As we finally returned to the estate, Solana ran out the front door to greet us, grabbing me in a bear hug as I climbed out of the carriage.

  “Helian! It’s so good to see you again!”

  “It’s good to see you too, Your Grace.”

  She squeezed me tighter. “No titles, remember?”

  Frost chuckled quietly behind me. “She’s just shy, Mother.”

  It was funny to hear that from the person who couldn’t look me in the eye the other night.

  “I’m sorry for worrying everyone. I know you all worked hard to help me, and I really appreciate it.”

  Solana shook her head. “No need to apologize, sweetheart – it’s not like you did something wrong. I think I can speak for everyone when I say we’re just glad to have you back! But enough talking out here, let’s get you inside.”

  She gently lowered me onto the ground and released me.

  It occurred to me that I should have been waylaid by now. “Is Rosa here?”

  She shook her head. “No, she’s still at the palace. But she should return this evening, most likely.”

  Ah, right. “I sort of expected she’d move into the palace full-time.”

  Frost spoke up. “It’s much safer here, though. The palace is full of secret passages and duplicitous servants.”

  Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

  Her mother nodded in agreement. “Yes, you’re likely to get poisoned or stabbed in the back if you spend too long in that palace.”

  “Should we really be discussing this outside?”

  “I suppose not. In any case, you two must be starving after your long journey! Let’s head to the dining hall and have dinner.”

  As we walked, Frost removed an envelope from her pocket and offered it to Solana. “This is from Selene. Please actually read it, it’s not like the rest of your mail.”

  Solana laughed and accepted the envelope before opening it with a small knife. “You’re still upset about Coroban? I’ve been reading my mail lately, you know, even if it does take the occasional reminder.”

  Done with her assigned task, Frost turned her gaze to me. “Helian, once we’re done with our meal, why don’t you write to Marie and Evan? I’m sure they’re worried sick.”

  “That’s a good idea. I’m sure Rosa would be happy to see Marie, too. Would you mind if I invited them to the estate for a meal, Your Grace?”

  “Only if you promise to call me Mother, Helian.”

  I groaned. “I need a nap…”

  ------

  Marie sent a courier with her response the same day, promising to visit tomorrow at her earliest opportunity. To my surprise, she arrived with her mother in tow, so the dining hall ended up being quite crowded.

  Lady Herschel seemed absolutely delighted to be here. “I’ve heard so many rumors about this estate, and it seems they hardly did it justice!”

  Solana smiled. “You’re too kind, Lady Herschel.”

  She chuckled. “Oh, please, Your Grace! Call me Susanna!”

  Marie looked incredibly uncomfortable, though I couldn’t be sure whether she was worried by how her mother was staring at the duchess, or anxious about what Rosa had to say to her.

  As I thought this, her mother turned to speak to Rosa. “Now then, young lady! I hear you and Marie have been getting along quite well lately! I’m told you work here at the Solana estate as the Saintess’s lady-in-waiting, is that true?”

  Rosa cleared her throat and tugged on her collar. “That’s not entirely accurate… I was working as Saintess Helian’s lady-in-waiting until recently, but I have some other responsibilities that have been occupying my time lately.”

  Marie frowned. “Yes, I heard about that. Why don’t you tell us more about those responsibilities, Your Highness?”

  Solana grinned from ear to ear, as she tended to any time a couple got into a fight in her presence.