“The older two are working through their own grief. I’m glad Lord Elric was there helping me console his sister.” Lord Damien sighed again and ran a hand along his face. “I wish I could do more.”

“I know this is hard for you right now. You never recovered from your parents’ death, or Quinn’s.”

“No,” Damien said quietly, in such a sorrowful tone that even Amara was moved. “I miss them all. And I think Lady Adalyn is also reliving Quinn’s death. I never realized just how much she loved my brother. I wonder if my presence today was more helpful or hurtful.”

“Given what I saw, I think you were able to help both Lady Adalyn and Lord Elric.”

Damien turned toward his guardian. “Thank you, Taegis. I know that Lord Leo had hoped there would be an alliance between our houses, but I know it wouldn’t have worked out. She loved my brother, and I have come to love Selene. Deeply. I hope Lady Adalyn finds a husband someday who will love her the way she loved Quinn.”

Amara stared up at the men, her mouth open. Lord Damien loved her sister? Deeply? When—when did this happen? At the assembly? Was that what brought their marriage about? And did her sister love him? She couldn’t imagine Selene having any feelings. Selene was made of ice, as cold as any woman could be. There had to be some other reason for their arrangement. But she could not deny the emotion in Lord Damien’s voice when he said her name.

Lord Damien turned toward Taegis. “By the way, has Lady Selene returned yet?”

“No. But Karl is with her. There is no need to worry.”

“I know. But I have this feeling . . .”

The two men walked inside, leaving the windows open.

Amara stayed where she was within the shadows of the trees, her focus on the windows, while the rest of her senses were spread out, ready to move if she needed to. More lights came on as the guests of the other rooms entered their chambers.

A plan started to formulate in her mind. She would climb toward the windows and stay on the ledge that jutted out beneath the railing and get a feel for who all occupied this suite, their routine, and how she could best reach Lord Damien. If an opportunity presented itself, then she would take it. And if not . . .

No. She set her jaw as she stared up at the windows. She would walk in his dreams tonight and look for his fears. Maybe she would get lucky and find what she needed. She only had one more day when the palace would be open to finish her mission. She couldn’t afford to fail.

With that thought, Amara stole toward the palace. Ornate molding provided the perfect handholds. A minute later, she slipped over the railing and stood in the narrow area between window and railing, flattening herself against the wall.