Damien closed his eyes. His body was still weak from the attack and the ensuing fever, and his chest was heavy with burdens, so he did what he had seen his father do during moments like these. He spoke to the Light.

Words intermingled with the feelings flowing from his heart. He moved his lips, but no words came. He wished he could go out along the cliffs today and raise the waters, but there was no time, and Healer Sildaern would come after him with threats of bed rest. Instead, he stood there behind his changing screens and prayed.

Eventually, Damien bowed his head and took a deep breath. Time to step back into the role of grand lord. He exited the screens carefully and spotted Selene still lying upon his bed, and the door that led to the next room stood ajar.

Quietly, he approached her. Once again he was struck by the realization that he had married a woman from House Ravenwood. And here she lay, the heir to the House of Dreamers. A dreamwalker.

His wife.

In slumber, the coldness that was usually etched across her features was gone. Her long hair lay in dark strands across the pillow, her face now flushed with warmth from the thick cover he had placed over her body.

He cocked his head to the side and watched her. Why had she entered his room? Even though they were married, no doubt Taegis had set her up in the room next door. Did she come in to hold his hand again? Was she having nightmares? And he still didn’t even know how she used her gift. How did one dreamwalk?

A conversation he wanted to have with Selene. Soon.

Speaking of . . .

Damien rubbed his temple and turned toward the door. He would also need to announce to his people about his recent nuptials. The sooner the better. Like as in today or tomorrow. He would be sure to arrange that with his steward and council.

Yes, he had a long day ahead of him.

Damien put the small rolled piece of parchment to the side of his desk and sighed. It hadn’t taken Caiaphas long to write and update him on what happened after he left. It appeared Lady Ragna was spinning a tale of lies and deception and casting doubt on his own allegiance. The false accusations left a bitter taste in his mouth. He could put up with a great many things but not the tarnishing of his house. He would need to let the other houses know he was alive and share what he could.

Damien glanced back down at the parchment. Caiaphas had also inquired about Selene.

He could almost hear the fear and worry in Caiaphas’s words. Not just from a father, but from a leader of the coalition. They needed her. And now Damien knew why.

He ran a hand through his hair and glanced out the window. A grey sky hung over the city, and to the left, the sea stretched out past the cliffs to the unending horizon.