Page 123 of Esperance

While they embraced, Amryn used her empathic sense to probe a little deeper, and there, nestled inside Jayveh’s happiness, she could feel new life. Brushing against the purity and gentleness of that small soul brought tears to her eyes.

When Jayveh and Amryn finally pulled back, Tam took her turn to embrace the princess. “Congratulations, Jayveh.” Though Tam’s words sounded sincere, there was an undertone of sadness; maybe even regret.

Amryn could imagine what had caused that. Even if Rivard had been more attentive since Zawri, their marriage was nothing like the loving match between Argent and Jayveh.

When Tam pulled back from Jayveh, she groaned. “Argent will be impossible to live with now. He’ll probably declare an empirical holiday—for every day of the pregnancy.”

Jayveh laughed, but Amryn was fairly certain Tam wasn’t joking.

In the light of such happiness, Amryn could only smile.

Chapter 32

Carver

Argent clapped a hand on Carver’s shoulder.The wide grin that split his face hadn’t ebbed all evening. “I’m going to be a father!”

Carver chuckled. “So you keep telling me.”

Argent somehow managed to keep smiling even as he took a drink of brandy.

They stood on the edge of the sitting room where everyone was sharing drinks and conversation after dinner. Argent and Jayveh had made their official announcement tonight, though Carver had learned about Jayveh’s pregnancy last night.

Argent had sought him out to share the news, even though it was quite late. Carver had never seen his friend so happy.

Amryn had already retired to her room, but with Argent’s excited voice booming in the suite, it wasn’t a surprise that she’d come out. She’d been wearing a long white nightgown, her red hair arranged in a thick braid that trailed down her back. She had smiled as she’d embraced Argent, offering her congratulations.

Carver had never been jealous of his friend. Until that moment.

When she’d—finally—pulled back, she continued to smile at Argent as he grinned and talked about having a boy or a girl—he didn’t care—and how excited he was to tell his grandfather . . .

Carver couldn’t take his eyes off Amryn, standing there in that nightgown.

He hadn’t been able to get the sight out of his head all day.

Amryn was currently standing across the room with Jayveh. Her hair was arranged in an elaborate pile atop her head, and she wore a deep teal, off-the-shoulder dress that fell silkily to the floor.

Another image he wasn’t likely to forget any time soon.

He’d been avoiding confronting her. About the seals, and the rebels she’dknownwere tracking them on Zawri.

He hadn’t shared any of this with Argent, and that was wrong. If he’d learned these things about anyone else . . . He would have arrested them by now.

With Amryn, he couldn’t even form his questions. He dreaded asking her anything; he didn’t want lies, but he feared the truth.

Saints, he didn’t want her to be a rebel. He didn’t want her to be his enemy. He just wanted her to behis.

“Carver, do you have a moment?”

He twisted to face Marriset. She wore a dark green dress with black accents. She was still favoring her side after being injured on Zawri. She looked paler than Carver had ever seen her, and with a good deal less makeup on her eyes and face.

Argent cleared his throat, his smile falling for the first time. “I’ll give you a moment.”

After he’d moved away, Marriset edged a little closer to Carver. “I was hoping you would join me for a walk in the garden tonight.”

“That won’t be possible.”

“Why? I’ve missed you.” She reached for his hand, and he took a quick step back. Her eyes narrowed. “You think I’ve lost access to Darrin’s kingdom so I’m no longer worth seducing?”