He looked straight down to his boots as she approached, kicking up straw as she shuffled over. Each step felt like an eternity. When she’d left, Talhan had been so terribly injured, she thought he might not survive. Fenrin had saved his life with his brown witch magic while Renwick had whispered something in his ear, something, she knew, that had kept him holding on. She suspected what it was but never had a chance to confirm it before their falling out. Their argument flashed through her, making her shoulders droop.

“Hi,” he said, barely getting the word out.

“Hi,” Bri replied, jutting her jaw to the side. “I—”

Talhan grabbed her and pulled her into a hug before she could finish her thought, crushing her with his muscled arms as she laughed. He buried his head in her shoulder and squeezed her so tightly she thought he might crack her ribs, but she didn’t care, hugging him back with equal force.

“I missed you,” he muttered.

“Same.”

Carys came over, slinging an arm over each of their shoulders. “Save it until we have a bottle of wine in our hands,” she said. “I’m starving.”

Bri turned back to find Lina chatting with Remy, the High Mountain Queen making Lina laugh as she murmured something to her. Clasping his hands behind his back, Cole stood anxiously beside them. Remy smiled at the brown witch, a curious look on her face as she sized him up. Lina’s eyes lifted and she smirked as she spotted Bri and Talhan. Bri’s expression softened, knowing Lina could feel every ounce of her relief. The world didn’t feel right with the Twin Eagles at odds. A million more words flew between Bri and Talhan than those they uttered out loud. They both knew that hug was an apology, and it was why Bri was forever grateful to have a sibling—a person who could say the harshest truths and still be easily forgiven.

“Your home is beautiful,” Lina said, turning to Rua and Renwick.

The Vostemur King stood behind Rua, his arms wrapped around her shoulders and his expression warmer than Bri had ever seen. He still had those sharp edges, fine tailored clothing, and not a hair astray from the smoothed back knot gathered at the nape of his neck, but he seemed more at ease than the Prince she once knew.

“Thank you.” Rua leaned her head back into Renwick. “I’m glad you were able to come for our first celebration.”

“It’s been a long time since I’ve celebrated the Spring Equinox,” Lina said, stepping to the side as servants came to unhitch the horses. “Thank you for inviting me. I hope that my reign will mean closer ties to the other courts of Okrith.” Lina grinned down at the sapphire ring on Rua’s finger. “And congratulations on your wedding.”