Serena stared down at the letter again, as if reading it a second or third time would somehow shift the meaning. But the script remained clear and firm, penned in elegant handwriting that bore no trace of warmth.
How polite. Of course, it was exactly what Charlotte had hinted at, Riven, the Dawnbreak delegate, would be in attendance, and so would she as well as Darius. As though it were all just a pleasant social gathering.
She exhaled and ran a hand down her face, the paper curling under her fingers. It was ridiculous how her pulse danced with nerves over a mere walk and conversation. And yet, the thought of standing that close to Riven again unsettled her. He was poised, intelligent, the sort of man who watches you in silence and only says goodbye after the conversation, whose eyes missed nothing. Paired with Charlotte’s looming presence, it would be a test she hadn’t asked for.
Serena pushed away from the table and stood, stretching her back. "Pull yourself together," she murmured to no one. "It’s just a bit of talking in the sun."
She paced once across her chamber, then again, eyes flicking to the small mirror on her wall. Her reflection was calm enough, save for the worry pinched around her brow. With measured steps, she moved toward her wardrobe. Something simple, tasteful, nothing to draw attention, nothing too bright either.
She chose a long, soft blue gown cinched with a sash of ash-grey, clean lines and modest sleeves. She brushed her hair until it sat neatly over her shoulders, then clasped a silver pin at her collar. A gift from Claire, though no one here would know that. Serena leaned over on her desk and sighed, she had a long day ahead of her.
Just as she turned to reach for her boots, a knock rapped once against her door.
"Do not tell me you’re still in a gown that doesn’t sparkle," came the unmistakable voice of Charlotte.
Serena opened the door and stared. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ N0v3l.Fiɾe.net
Charlotte was, of course, dressed like some minor goddess. Her gown was the deep red of twilight, shot through with gold embroidery that shimmered in the light behind her. Her dark curls were coiled atop her head with deliberate carelessness, and her smile was lazy. Serena wondered where she had gotten that dress from, as far as she knew only Livia was capable of producing such a marvellous design.
"I hope you are ready," Charlotte said, stepping inside without invitation. "We are fashionably punctual, which is to say... fashionably."
Serena gave her a look. "And you are to accompany me?"
Charlotte twirled once. "What better way to put everyone at ease than with a bit of beauty on each arm?"
"I’m not sure if I should be flattered or insulted," Serena murmured.
"Both. Come now." Charlotte reached for her arm without waiting. "We mustn’t keep our terrifyingly handsome delegate waiting."
They walked the hallways in near silence, though Serena could feel the hum of energy radiating from Charlotte. It was like standing too close to a forge, beautiful, but liable to scorch. Her own heart pounded harder with each step.
The gardens were just as she remembered: sprawling hedges cut into formal shapes, wide paths lined with pale stones, and a gentle scent of early blossoms carried on the wind. In the centre, beside the lily pond, stood two men.
One she recognised instantly, Riven, tall and calm in his dark attire, hands clasped behind his back. The other was unfamiliar: a lanky, older man with greying hair tied at his neck, his shoulders stooped but his eyes alert and sharp. He gave the impression of a man who had seen too many winters but could still outpace you if you were not careful.
"Delegate Riven," Charlotte called brightly, her tone somehow both respectful and teasing. "We bring flowers to match your mood."
Serena resisted the urge to groan, she clicked her tongue discreetly and wore a smile across her lips. She hoped that if this woman was to infect her with anything it would be brazen confidence.
Riven turned and bowed politely. "Lady Charlotte. Lady Serena. Allow me to introduce my associate, Verec. He serves as one of Dawnbreak’s senior logistical advisors."
Verec gave a courteous nod. "A pleasure."
Serena curtsied slightly. "The pleasure is mine."
What in the world was Charlotte doing all this time for Riven to know her name? Maybe they had given Riven a notice on who was to come to the garden...it was the only guess she could come up with.
"Shall we walk?" Riven gestured down the winding path.
They began a slow circuit of the garden, the scent of rosemary and mint trailing in their wake. Charlotte immediately took to asking Verec absurd questions about soil conditions and the medicinal uses of moss, which, unfortunately he answered with surprising enthusiasm.
Riven fell into step beside Serena.
"You have kept to yourself these past couple of days as I have seen," he said, tone casual but watchful.
"I prefer the company of books," she replied smoothly. "They don’t change their tone mid-conversation."
He smiled faintly. "A wise preference. Though not always a practical one. One would fall out of touch with reality if they only stuck to books alone."
"Practicality has never been my strong suit," she said with a shrug. "Though I suppose I’m learning."
"I had wondered when we would speak again," Riven admitted. "How is your ankle you so carelessly injured"
"I have had worse happen to me before. I am quite fine, thank you."
"I am glad to hear that, I was wondering how you were fairing." He glanced sideways. "Still, I suspect you know more than you let on."
Serena lifted her chin slightly. "I am not sure what you mean by that."
"Caution is not a crime." Riven nodded. "But neither is confidence."
She did not reply to that, uncertain if it was advice or challenge.
Behind them, Charlotte’s laughter rang out as Verec offered some charmingly awkward explanation about hedge shapes and symbolism. It struck Serena just how surreal this all was, she mingling with Dawnbreak’s finest, under Ironshade skies.
But she stood tall, her steps sure. Whatever this meeting truly was, whatever machinations spun in the shadows of this garden, it would not catch her unprepared.