Chapter 22

Walking back from dinner, Diem and Eleanor debrief the night’s success. Eleanor corrects Diem’s language slip toward forbidden mortal religion and warns it could invite a Challenge at the Ball. They assess Aemonn’s visible support and marriage intent; Eleanor notes his patience about Diem’s mortal betrothal, which Diem confirms he already knows.

Outside Diem’s chambers, Luther waits, seething. A palace guard challenges his disrespect, and Diem recognizes the guard as Perthe, whom she once saved in the burning armory. Now healed, Perthe requests to serve in her personal sentry; Diem gratefully accepts. Luther brusquely clears the room to speak privately.

Inside, Diem trips and Luther catches her, escalating into a tense, intoxicating exchange. He removes her shoes and eases her pain, their power dynamic tilting between challenge and consent, as jealousy over Iléana and Henri simmers. When Luther frames their intimacy against their respective lovers, Diem retreats, dressing down the moment.

Luther insists on magic training the next day before the Ball. He softens briefly, tending to her hair, but the conversation turns accusatory: Diem blames him for abandoning her at dinner, and he warns that Aemonn is using her. Their argument crescendos over secrecy—Diem demands truth, Luther refuses, claiming silence protects her—until she lashes out, calling herself nothing to him, which wounds him.

Regaining his icy composure, Luther warns that mortals can exploit her too and attacks Henri’s motives, revealing he overheard that Henri accepted marriage only when offered a throne. He vows absolute service regardless—against his House, in exile, even protecting Henri—yet will not lie in private. Their powers flare in a charged near-surrender; Diem leans in, but Luther withdraws and leaves, setting training for tomorrow as the Ball looms.