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Ber flicked his hand out in a gesture of denial.“One year isn’t long enough.”

“If you weren’t lying to me, then I dare not risk my family by leaving Ryenil to fester for longer. He may grow weary of waiting out the terms of your challenge.”

Whatever else, it was clear that Berhadtold the truth about his hatred of staying here. His face twisted with the kind of pain one might expect during torture, but after a moment, he closed their mental link and nodded.

“Fine,” Ber said aloud. “Macoe, escort me to the diplomats’ suite and have Feref prepare me a room. It seems a more welcoming inn is not in my future.”

This time, when his brother turned to leave, Toren didn’t stop him.

* * *

How long coulda meeting between enemies take? Ria cast an envious look at Ryssa’s embroidery. Why hadn’t she thought to request something to occupy her hands? It didn’t have to be a project quite so bloody-minded as the princess’s current design featuring a severely wounded Ber.

Just…something.

Mehl had resumed his pacing. Ria considered joining him, but her body cried its exhaustion already. Had she ever been so tired? Maybe the time her father had accepted too many orders for ballgowns before the season’s most prestigious event, forcing her to work for a week on a few hours of scattered sleep. But that was a maybe. Between her pregnancy, the stress of her presentation in the morning, and the turmoil of Ber’s arrival in the evening, she was spent.

“I hope His Majesty returns soon,” Vesset said, concern ringing in his voice. “Both of you ladies should rest. Pregnancy is hard on the body, as is stress, so you should be careful to get plenty of sleep.”

Ryssa cut her gaze toward the healer. “I am content to remain for as long as my lady needs. I have enough energy for my embroidery yet.”

If Vesset had any thoughts about the princess’s current project, he wisely kept them to himself. “Her Highness wouldn’t wish for you to exhaust yourself, I’m sure.”

It took a moment for Ria to realize that “Her Highness” referred to her rather than Ryssa, and by then, the healer was looking at her oddly. Almost with chastisement, but it was clear he wouldn’t dare that. Heat crept into her cheeks.

“Of course I wouldn’t,” Ria said. “You needn’t stay with me if you’re tired.”

Before the princess could answer, the door swung open, admitting Toren. But not Sir Macoe. A single bodyguard trailed the High King, instead. “Tor!” Mehl exclaimed, pivoting mid-step to hurry toward their husband.

Silently, Ria stood, her gaze locked on Toren’s face. As Mehl tugged their husband into a hug, she studied his expression. Tired, worried, confused…all easy to spot. But there was something about his eyes. A shuttered quality she’d never seen while he was with Mehl. Was the news bad? Ah, but she shouldn’t forget that they weren’t alone. He would no doubt tell them what had happened once he’d dismissed the guards.

Though she approached more slowly than Mehl, Ria reached them before Toren stepped free of their husband’s embrace. As soon as Toren eased back, concern wrinkled his brow, and his gaze swept down Ria’s body before returning to her face.

“You’re well?” he asked, drawing her into his arms next.

She relaxed against his familiar warmth, and the knot of tension in her gut unwound at the feel of him. “Yes. I’ve been worried, but a little worry won’t get methatoverwrought.”

“I know you’re not easily overcome, or you would not have survived to find us,” Toren murmured. “But I was concerned all the same.”

She couldn’t stop herself from kissing his cheek.

“Where’s Sir Macoe?” Mehl asked over her shoulder.

“Escorting Ber to the diplomats’ quarters and ensuring he remains there,” Toren replied, finally releasing her. She expected him to order the guards out so they could speak more freely, but he frowned down at her, instead. “You and Ryssa should rest. I must compose a reply to King Ryenil before I consider bed, so why don’t you let Mehl escort you to your rooms? We can discuss my useless meeting with Ber upon the morrow. It was no matter.”

Ria blinked at him. He’d been gone for over an hour having a private meeting with his greatest enemy, and it wasno matter?“I—”

“Seriously?” Mehl demanded at the same time.

“Yes, seriously,” Toren said, lifting a brow at Mehl. “Would I jest about such a thing? Tonight, my brother is under careful guard. I would like everyone to take advantage of that and get an easy night’s sleep.”

Before either she or Mehl could argue, Toren linked their minds.“What was said in that meeting can only be shared with you two. Not even Tes. See her to her room, and we’ll discuss it once I rejoin you in our chamber.”

Though Mehl made a grumbly sound low in his throat, Ria nodded. Not because she wasn’t curious—but because she was. Toren sounded resolved, so the easiest way to find out what was going on would be quick, efficient compliance. With that in mind, she let her shoulders sag and her head droop, though she’d fought hard not to let her exhaustion show until now.

“That sounds lovely, now that I know you’re unharmed,” Ria said.

His frown swiveled her way, alarm crossing his face. “I didn’t realize you were so tired. Vesset could have used his magic to help you nap.”