The Kindred's Curse Saga, #2
Glow of the Everflame
by Penn Cole
Contents
Chapter 14
Overview
Diem studies court politics, confronts Luther for withholding plans, and unexpectedly warms to him amid charged attraction. She confirms Eleanor as advisor and learns House Receptions will be overseen by Ulther’s Council. A tense encounter with Luther’s ex, Iléana, stirs Diem’s jealousy. Luther challenges Diem’s faith in Henri before Remis pointedly dismisses him to meet Diem alone, asserting regency power.
Summary
With the funeral approaching, Diem hides in the Crown’s reading room to study Descended culture and gather herself. Luther arrives with reports, and Diem confronts him for not informing her about the upcoming House Receptions and the Ascension Ball. Their argument exposes mutual attraction; Diem demands transparency, and Luther apologizes, agreeing it will not happen again.
Discussing the House Receptions, Luther explains that Ulther’s Council will attend to project continuity. Diem asserts new terms, insisting Eleanor be present as her first advisor. Luther suggests adding Alixe for military counsel, but Diem bristles, citing her father as her military advisor and warning Luther not to disparage him. They trade barbed jokes that thaw into warmth, though tension resurfaces over family loyalties.
On the way to meet Remis, they are intercepted by Alixe and Iléana of House Hanoverre, a Royal Guard commander and Luther’s recent on-and-off lover. Iléana pointedly flirts with Luther and slightingly addresses Diem, exposing Diem’s insecurity about her knowledge and stirring jealousy. Alixe apologizes and notes palace guard posts are all Corbois. Seeing Iléana’s intimacy with Luther unsettles Diem, and she withdraws.
Luther follows, insisting Iléana is not his lover and dismissing her doubts about Diem’s reign as foolish. The conversation turns to Henri; Luther warns that Descended mates are forever and urges Diem not to accept a love that invites doubt. Diem weighs his counsel and asks about Eleanor’s trustworthiness; Luther affirms Eleanor’s loyalty but grumbles that Diem has turned his family against him.
They arrive to meet Remis. When Luther tries to remain, Remis wields regency authority to dismiss him, framing it as confidence in Diem’s capability. Luther leaves with a warning look, and Diem is left alone with Remis, the power dynamic between Regent and uncoronated Queen sharply drawn.
Who Appears
- Diem CorboisNewly manifested Queen; studies court, demands transparency, names Eleanor to attend Receptions, feels jealousy over Iléana, questions Henri after Luther’s counsel, meets Remis alone.
- Luther CorboisPrince and High General; withholds then yields information, flirts and clashes with Diem, suggests Alixe as advisor, rebuffs ex Iléana, challenges Diem’s faith in Henri, dismissed by Remis.
- Remis CorboisRegent; enforces authority over House Receptions, pointedly excludes Luther from the meeting, positioning himself as decisive and politically deft.
- Iléana of House HanoverreRoyal Guard commander; Luther’s recent on-and-off lover, openly flirts and belittles Diem, triggering jealousy and insecurity.
- AlixeRespected commander; proposed by Luther as military advisor, mediates during Iléana’s rudeness, shares insight on the Royal Guard and Diem’s father.
- Eleanor CorboisDiem’s chosen advisor; supports Diem’s image and counsel, to be included at House Receptions despite lacking formal title.
- SoraeDiem’s bonded gryvern; a watchful presence, now wary of Luther, symbolizing Diem’s growing authority.