“It’s bound to be an adventure,” Becka said, drawing another glower from Calder. She raised her glass. “To House Rowan.”
Seconded by Vott, the entirety of the head table raised their glasses to Maura. The remainder of the hall followed suit, as per custom. Becka drained her glass long before the echoing toasts reached the furthest tables. It did little for her steadily building migraine.
Maura smiled, but the cheer didn’t reach her eyes. Becka imagined losing her two eldest daughters was not made up for by having a cross-gifted son with mediocre powers.
Calder continued to stare daggers at Becka. She sipped her wine in response, which was then courteously kept refilled by the wine steward. How jealous had he been of Tesse’s status as heir? How far would Calder have been willing to go?
As the feasting wound down, the guests milled about the great hall, engaging in subdued conversation. A woman whose plain gray robes were marked with the embroidered suns of House Birch ringing the neckline approached their table, inclining her head in respect to Maura and Vott with the slightest hint of a bow.
“Duchess Maura and Duke Vott, I extend the sympathies of House Birch.”
“Elder Berkeley,” Maura replied, “We thank you for your compassion.”
“It is the least House Birch can offer, and we would like to do more.”
Maura arched a brow and took a sip from her wine glass. Curiosity softened her maudlin expression. “We welcome further partnership with the House of Healing. Please, explain your proposal.”
“House Birch has long considered it their purview to reach beyond mere feminine health and healing. Since the Great War, our numbers have suffered and fertility rates continue to dwindle. If we are ever to rise again to our former glory and beyond, exceptional measures must be taken.”
Did Becka imagine how Maura’s gaze flickered to Quinn and back, as if to check if he was paying attention? He wasn’t looking this way at the moment. Perhaps speaking such a statement aloud, when an Enforcer was present, walked a thin line of sedition?
“House Rowan fully supports House Birch’s efforts to maintain our population.”
The two ladies shared a look of understanding and purpose.
“Are you aware we have been working on enhanced fertility treatments?”
“I had heard, yes.” The slightest of frowns creased Maura’s lips. “Rumor has it you are repurposing some human pharmaceutical?”
“That is correct. It took some alterations to account for our distinct physiology, but at long last we are seeing positive results.”
Maura leaned forward in her seat and set her glass down on the table. “That is encouraging news.”
“House Birch, knowing the losses your house has suffered, would like to invite two from your house for treatment, free of trade.”
Maura gave a slight shake to her head. “Free from reciprocity? That is quite a boon.”
Berkeley smiled. “That is our intent. This gift, passed freely, to bolster the future of your house while the present feels dimmer in this moment.”
Sadness played over Maura’s features. “Thank you, Elder Berkeley, House Rowan gratefully accepts your offer and delights in the deepening of the bond between our houses. May we be allies forevermore.”
Becka wondered who Maura might send to the House of Healing for fertility treatment? None of her children were partnered yet. Or perhaps she’d send an older niece or nephew? Becka sighed. She’d never know the end of that story.
Elder Berkeley gave a bow and then wandered off, only to be replaced by another fae.
It was then she noticed the informal line of fae queued up. Becka was glad of the glass of claret in her hand, it was going to be a long evening. She would have excused herself, but considering her and Quinn’s goal of finding clues as to her sister’s murderer, Becka felt obliged to stay, watch, and listen.
“Duchess Maura and Duke Vott, I extend the sympathies of House Holly.”
“Thank you for your compassion, Lagan. It has been some time since you or any other from the House of Renewal has visited our halls.”
“I spend a great deal of time traveling, and have been far afield these past few years. As is the way of our house.”
“So we have heard. I must admit being fondly surprised to hear you had arrived in time for the nuptial festivities.”
“Although it is true we Holly revere births and deaths, weddings are yet another form of rebirth, are they not?”
“We are familiar,” Vott replied. “I heard you were recently at House Alder?”
“That is quite true, and I saw your sister, Elder Alaetha. She gave me this letter for you. By her words: all present when this is opened will receive a touch of wisdom from the House of Whispers.”
Lagan withdrew a scroll from his vest and handed it to Vott.
Becka didn’t know what had happened to Vott’s sister, but the sadness in his expression spoke volumes. She remembered Alaetha as a kind, warm woman who’d sneaked her candies during long night vigils. What information would Alaetha have entrusted to Lagan, instead of using a standard courier?
“As I am sure you are wondering, she looks well, considering,” Lagan said. “Alaetha did not request it, but I am sure she would welcome a visit from her brother.”
“Thank you, Lagan,” Vott replied. “We appreciate your token of kindness.”
“I am pleased to be of service.” He bowed. “Duchess, Duke, good evening.” Then Lagan sauntered away, his broad, relaxed smile taking in the hall around him.
Vott stood and raised a glass, tapping it with a ring upon his hand, causing the vessel to ring. The sound carried through the Great Hall, and all heads turned his way. He set down the glass and took the scroll in both hands, cracking the seal.
A gentle breeze blew through the hall. Looks of happiness, contentment, and joy moved like a wave through the crowd. When the wave hit the Duchess’s table, Becka watched those around her nod and smile. Whatever sensation everyone else enjoyed, Becka was distracted by the sudden worsening of her headache. Everyone else seemed to be
