The chilly air stung Jasmine’s skin as she stepped onto the balcony, barefoot, wearing only the delicate silk robe that the maid had given her earlier. The palace was still at this time, as if the very stones were pausing in anticipation.

In the royal chamber, Xavier's absence resonated behind her. He had departed once more—called to a gathering with his council—without saying anything. By now, she ought to have grown accustomed to it. The quiet. The gap. The pain in her heart that ...