The avenue terminates at an elaborate archway leading onto the palace grounds. Banners with crimson Phoenix emblems flutter from the top. Two guards bow as Jasce passes through.
We continue on through manicured gardens and past sparkling fountains that seem impossible in such an arid climate.
Finally, the palace comes into view, rising majestically before us. We dismount in a courtyard tiled in an ornate starburst pattern. Stable hands rush forward to take the reins of our horses. My legs wobble a bit as I regain my footing on solid ground.
Jasce turns toward the palace entrance where Aleksander and Zerah await us at the top of a grand staircase. Zerah’s face lights up when she sees us. She bounds down the stairs, her scarlet gown billowing behind her.
“Brother, you’ve returned safely.” She throws her arms around Jasce, and he returns her embrace.
Aleksander descends the stairs at a more measured pace, his expression guarded. He is nearly the same height as Jasce and almost as broad through the shoulders. His jet-black hair is longer, though, and worn loose around his face.
I stand beside Jasce as he greets his siblings, unsure of how to act. Though, I knew Aleksander and Zerah from my time in Lyra’s body, to them I am a stranger now.
Aleksander’s gaze sweeps over me, no doubt taking in my travel-stained clothes. I resist the urge to smooth my windswept hair or wipe the dust from my face.
“Brother,” Jasce says, clasping Aleksander’s arm. “It’s good to see you well.”
Aleksander returns the gesture. “And you. Your journey was safe?”
Jasce nods.
Aleksander’s eyes flick to me again, a wrinkle forming between his brows. “Good. We were concerned when we received no word.”
Jude moves forward to embrace Aleksander next.
As soon as they separate, Jude turns to Zerah with a grin. “Well, look who it is. Did you manage to stay out of trouble while we were away?”
Zerah makes a face at him. “Me? You’re the troublemaker. Although...” A mischievous gleam enters her eyes. “I may have put salt in Aleksander’s tea one morning.”
Aleksander scowls at her. “Zerah…”
“Remember that the next time you complain about my singing,” she says with a grin.
Jude laughs and pulls Zerah into an affectionate one-armed hug. “I missed you, little sister.”
She stands on tiptoe to kiss his cheek.
My chest tightens as I watch Jude and Zerah’s easy camaraderie. Their teasing reminds me of my relationship with my sisters. I can almost hear their laughter and see their smiling faces.
Do they still think of me fondly, or has my betrayal erased me from their hearts? I shake away the thoughts, knowing I really don’t deserve for them to miss me after what I’ve done. I made my choice, and now I must live with the consequences.
Zerah turns to me next. “Who is this?”
Jasce shifts his weight, the movement bringing me a half-step closer to his side. “This is Annora. My wife.”
A smile spreads across Zerah’s mouth. “Your wife?”
Jasce nods.
She turns that smile on me. “Hello, Annora. Jasce’s wife.”
“Hello,” I say, as my heart warms at her reception.
Aleksander’s gaze jerks between me and his brother. “Annora from House of Silver?”
Jasce’s grip on my hand tightens as he gives a single nod of affirmation. Something in his steely expression must give Aleksander pause, because the other man presses his lips together and doesn’t say anything else.
Zerah moves closer to Arian. “It’s good to see you again, Arian. Will you stay long this time?”
