"Cassian," Hermi said, poking him sharply in the thigh with her index finger. "You did not say a single word about us staying here until spring."
They sat together on a velvet couch in the quiet of the study on the first floor. Within a few minutes, Master Marubio was expected to arrive, bringing with him the man known as Factor Vane.
Cassian turned to her, his gaze heavy-lidded and calm. "My dear, please don't tell me you fancy the idea of returning to the Black Fortress before you have fully healed, only to turn around and leave again so soon."
Hermi cast him a sidelong glance, her brow furrowed. She had heard that winter in Ferramonte was a cruel season, the harshest in the continent.
How were their people supposed to manage the long months while their King and Queen remained in the warmth of the South, all for the sake of her recovery?
"I have a feeling your Archivist friend would not enjoy the idea of ruling in your stead for so long," she said.
