The Kindred's Curse Saga, #2
Glow of the Everflame
by Penn Cole
Contents
Chapter 34
Overview
Diem forges a blood-sister bond with Eleanor, gaining chosen family and resolve. At a House Byrnum reception, she discovers Remis secretly betrothed Lily to Roderyck and refuses. Luther defends Diem with the Sword of Corbois, confronting Remis, who reveals he spied on her failed training and taunts about Andrei’s death. Luther then assigns strict protections and prepares for the coming Challenging.
Summary
In the palace gardens, Eleanor arranges a wintry picnic to lift Diem’s spirits as Sorae flies Teller and Lily. Eleanor shares her upbringing in House Corbois and the House-first ethos, leading Diem to cut palms with her and pledge themselves as sisters, choosing family by bond rather than blood.
During a later House Reception, Diem endures flattery from House Byrnum’s twin leaders, Ryx and Ravyn. They reveal a planned wedding: Lily has been betrothed to their son, Roderyck, per an agreement with Remis. Diem refuses, asserting Lily’s right to choose, while Byrnum hints Roderyck might Challenge if spurned.
Remis insists Lily will obey the House. Diem counters his authority, and Remis lunges. Luther interposes, drawing the jeweled Sword of Corbois, declaring Diem the House’s leader. Remis balks at risking the Blessed Mother’s favor by killing two chosen and retreats from open violence.
Remis then needles them, implying he spied from the dungeons, knows of Diem’s stalled magic training, and blames Luther’s security for Andrei’s death. The taunt staggers Luther and enrages Diem, but Remis departs promising consequences.
Regaining control, Luther issues orders: Eleanor to guard Lily from Remis, Alixe to keep Teller hidden, and Taran to remain with Diem without exception. When Diem asks his plan, Luther, burdened yet resolute, vows to do whatever is necessary as the Challenging nears.
Who Appears
- DiemQueen and POV; bonds blood-sister with Eleanor, rejects Lily’s forced betrothal, confronts Remis, and coordinates protections amid failing magic.
- Luther CorboisDefends Diem with the Sword of Corbois, clashes with Remis, stung by blame over Andrei, and assigns strict protection orders.
- Remis CorboisHouse power-broker; secretly betroths Lily to Byrnum, asserts control, threatens, and hints he spied on Diem’s training and Andrei’s death.
- Eleanor CorboisComforts Diem, shares her upbringing, and seals a blood-sister pact; later tasked to keep Lily from Remis.
- Ryx and Ravyn of House ByrnumGreen-haired twin leaders; flaunt jewels, announce Roderyck’s betrothal to Lily, and imply a Challenge if it’s broken.
- Taran CorboisCousin and guard; restrains Diem during the clash and vows to protect her without leaving her side.
- AlixeAlly in Diem’s training; assigned to keep Teller hidden and safe.
- LilyDiem’s young sister; joyrides Sorae, unaware of a secret betrothal arranged by Remis.
- TellerDiem’s brother; briefly carefree with Lily, later to be kept out of sight for safety.
- SoraeGryvern; gives Teller and Lily a thrilling flight, lifting spirits.
- Garath and AemonnCorbois kin; escort House Byrnum out at Remis’s signal during the confrontation.
- RoderyckByrnum heir; not present but central as Lily’s proposed betrothed and potential Challenger.