Page 99 of To Touch A Silent Fury

Perfect. “Can you invite Theollan here?”

“Why?”

“I would like to speak to him. He knows more about my life than I do, it seems,” I replied. This was entirely true, though it held the barest hint of deception. But I would only ask more of him once I had made out his character.

Seth cocked his head. “You wish to learn about yourself? Is it safe to reveal your identity to him?”

I smiled. “I will only ask him about his work, unless I decide he can be trusted with the full truth. Can you make it happen?”

“Of course. I would have travelled to Gossamir had you ever sent for me. If this is your bidding, it is my command.”

“Thank you, oh great advisor.”

“Don’t start,” Seth said, but I saw the delight in his eyes. I wonder if he could have possibly missed me as much as I missedhim, but I could not fathom so. “But tell me, Tani. What else can I do? I want to help where I can.”

“Plenty,” I said. “I will rely on you, dearly.”

His eyes flashed, and my cheeks felt hot. “Anything.”

“Could you put in a good word for me with Braxthorn?” I asked. “Not enough that he would suspect, just enough to remind them I am unwed, and how a marriage might assist hisaims.”

“I will try,” Seth frowned. “I still think he would consider a Soundlander to be beneath his son. It is wrong, I know, but that is his manner of thinking. I will try to sway him to your favour.”

“Do not endanger yourself,” I warned. “Only speak as far as is safe.”

He nodded, and I could see his mind already turning with how he might achieve it. “What else?”

I grinned. “Take me through Braxthorn’s most favoured brides for his golden boy.”

Seth shook his head as he came to sit on the bed once more. “What do you have planned?”

Even if Langnathin never chose me, at least I might seek to find a life here. One where I could live alongside Seth, free from destitution. But first, I would try. My powers were a part of me, and I would be damned before I let them be taken from me without a fight.

I smirked. “Nothing too devious.”

26

Lang

Istepped out into the noon sunlight of the southern palatial gardens, squinting into the brightness. Braxthorn overlooked the rosehilt, with Septillis beside him. I gritted my teeth, knowing the next simpering event—some horrid luncheon—loomed in only a couple of hours. Then, a few nights after that, my dreaded homecoming ball.

Without meaning to, I thought of her again. It bothered me. I could not pinpoint actually what about her had me so distracted. Her dragon, her casual disinterest, her deceit. Whatever it truly stemmed from, it was hard to keep my mind from her. Irritation flared just as often as intrigue.

Banrillen, the Wragg, was here too, his bulking frame contrasting against the blooming garden.

Great. A family meeting.

Chaethor’s voice rumbled, and I could sense her location, spiralling in the skies above the fluffy Tanmer clouds.Braxthorn outdoors during Tanmer? He will shrivel like an aged peach.

I smirked as I approached. My brother pulled a petal from a shedding plant, and Septillis’ countenance was as stiff as ever.At least these two players are unchanged.

Chaethor laughed.Has he discovered her yet? Reunited with his childhood love?

I frowned at that, though I had been asking myself the same question. Septillis was close with Tanidwen back on Eavenfold. Even a simpleton could see the love he had for her.

The white-haired advisor turned to me, and I could determine nothing from his expression. He was wiser than Tanidwen in that respect. He had long learned to school his face. Braxthorn also turned, and his welcoming grimace was as cold as ever.

“Son,” Braxthorn said. “Have you chosen a wife? Will it be Lady Francillin, Lady Elissa, or Princess Margot?”