Page 149 of Elysian

“Congratulations,” Miriam clasped my hands. I almost swallowed my tongue. She smiled at my obvious shock and rested her hand on the top of her belly. “Thank you for allowing me to come.” I nodded, even if I did not have a say in it, but I could assume who did. I tightened my grip on Cassiel’s hand. “Lord Cedric left me a gift.” Her mouth twisted. “The only one I will ever want.” She caressed her stomach. It had been many moon rotations since I’d seen her. She seemed ready to give birth.

“You should not have traveled so close,” I croaked, motioning to her belly.

“I could not miss your wedding. I promised myself that I would not fail you in this.” Her throat bobbed.

“How is your home without your father?” I managed to ask.

“Not the same. Mother took her life.” I did not know how to respond. All the Bjorns had hurt me, and I could not muster sympathy. Her lips trembled. “But I am glad they will not be present for baby Amara’s birth.”

Her words silenced me. Everything weighed heavily between us, rendering me mute.

Her eyes widened. “If it is okay with you.”

“I—of course,” I managed. “What if it is a boy?”

“The healer stationed nearby is quite sure she’s a girl.”

“Congratulations,” Cassiel offered from my side.

“Your Highness.” She curtsied to Cassiel. “Please come visit us.” Her smile turned wry. “If you have the time for it.”

“Of course.”

She hesitated, conflict clear on her features. I moved forward and gathered her to me with my one free arm. She softened against me with a sob.

“I am so terribly sorry for what I have done to you.”

“Shh, do not stress the child.” She sniffled with a laugh and backed up, moving to let us pass. Cassiel pulled me to his side and inclined his head while she clumsily curtsied. “We will speak more,” I promised as I was pulled away. Cassiel led me out of the Grand Hall and down the steps.

“Why did you not say?”

“Hm, I was not sure what your reply would be, but.” He peered at me with the corner of his mouth lifted. “I saw how you cared for the girl.”

I could not speak, and if I did, I would be sure to burst into tears. I looked over my shoulder to where Miriam was disappearing into the crowd, one hand on her belly.

Miriam had betrayed me and lived. Lucinda had fought for me and died. There was no lesson in this, no justice. Only what remained. I would carry both the forgiveness and the debt, and I would carry them both for the rest of my life.

An iron-cast carriage sat before us. The style was open as if for strolling through parks on a bright day. Strapped at the front was Abrax. His hair had been plaited, and small bows placed within his mane.

I pursed my lips, but I could not stop the laugh as I climbed up and sat beside Cassiel.

“Enjoy it. Abrax is above this . . . frill.” Abrax neighed, clopping down the path with exaggeration. It was clear he was not favoring hauling us. Cassiel’s hand covered my hip, a deep furrow between his brows. “Is anything ailing you?”

I bit back my smile. He was always so attentive, especially over the injury he had given me. I shook my head, but he continued rubbing his palm over the satin fabric of my gown.

We settled into companionable silence.

“I know you wish Piper was here,” he murmured, squeezing my waist.

“I worry about her survival,” I admitted, choking up. Piper was long gone, living life as an animal.

My lip trembled. Cassiel caught my hands, turning me toward him.

“I did not mean to upset you,” he murmured, concerned.

I shook my head, sending tendrils hanging at my temples fluttering against my cheeks. “I am not upset.”

He raised an eyebrow.