Page 77 of Winds of Darkness
Briar’s Inner Court were the only ones who knew she was staying here. She and Briar had discussed it over a midday meal that first day. They’d woken when the sun was high, and he’d retrieved a silk robe the color of the sea for her to wear while he’d simply donned pants. A spread of food was waiting for them, and they discussed how to move forward. They agreed to keep it a secret for now, not wanting more turmoil among the Courts. More than that, if war was truly coming, this was not the time to push against long-standing traditions. But if she were staying here for an extended period, his Inner Court needed to know, especially if they were venturing down to the water.
Sawyer was her escort whenever Briar could not be with her, and they’d formed the start of a friendship of sorts. At least, she thought that was what it was. He was like his brother in so many ways, and despite his words at the Wind Court, Sawyer never brought up disclosing the relationship again. He was carefree and jested as much as Briar, but he was astute and observant. She suspected he knew more than he let on about many things.
That was why when the knock sounded, she assumed it was Sawyer or Neve. She did not expect Briar to come through the door, and she certainly did not expect Ermir to be with him.
You could not warn me of this?she demanded of the winds.
But they were silent.
Traitors, she muttered, to which she felt them kiss her cheek before moving on again.
“You are well?” Briar asked, coming to a stop beside her as she closed the book and set it aside.
“Yes, thank you,” she answered, immediately standing and falling into her role of princess. Admittedly, a role she had been enjoying the reprieve from. “Is there news I need to be aware of?”
“Relax, my dear,” Briar answered, his hand running the length of her spine and instantly making her tension ease. “Ermir wishes to speak with you, but only if you are amenable to that.”
“Of course,” she answered, glancing at her Second. But Briar was gently taking her chin between his thumb and forefinger, turning her back to him. She felt a shield slip into place around them, keeping their words for their ears alone.
“If you need more time or do not wish to do this right now, simply say the word,” he said.
“I cannot avoid him nor my duties for days on end, Briar,” she answered. “This is one of those things we must learn to navigate.”
“You are not meek, Ashtine Evermorn. You are their sovereign,and while you indeed have a duty to your people, your Inner Court answers to you. Do you understand?”
She smiled softly up at him. “I do.”
He held her gaze a moment longer before releasing her chin and letting his shield disperse. Stepping back from her, he added, “You know what to do should you need me.”
Ashtine nodded, looking at her Second once more. He was waiting patiently near a window, his hands clasped behind his back. He did not look upset or worried, only calm and welcoming, as she had always known him to be.
The door clicked shut behind Briar, and she smoothed her hands down her dress. It was nothing like what she wore at home. Neve had brought her clothing, and this teal dress was lightweight and revealing. Sleeveless, it dipped low in the front, reaching halfway to her navel, with the same in the back. The fabric was partially sheer in some areas, and slits up the sides allowed for air movement in the oppressive summer heat.
Ashtine cleared her throat lightly before saying, “I apologize for my extended absence.”
Truth be told, she hadn’t expected him to come looking for her. It wasn’t uncommon for her to disappear among the winds for days on end. Although perhaps four days was pushing it.
“It is I who should be apologizing to you, Prin— Ashtine,” Ermir said, regret filling his features. “May we sit?”
“Of course,” she answered, perplexed by his admission as she reclaimed her spot on the sofa.
Ermir took an armchair across from her, the low-lying table laden with plates of food situated between them. He glanced at the plates, then back to her. “You have been eating. I am relieved to see that.”
She was unsure how to answer that, so she simply folded her hands in her lap. “May I inquire what you feel the need to apologize to me for?”
Never one to skirt around what needed to be said, Ermir shifted in his chair. “I should have handled all of this differently. Iobserved your mother battle the same persistent winds, and I felt just as helpless then.”
Ashtine looked away at the mention of her mother. The one person who would have had the capacity to truly understand what these last months, years, and decades had been like.
“Ophelia managed the winds as gracefully as you do, even before she learned how to live in harmony with them,” Ermir went on.
“There has been nothing graceful about how I have managed the winds in my years of life,” Ashtine replied. “I have allowed them to control me and drive me mad.”
“You did the best with what you were given,” Ermir countered gently. “That is all anyone could ask of you.”
She met his silver stare at his words. “Much is asked of me because of both my title and my gifts.”
“I know, Ashtine. You were born with the weight of ruling from the moment you entered this world, and I …” He released a harsh breath, shifting once more. “I tried to shield you from so much. I wanted you to experience life before you were thrust onto a throne, but time was not on our side.”