She reminded herself that once the Divine Doctor was found and the White Camellia antidote secured , their paths would diverge forever . His disposition , therefore , was no heavier than passing cloud - shadow on a hillside . Soren studied her . Unlike most noblewomen , Fiona hid her motives deep ; speak harshly , and she only smiled , as though the sting never landed . That unruffled ease piqued him . He rarely allowed women to sway his moods , yet some unbidden instinct to protect her stirred today - a feeling he knew he must guard against . After they left the mountain , she heard nothing of Soren for more than a month ; his whereabouts blurred like winter mist . To Fiona , each meeting with him felt like another day on duty . Freed from those summons , she moved through her hours with welcome lightness . As the year's end approached , she finally understood the Sixth Prince's offhand promise of " next time in the palace . " Emperor Aldric loathed an empty court and , every New Year's Eve , invited favored nobles to share the festivities . In former years , Fiona had never merited such notice , but her recent triumph before His Majesty lingered in his mind . Zephyr , it seemed , had caught the rumor early . Across two lifetimes , she had entered the Imperial Palace fewer than ten times ; her nerves prickled despite herself . The invitation was a crown of honor for the Niven family . Meryl and Zachary spared no expense , sending tailors at dawn to fashion new gowns . " The palace brims with protocol ," Meryl cautioned , adjusting a length of silk . " Every unknown face might be a prince or princess - do not so much as brush their sleeves . " Knowing most courtiers by sight , Fiona relaxed a touch , then asked Zachary , " Father , why was Lord Soren wounded at Lakebourne ? " She dared not mention Matthew outright ; her father was shrewd enough to trace the clue without hearing the name . Zachary had pieced the story together days earlier . Soren's blood - stained cloak , Xavier's mention of Lakebourne - it all pointed to the investigation surrounding Matthew . The memory still tightened his chest . He had drafted , then nearly delivered , a petition defending Saunders . Had that scroll reached the throne , the entire Niven household might now sit under suspicion . 1/3 14:47 Fri , Oct 10 Chapter 46 Courtly Invitation 57 +20 Free Coins Relief washed through him ; he feared little for himself , yet everything for the family that bore his name . " Treat this as though you know nothing - say not a word , " Zachary warned softly . Fiona dipped her head . " If you forbid it , my lips are sealed ." Fine lines traced Zachary's eyes , but time had not dulled his grace . In gifting him such a daughter , heaven had shown uncommon mercy . He let his gaze drift back to his wife . In that unguarded second , the world seemed to settle- like the final stroke of ink on a scroll - quiet , whole , and wonderfully complete . The day before she was due to enter the Imperial Palace , Fiona paid a visit to the Amber Room , the small apothecary she had quietly built for herself . For a month now , her Lustre Pills had been whispered about across Jexburgh , though the rumor had not yet breached the palace walls . She planned to carry a few boxes in with her , gifts for the consorts . As she stepped out beneath the shop's carved lintel , she saw Xavier advancing down the street , a lean shadow surrounded by uniformed guards . Two months had passed since they'd last met , and he looked noticeably thinner , hardened by whatever assignment now called him out of Jexburgh . Fiona's heart , traitorous thing , kicked against her ribs the instant she recognized him ; somewhere along the way , admiration had evolved into a quiet , blooming fondness . " Ms. Fiona , " Xavier greeted , his voice a soft brush of warmth against the winter air . The simple salutation melted her resolve . Even the sound of him speaking her name sent heat flooding into her cheeks . " Are you leaving Jexburgh again ? " she asked in a low tone , the worry clear . " I'm riding with Mr. Wagner to Junbert . The mountain bandits there have grown restless ." Mr. Xavier's command of tactics is exceptional ; of course , he seeks distinction . With neither powerful relatives nor a taste for flattery , only merit will open doors for him . " To take hold of what I desire , this is the only path , " Xavier said , meeting her eyes without wavering . But what does he desire ? " Once I rise in rank , discussing marriage will come easier . I know the Luthor family stands on 2/3 14:47 Fri , Oct 10 Chapter 46 Courtly Invitation 57 +20 Free Coins shaky ground here . The woman I cherish might dismiss me , and even if she doesn't , I refuse to let her face a single slight ." The words sent her pulse racing once more ; she still couldn't be certain whether he spoke of her , yet hope swelled despite herself . She lifted her gaze . His features were clear - cut - not dazzling , yet undeniably handsome . He reminded her of a cup of dark , fragrant coffee , the kind whose depth revealed itself only when sipped slowly . " You will surely obtain everything you seek , Mr. Xavier , " Fiona said , lowering her eyes . Xavier noted the flush climbing the tips of her ears and couldn't suppress the small smile tugging at his mouth . " I must leave now . The air bites with cold . Go back inside , Ms. Fiona , and enjoy your time at the palace the day after tomorrow . " They were ordinary words of concern , yet a subtle intimacy lurked beneath them . More than that , she detected a gentle indulgence - as though he were an elder brother humorously fussing over her . 3/3