The edict for the borderlands consumed Eden’s attention all day. His advisors were in and out of his chambers. Petros kept close, a quill constantly in hand. Raegan stopped by with meals but wasn’t permitted to stay long.

Violet watched over the debates and rewrites. The musical instruments hanging from every spare space in the walls kept her fascinated. She longed to see him play each one.

The day dragged on until the sun finally dipped into night. Petros headed out to ...