her husband, Dimitri, had convinced her to stay at home.
Annika wasn’t the only woman who had wanted to go. After Luciana, Brigitta, and Gwennore were reunited, the three sisters had announced their intention of traveling with the naval forces. Leo and Silas had objected, of course. All three women were expecting, and it was simply too dangerous for a country to risk the lives of both its king and queen. Besides, none of the three queens were trained to fight. Nor were their Embraced powers of any use during battle.
Leo winced, recalling the hurt look on his wife’s face when he’d said that last part. But he’d been determined to keep her safe. Finally, they had reached an agreement.
The three queens would wait here at Ebton Palace, and as soon as their husbands were successful in defeating the Embraced army, Rupert would come take them to Maeve. With his wind power, the Tourinian king could deliver them in just a few hours.
The plans were ready, Leo thought. They just needed to know where the Embraced army was hiding.
Some shouts on the front lawn drew his attention, and he turned back to the window. Luciana’s father, Lucas Vintello, the Duke of Vindalyn, had arrived and was happily hugging his grandchildren, Reynfrid included. Since all the queens considered themselves sisters, Lucas had declared himself the grandfather of all their babies.
“The duke has arrived,” Leo said as he watched Dimitri, Lucas, and the children climb the stairs to the palace entrance. Down on the lawn, servants were taking the duke’s horse to the stables and his guards to the kitchen.
Last night, Luciana had sent a message to her father, urging him to come to the palace as quickly as possible. Lucas must have traveled all night to arrive before noon. As they climbed the steps, Dimitri was talking and gesturing with his hands. No doubt he was explaining what was going on.
Luciana joined Leo at the window. “Papa made it here faster than I thought.”
Leo took her hand, and she gave him a smile. He thanked the Light every day for bringing her into his life. Hell, he even thanked Luna and Lessa, the moon goddesses. And every star in the heavens. According to his wise cousin, Tedric, they were all made by what he called the Great Creator.
It was a shame, Leo thought, that he couldn’t make Tedric his chief counsel. Unfortunately, though, Tedric was a ghost, murdered over four years ago by the Chameleon. It was only because of Luciana’s Embraced gift that Leo was able to communicate with his late cousin.
“Let’s go see your father.” Leo led her into the Great Hall.
Silas, Gwen, and Brigitta followed them just as the front doors opened and the children dashed inside.
“Grandpa’s here!” They pulled the duke through the doorway.
“Your Majesty.” Lucas sketched a quick bow to Leo, then embraced his daughter. “I came as quickly as I could. Dimitri tells me you might know our enemies’ location?”
“Maeve may have found them,” Luciana said.
Leo nodded. “We’ll leave as soon as we have confirmation.”
“I want to go, too!” Eric announced, and the other children joined in.
“Right now, you’re going to the kitchens for lunch,” Luciana told them as she motioned to a servant. “Aren’t you hungry?”
Eric rubbed his tummy. “I am.”
Eviana huffed. “He’s always hungry.”
“I am, too,” Reynfrid added.
“Can you eat with us, Gwennie?” Eviana tugged at Gwennore’s skirt.
“I’ll be along in a little while.” Gwennore touched the little girl’s cheek. “Save some food for me.”
“We will!” Eviana followed the boys and the servant through the door that led to the kitchens.
Gwennore sighed. “They think we’ve come here for a fun family reunion.”
“Aye,” Luciana agreed. “But I’d rather they not hear about their fathers going to war.”
Lucas winced. “I wish I had known about this. I could have brought you several troops of soldiers from Vindalyn.”
“We have enough soldiers.” Luciana took his hand. “What we need is you.”
Her father nodded. “I’ll gladly fight. And the guards who came with me.”
“We need you here at the palace,” Leo told him. “There’s no one we trust more than you.”
“What?” Lucas gave his daughter an incredulous look. “Don’t tell me you’re going!”
“I wanted to,” Luciana grumbled.
“We all did,” Brigitta muttered.
Gwen nodded. “I still think my healing powers would come in handy.”
“I need to know that you’re safe,” Silas said quietly, reaching for Gwen’s hand.
“It’s too dangerous—” Lucas began.
“We know.” Luciana interrupted with gritted teeth. “So we’re going to stay here and worry ourselves to death.”
“We’ll be fine,” Leo