Gathering Darkness (Falling Kingdoms 3)

Everywhere else it was midsummer, but in Limeros, winter seemed to stretch out eternally. While at a glance it was beautiful, so pristine and white, it would be horrible to have to live in a place that stayed so cold all of the time.

It had just started to snow and the ground was slippery beneath the smooth soles of Cleo’s shoes, which were meant for walking in much warmer places.

“Let’s go,” Magnus said. He, too, had his hood up over most of his face. While they did have legitimate cause for being in Limeros, it would be best to avoid recognition as much as possible.

Just as they were about to get on their way, a voice called out, stopping them. “Prince Magnus? Oh my! Could it really be you? Here? How wonderful to see you and your lovely wife again!”

So much for staying incognito.

Magnus groaned, his steps slowing as an older woman covered head to toe in furs approached them. Cleo recognized her from the wedding tour. They’d met briefly at the Limerian palace before Magnus’s speech, but she couldn’t recall the woman’s name. Remembering the names of nobles had always been her older sister’s forte, not hers.

“Lady Sophia,” Magnus said, baring his teeth in a reasonable facsimile of a smile. “A pleasure, as always.”

Lady Sophia’s cheeks were bright from the cold and her smile was stretched, coaxing wrinkles to the corners of her eyes. “I had no idea you were in town.”

“We just arrived.”

“To stay, I hope? Or have you become so used to Auranos’s warmer climes that you’ve abandoned your true home?” she said with levity, without even an edge of accusation.

“I could never abandon Limeros forever.”

He sounded so composed, but he couldn’t be. They’d been recognized, which Cleo knew was the last thing he’d wanted.

“Where are you staying tonight? Nightfall is upon us and the snow is thickening. Many believe it will be a very bad storm, I’m afraid.”

The darkening skies above looked very grim indeed. If a storm gathered, it would make traveling on foot next to impossible.

Cleo started as Lady Sophia grasped and squeezed her hands in greeting.

“Princess!” she gasped before Cleo could respond. “Your hands are so cold! Your highness, your beautiful wife is freezing to death out here! We must get her somewhere warmer immediately. I’m staying at my city villa tonight after a day of visiting with my sisters. Please, allow me to offer you the hospitality of my home for the night. Unless you have somewhere else in mind?”

Cleo couldn’t help but be charmed by Lady Sophia’s exuberant and generous offer. And with the oncoming storm, where did Magnus propose they sleep? Outside, where they’d turn into blocks of ice?

“That’s very generous of you,” Cleo said when Magnus stayed silent. This decision would be hers to make. “Yes, of course, we accept your kind offer. Much gratitude to you. However, we’ll need to be on our way at first light.”

“Certainly.” Lady Sophia beamed, then gestured for her servants to draw her carriage up. “Where are your trunks?”

“They’ll stay on the ship for now,” Magnus said. What little they’d managed to gather before leaving didn’t take up much room at all. “I brought my wife here to see the local shops, and to show her that Auranian dressmakers aren’t the only ones capable of creating magnificent gowns.”

His wife. That word, from his lips, always sent a shiver down her spine.

And she had to admit, he was very a good liar—nearly as good as she was.

“Very true.” Lady Sophia nodded enthusiastically. “Oh, what fun! I adore having honored guests at my villa!”

Oh, yes. What fun indeed.

• • •

Lady Sophia’s villa was much grander than Cleo had expected. It was every bit as large as most of the villas in the City of Gold, only the decor was much less elaborate. Whitewashed walls, sparse artwork, smooth unadorned floors. But quite comfortable.

And cozy. She’d forgotten how the cold outside could help one appreciate the warmth inside. It was a thought that never occurred to her in Auranos, where fireplaces were used only for decoration.

Soon they were ushered by servants into the dining room and seated at a long table.

“Hmm. I have missed the taste of kaana these last months,” Magnus said over dinner, his expression a bit stiff.

“My cook does wonders with it,” Lady Sophia said from the other end of the long table. “I’m sure your father would be pleased to know that we continue to include this official Limerian delicacy with most meals. What do you think of it, princess?”