure, so wholesome. “I have lots of party planning still to do today, so let’s make this quick,” Mirryn
said, standing and starting toward the door, the queen at her side.
Unsure what was happening, Kiva rose to follow, with Tipp hurrying over to Oriel as the young prince collected Flox from Jaren’s arms.
Kiva, however, didn’t make it two steps before Caldon’s fingers wrapped around her elbow.
“Sorry, Sunshine, but you’ll have to entertain yourself for the next little while.” His gaze flicked over to Tipp. “You too, bud.”
Tipp looked crestfallen.
“It’s fine. Let them come,” Jaren said.
Ariana and Mirryn paused at the doorway, looking at him with raised brows.
Caldon turned to his cousin, a hint of warning in his eyes. “It’s one thing for them — or at least her — to know. Another thing for them to see.”
His statement perplexed Kiva. Tipp, too. But no one else in the room batted an eyelash.
“Caldon has a point,” the queen said slowly.
Surprisingly, it was Mirryn who came to Kiva’s defense. “She’s already seen a lot of it. And felt it, for that matter.”
“That was different,” Caldon objected.
“I trust them,” Jaren stated. “If any of you have a problem with that, don’t come.”
Without another word, he strode out of the room.
“He’s in a delightful mood,” Mirryn murmured.
“Horeth’s note implied the council is going to demand answers for his actions of late,” Naari informed them, her lips pinched with disapproval.
“He’s bracing for an unpleasant afternoon.”
The queen’s expression shifted to concern as she stared after her son, and neither she nor anyone else offered further arguments against Kiva and Tipp accompanying them. Instead, Ariana hurried after Jaren with Mirryn and Naari at her side, and Oriel and Tipp skipping after them.
Alone with Caldon, Kiva waited to see if he would try and stop her again.
Seeing her hesitation, he shot her an apologetic smile, one that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Sorry about that, Sunshine. I can get protective when it comes to my family.”
Kiva recalled Jaren sharing the tragic tale about Caldon’s parents, her heart catching painfully in her chest. “I understand. Family is everything.”
Gods, did she know that.
A shadow passed over Caldon’s face as he held her compassionate gaze.
“Not everything. Not always. Sometimes you’re better off letting them go.”
His sister. Kiva had nearly forgotten. But she doubted Ashlyn Vallentis supported Caldon’s decision to avoid her for the last three years.
“And sometimes you need to hold on tight,” Kiva returned, unconsciously thinking of the rocky reunion she’d had with her own sister.
She hated the idea of that tension remaining between them forever — or worse, that they’d become like Caldon and Ashlyn, deliberately choosing not to see each other. Troubled by the thought, Kiva resolved that the next time they crossed paths, she would try harder to mend whatever had broken between them. Hopefully Zuleeka would recognize the attempt and meet her halfway.
“We’ll have to agree to disagree on that, Sweet Cheeks,” Caldon said, brushing aside his melancholy and swinging an arm around her shoulders, dragging her toward the doorway. “Come on. Jaren says it’s fine for you to watch us training, so let’s get moving before you miss all the good stuff.”
Kiva stumbled along with him, her forehead scrunching as she repeated a single word. “Training?”
The only answer Caldon gave was, “Hurry up, and you’ll see.”
