Fear of Fire and Shadow (The Fade #1) - Samantha Young Page 0,111

delicate eyebrow. “You believe I can do this?”

“I believe you can do anything.”

Haydyn beamed. “Then I think we better send for a messenger. Miss Moss is required at the palace.”

Epilogue

Although Haydyn’s happily ever after was uncertain, I knew I was as close to mine as I would ever be as I sat beside Wolfe on the cliffs outside the Land’s End cottage. After weeks of traveling, I wanted nothing more than a bit of haven out here on the cliffs, away from everyone else. The quiet was wonderful. Back at the palace, Haydyn was arranging my wedding to Wolfe while juggling our clandestine plans for her journey through Phaedra.

Now and then, I’d feel more than a stab of worry that I was putting our future kralovna in unnecessary danger, but I had to believe this was the right thing for everyone.

As for my wedding to Wolfe, it was to take place the first day of the autumn season, and Haydyn was turning it into a lavish affair that made my head spin and my ears bleed.

Wolfe had finally come to my rescue and absconded with me to the cliffs.

I sighed contentedly, snuggling into his side, loving the drizzle of sea spray that caught on the wind and kissed my cheeks. I knew I would have to deal with all the trappings that came with being a vikomtesa—the large wedding, getting to know the dowager vikomtesa. Wolfe’s mother was a bird of a woman who twittered at me nervously.

She was gentle and kind, and I could see how easy it must have been for Syracen to hurt and abuse her. We were a different breed of woman, but for Wolfe’s sake, I would try to be a good daughter to her, even if that meant discussing dress fittings, menus, and sheet music. I’d have plenty of time in which to get to know her better, as Wolfe had agreed to move into the new palace in Vasterya so I could work with Haydyn, but only under the condition that we didn’t leave his mother behind in Silvera. Of course, this would all be after Haydyn returned from her research trip.

One bright spot in my busy social schedule was L. The two messengers I’d sent into the Alvernian Mountains (two of the Guard well equipped to deal with the harsh hills) had returned two days ago from their visit with the Moss family with a message from L.

They had agreed to come to the wedding and more importantly, L had agreed to act as Haydyn’s guide.

I couldn’t believe it. I’d thought it would take blackmail to get L off that mountain of hers. I couldn’t wait for Haydyn to meet her. I wouldn’t push L to meet anyone else in society if she didn’t want to. I knew what their reaction to her rough speech and unladylike ways would be, and she was too good a person to be subjected to that. But, deep down, I secretly hoped that after traveling with Haydyn, L may come to like my world. Mayhap even think of making a new life in Vasterya with me and Wolfe and Haydyn.

I smiled inwardly. It was a bit of a fairy tale, I knew. But I could hope.

And if L and her family did decide to return to the Alvernian Mountains, then I’d make sure they were sent supplies every month, and perhaps have a larger home constructed for them. Wolfe had already told me to rein in my plans for the Mosses in case I overwhelmed them. But I wanted to overwhelm them. With kindness. Appreciation.

They’d saved my life.

And I’d owe L once more when she brought Haydyn home safely to me after their trip.

“When does the princezna plan to move us to Vasterya?” Wolfe asked quietly, stroking my back.

I shivered at his touch, still amazed that he had this effect on me. “As soon as the rookery is depleted. And she has architects overhauling one of the mansions in Pharya for her arrival. She’ll no doubt live in the fanciest mansion we’ve ever seen until palace construction is completed.”

“She seems strong,” Wolfe assured me, as if he heard the concern in my heart, in my words. “In control. She appears to know what she’s about.”

“She is,” I agreed. “She really wants to make a difference after everything I told her.”

Wolfe made a huffing noise. “Still annoyed she didn’t take your advice?”

I slapped at him half-heartedly. And then after a minute, I shook my head, leaning back