“Yes. There is a small hope he might recover, but until then, Lord Leo will act in his father’s place.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. How are you doing? I’m sure Lord Warin’s illness has brought back painful memories.”

Selene perked up.

Lady Bryren nodded. “Yes. It’s been over a year now since my own father passed away. Although his death was more sudden.” Her eyes darted toward Selene before settling again on Damien.

Selene frowned at her look. Did Lady Bryren think her family had something to do with Lord Warin’s death? Her eyes widened. Did they?

Lady Bryren continued on. “We have much to discuss.”

“Yes, we do. And what of House Vivek?” Damien asked.

“I heard someone is coming, but I don’t know who.”

Interesting, Selene mused, her thoughts switching over. Did Lady Bryren not know about Renlar, Lord Rune’s son?

“Until then.” Lady Bryren bowed. “I will see you both tonight at dinner.”

Damien and Selene bowed in reply. “Good-bye, Lady Bryren. Thank you for coming,” Damien said as he straightened.

Lady Bryren sent one last smile to the both of them before turning and leaving. Taegis followed her out and shut the door behind him. Selene could hear Karl in one of the other rooms.

“Is Lady Bryren always that way?” Selene asked.

“What way?” Damien turned back.

“Asking private questions.”

Damien laughed. “Yes. For as long as I’ve known her. I think that quality comes with her house. The gift of House Merek is their courage, although sometimes it can border on recklessness.”

“Or impertinence.” She wanted to ask Damien about the questions Lady Bryren had brought up, both spoken and unspoken, but at the same time wasn’t sure if she wanted the answers. What if Damien only cared about her because of his kind nature and adherence to duty? Her shoulders tightened as old fears came roaring back. Had Damien only married her to save himself?

She turned around. “I’m going to wash up before this evening.”

“All right. I think I’ll join Taegis and walk the castle.”

Selene headed inside their private room to the bowl and pitcher she had spotted earlier. The water was tepid and smelled lightly of roses.

She started with her hands, then washed her face and neck. She paused and stared into the bowl, the water dripping from her fingers. This trip was going to be harder than she’d thought. The other houses would soon discover the duplicity of House Ravenwood. On top of that, she was facing her own personal battle inside her dreamscape and . . .

She swallowed hard, and her fingers began to shake as fear spread again across her heart. She clenched them before reaching for the towel nearby.

What would happen in the next couple of days? Where would she stand with the other houses? Who would she choose to be? Who would she follow?

No answer came the next morning. Instead, the city of Lux Casta was greeted by low horns blowing at the first light.