They looked at each other, then at her. “We’re not sure, my lady. Our orders were to take her to the chapel.”

She nodded. “If possible, may my sister be cremated and her ashes given to me? Yes, she was an assassin, but she was also a member of House Ravenwood, and as such, I would like to scatter her ashes across the Magyr Mountains in the tradition of our family.”

“That will be up to House Luceras,” the other guard said. “But we will ask on your behalf.”

Selene bowed. “Thank you.”

Damien marveled at the control Selene had. If he hadn’t seen her grief firsthand, he would have almost wondered if she mourned the departing of her sister.

Selene passed the guards as they walked into the bedroom to take Lady Amara’s body away. Damien stepped back, the candle still in his hand. Selene came and stood beside him. Minutes later, the two guards carried Lady Amara’s body out between them. Selene watched them until they left.

He caught the eye of Taegis and Karl. Taegis seemed to understand his unspoken request and nodded. He whispered to Karl, then both men stepped out, closing the main door behind them. Damien doubted Selene would want to sleep in their room tonight, or any night. Neither did he. He would see about transferring their belongings to one of the other rooms in the suite.

Damien placed the candle down on a side table, then turned back toward her. He noted the dirt on her cheeks and the streaks of mud where her tears had fallen and wondered where Selene had been tonight. But his questions would have to wait.

Without a word, he pulled her in again and held her. There they stood, in the candlelight, her head on his shoulder, his arms wrapped around her body.

Tomorrow would bring answers, along with a renewed push to sign the treaty and prepare for war. The assassination attempt tonight was only the tip of what was to come. It was the first arrow shot, and more would be coming—and soon.

But for tonight, he would take care of his wife.

When the war came, they would face it then.

Together.

44

Harsh sunlight radiated down on Lady Ragna as she stood before the wall that for hundreds of years had kept the Dominia Empire out of their lands. But no longer.

Tents were set up behind her along the sandy hills, filled with House Friere’s military. She had left her own forces behind at Rook Castle and the strongholds around the mountain area, ready to move upon a word from her. Over the last few months, she had carefully dropped hints and woven the idea of aligning with the empire for the good of the mountain people into her military. Her commander and captains were primed for when she announced the real deal. And for those who balked at the idea, they could either obey or be replaced. Permanently.

A hot wind pulled at her silk gown and headscarf. It would be a while before she was back at Rook Castle and the cooler air. This heat was abominable, and it was only spring.