Broken Veil (Harbinger #5)(18)

Kasdan smirked. “I think he is betting that you won’t allow that to happen.”

Sera rubbed her hand along the Leering’s surface. “I’ll talk to Lord Halifax and see how many supply contracts we have with businesses supporting Occitania. It might be time to shift some of those elsewhere.”

Kasdan and Marie Elysabeth exchanged a smile.

“I think that might do some good,” Marie Elysabeth said, her eyes twinkling.

“What is the state of the widows and orphans?” Sera asked next. She always wanted to know how the war was affecting those most impacted by the devastation.

“Sufficiently grim, Sera,” Kasdan said. “I imagine it is a mounting concern in your world as well.”

“There are so many to look after,” Sera agreed. “If there is anything we can do to help, do let me know.”

“There is one thing. Find a cure for the cholera morbus,” said Kasdan. “It is devastating our cities. People are afraid to even touch the corpses for fear of the contagion.”

“Touching a corpse won’t cause someone to contract it,” Sera said, shaking her head. “I have it on the authority of Doctor Creigh that it is not transmitted that way.”

Marie Elysabeth nodded. “And no one else would know better. But people are superstitious. Because the victims’ deaths are so horrific, they feel it is a curse from the Fountain. Some think we’ve been cursed for our alliance with you. No amount of reasoning will work. If a cure can be found . . . it would be advantageous to all of us.”

“I will ask Adam for an update on the situation. He’s studying the disease at Killingworth Hospital right now, in the part of the empire most affected by it. He does so at great personal risk.”

“We will fight on, Sera,” Marie Elysabeth said. “General Montpensier’s crimes are inexcusable. He will be brought to justice.” Kasdan pulled up her hand and kissed her knuckles. She gave him a fond smile.

“I just wish so many innocents did not have to suffer for one man’s ambition,” Sera said, nodding in agreement. It was time to let them get some sleep. “I bid you both good night. And thank you for sharing your good news. I’m so happy for you both.”

She meant it, and yet her earnest well wishes were somewhat tainted by her own unhappiness. She’d never taken off her wedding ring, nor did she wish to, yet she could not ignore the fact that Trevon’s current imprisonment was not the only obstacle between them. What would happen if they did rescue Trevon? He was the heir of Kingfountain, the rightful ruler of his empire, just as Sera was the rightful ruler of her empire. She could not imagine abandoning her people to serve Trevon’s, much as she could not imagine him doing the same. Leading up to their marriage, they had spent three months at a time in each of the realms. Could two vastly different and competing worlds be ruled in such a way? She’d asked herself that question over and over again since the day she was made empress, and her heart still told her no.

Should she manage to free Trevon from his imprisonment, it might mean an annulment of their marriage. The thought gave her a bitter taste, but it didn’t mean she’d stop trying to save him. She’d never stop. Even if they wouldn’t be together.

“We’re sorry it had to be tainted with such ill news,” Marie Elysabeth said, interrupting her thoughts and giving her a knowing look. “Let us hope our next visit brings better tidings.”

“I hope so as well. Good night.”

“Good night, Sera,” Kasdan said.

Pulling away from the Leering, she squeezed her hands into fists, determined not to lose hope. She trusted the Mysteries. She’d been guided by them during her time as empress.

Trust. Believe.

She knew she couldn’t see the future. She couldn’t see past the next few hours of meetings and interruptions. And then there was dinner with her mother to consider. Sera sighed. One thing at a time.



The rest of the day fled past, giving Sera little time to nurse her grief and sadness. Not that she wanted to anyway. Before she knew it, she realized she was half an hour late to dinner. She walked down the corridor with Durrant, who stopped at the door of her room with her.

“I’ve a meeting with Lord Halifax, which I’m late to,” he said. “Good luck.” He gave her a knowing wink.

“Are you sure you don’t want to switch with me?” she asked.

“No, not particularly. Your mother is a sweet soul, bless her heart. She’ll likely plead again to be on the privy council. I can’t tell you how many times Lady Florence has importuned me on her behalf. I still am of the opinion that one should be on the council for a reason, for a purpose or advantage one brings to the council as a whole. I’m afraid I just don’t see one in this case. But do let me know if I’m wrong!” He chuckled to himself.

“I’ll meet you after dinner, then, and we can commiserate.” Durrant turned to leave, but Sera caught his sleeve. “One thing. Remember to ask Lord Halifax about our trade agreements with Occitania.”

“I haven’t forgotten our conversation,” he said, nodding. She’d told him of her decision after her conversation with Kasdan. She’d suspected he wouldn’t need reminding. He remembered everything. Her guards opened the door for her, and Sera entered to find her mother sitting primly at the small table. There was a young maid with her, who quickly rose and curtsied. Sera had never seen the girl before. Her own maid, Becka, was also present, and looked hugely relieved to see her. It wouldn’t have surprised Sera in the least to learn her mother had arrived hours in advance of the dinner and forced poor Becka to entertain her.