Onyx finally managed to appease his father and turned his full attention to coaxing his wife. After much pleading and explaining, she finally let go of his ear.

Elowen sat down nearby and asked skeptically, “You really didn’t go to Riverburg?”

“I couldn’t make it there, but I did close a business deal with Ivy’s company in Pinehill.”

“Honey, didn’t I already tell you? She’ll be back in Pinehill on the second day of the New Year. ...