The Twins had granted Sapphire’s greatest wish.
Sir Matthias loved her.
A stupid grin lit Sapphire’s face as she snuggled back into the bed and held the pillow close.
There would be no divorce.
This was the beginning of a new phase of her life. The Northlands were her family, and she looked forward to Lilly and the others coming to stay with them. Looked forward to going back out to his family’s farm and being surrounded by all of his nieces and nephews.
Maybe the gods would bless her and Sir Matthias with a child of their own.
Sapphire’s smile widened.
So much to think about, so much to plan, but first she needed help Lady Brelynn oversee the clean-up from the ball. The more the duchess could rest, the better.
Ringing for hot water, Sapphire selected a simple day dress with deep blue ribbons. She fingered the soft fabric as she thought again of everything she’d shared with Matthias and how much more she wanted, needed, from him.
His patience, his compassion, his tenderness. He’d given her the chance to explore, to learn desire. He never rushed her and always made sure her needs were met.
Sapphire hugged the dress to herself.
He was the first man she’d felt safe with since her father’s death.
The first man she’d trusted.
By the gods, the Twin’s blessings was even more intense than their curse.
Mary arrived with fresh water and clucked her tongue. “What have you been about?”
“Nothing too unusual.” Sapphire hid her blush as she washed up in the warm, scented water. “I am married now.”
Mary chuckled. “Good for you, miss. I was losing hope you’d ever find that bit of magic between two people.”
Sapphire took her seat at the vanity while Mary fussed with her hair. “My mother always warned me how awful what you had to endure once you were married was. I’m glad she was wrong. But maybe that’s just the way it is for high-born ladies. I’m not high born.”
“And better for it, if you ask me. Still, don’t think being high born makes a difference. Plenty of them getting into trouble.”
Sapphire smiled as she remembered all the quick marriages over the years, then sobered. “Perhaps something happened to Momma.”
Mary shook her head. “Your pa would never hurt a woman, and certainly not your mother. Loved her, he did.”
“But he never seemed like a lovesick man. Now that I know what it means for the Twins to bless someone …” Sapphire paused. “Why did Papa marry her?”
Mary frowned, then lifted her shoulders. “With all you’ve been through, and both of them already having walked with Mor, I suppose there’s no harm in you knowing.”
Sapphire turned to Mary and took both of her maid’s hands in her own as she waited.
“Your pa wanted a family more than anything in the world, but he never thought he could have kids. Some injury from when he was a boy. He was a good man and a pious one. After lots of prayers, he believed the gods had shown him the one woman that could give him a child.”
“My mother.”
Mary nodded. “I thought it was a bunch of bullocks, but he believed it, and I didn’t think marrying the chit would hurt him none. Still, not more than a year after they were married, they had you.”
“And he was certain…”
“You look just like him. Always did. And you know your mother and how she felt about men.”
“Do you think the gods blessed them? Or did my grandfather-”
“No point poking around in old dirt,” Mary said as she slid a diamond barrette into Sapphire’s hair. “Your pa was never happier than when he was with you. You were the light in his life. Keep those memories and forget the rest.”
Sapphire stood and kissed Mary’s weathered cheek. “Thank you, Mary. For everything.”
“Off with you,” Mary said, her voice gruff. “There’s some fancy lady waiting for you.”
Sapphire squeezed Mary’s hand, then hurried downstairs. An army of servants was working to restore the mansion to its pre-ball state, and an immaculately dressed woman with steel-grey hair was overseeing them.
Sapphire curtsied. “Lady Brighton.”
“You’re up earlier than I expected.”
“I thought Lady Brelynn could use the help.”
“Lady Brelynn is still asleep.”
“For the best. Is there anything I can do to assist you?”
Lady Brighton studied her, then gave Sapphire a sizable list.
Sapphire set about her tasks, determined to make things as easy as possible for the duchess when she awoke. It felt good to be useful, and there was a certain joy in slipping back into a comfortable and familiar role. It also kept Sapphire too busy to miss Sir Matthias or to think about what Mary had told her.
By luncheon, the manor looked like it’s staid and respectable self.
Sapphire was overseeing small repairs to several cushions when Lady Brelynn found her. “Lady Matilda wants us to join her for lunch.”
Leaving the rest to the staff, Sapphire hurried over to the duchess. Lady Brelynn still looked pale, and there was a tightness around the corners of her mouth as if she were holding back an angry river. “How are you feeling?”
“Relieved this is over. Hoping Marcus’s aunt won’t put me through it again when the baby’s born.”
“Tell her.”
“Tell her what? That I’m exhausted like every other pregnant woman ever?”
“Or that you’re exhausted from keeping your magic under control. That if she keeps pushing you, you might burn down half of Aerius.”
Lady Brelynn grimaced.
“She wants Sir Marcus and you to have your rightful place in Tamarian society, but none of it matters if you’re not happy. And if something happens to you…” Sapphire squared her shoulders. “I’ll talk to Lady Brighton.”
Lady Brelynn grinned. “I doubt it’ll do any good, but let’s try.”
Lady Matilda Brighton was waiting for them at the dining room table, and a rich soup was served as soon as Sapphire and Lady Brelynn were seated.
Once the servants had exited the room, Sapphire waited for Lady Matilda to take a bite of her soup. “Where can we go that Lady Brelynn can use up excess magic safely?”
Lady Matilda frowned. “Is that becoming an issue?”
“Yes. No. I don’t know.” Lady Brelynn stared into her bowl.
“But the magic is making her uncomfortable. Perhaps emptying some of it will make her feel better.”
“Or worse.” Lady Matilda pressed her lips into a thin line.
Sapphire sucked in a breath as she met the gaze of one of the most powerful women in Tamryn. “Best thing would be for her to relax while Sir Marcus dotes on her. Give her time and space to figure out what she needs.”
Lady Matilda’s eyes narrowed. “Lady Brelynn put you up to this, didn’t she?”
“No, she didn’t.” Sapphire pushed her soup away. “I understand you want society to respect them as the duke and duchess they are and for Sir Marcus to receive accolades for being the Hero of Tamryn. You couldn’t live with my mother as long as I did and not understand it.”
Lady Matilda fixed her icy stare on Sapphire. “Then you understand the importance of them meeting their social obligations.”