Tempered Hearts (Hearts of Valentia Book 1) by Starla Huchton, S. A. Huchton

Chancellor of Letters was a brilliant resource for information, but only a fool would fully trust her.
    “I imagine you’ll get your chance during your planning meetings with Duchess Tanarien,” Darius said. “Lady Arden may have some opinions on the event, though I doubt she’d go against her mother’s wishes.”
    Madame LeVallier stood and nodded. “Then I’ll see I’m well-prepared for tomorrow. If you’ll excuse me, Your Highness. Your Grace.”
    With a brief nod, she wandered out of the room, disappearing to stars knew where.
    “And, do we think it’s a good idea for the Lady Arden to spend inordinate amounts of time with the Chancellor of Letters?” he asked, still staring at the door.
    “It’s less than a month until the wedding,” Ingram said, mild amusement in his voice. “Not long enough for irreparable damage, I’m fairly sure.”
    Arden
    “My Lady?”
    The familiar voice sent Arden to her feet, dropping her book without a single care as she rushed to the bedroom door. Flinging it open, she nearly tackled the unsuspecting elf waiting on the other side.
    “Paitra!” Arden squealed, ecstatic to see her friend again.
    Her laughter was beautiful music after so much time apart. “Good to see you, too, but could we go inside? You know how your mother gets.”
    Beside herself with joy at her arrival, Arden dragged her into the room, hooking Paitra’s arm the moment she closed the door. Still standing by the window table where she’d been embroidering something, Elena shifted her weight nervously.
    “Elena, this is my dear friend Paitra Su’dein of the Moth’hari tribe. Paitra, this is Elena Di’oros, of the Ansere’th. She’s been standing in as my handmaiden and co-conspirator in your absence.”
    “ Sen d’aren, riyah . I hope she’s not caused you too much trouble.” Paitra nudged Arden with a shoulder, laughing a little.
    “ Sen d’aren, riyah .” Elena nodded, still looking unsure. “She’s been no trouble at all.”
    Paitra chuckled. “Are you feeling all right, Arden? If you’ve not been any trouble, I’d assume you’ve been ill.”
    “Very funny. I’ve been on my best behavior. Given where I am, that seemed the smartest course of action.”
    Paitra looked at Elena, playfully dubious of the claim. “You and I can discuss that after this one’s gone to bed, eh?”
    Elena cracked the smallest smile. “If you like. So, if you’ve no more need of me, my lady…” She collected her embroidery, heading for the door.
    “You’re leaving?” Arden hadn’t expected her to go immediately.
    “If you have a handmaiden already—”
    She unhooked herself from Paitra and collected her new friend, hauling her back towards them. “You can’t leave. Paitra’s only just arrived and hasn’t any idea where anything is. Besides, I’m sure as a bride-to-be I’m entitled to more than one of you, and more friends is always better, don’t you think?”
    “You wish me… to stay?”
    Paitra sighed. “You’re best off not arguing with her. I started with her when I was eight, and it was only supposed to be for a year. This is what happens when she likes you.” She laughed and winked at Elena. “We’re no longer allowed to give up. Sorry.”
    A thought occurred to Arden, and her shoulders drooped a little. “That is, unless you want to work elsewhere. I certainly won’t force you to stay if you’d rather not.”
    Elena bit her lip and looked from Paitra, to Arden, then back again. “You’re sure? I don’t want to be a bother…”
    Overjoyed that she’d get to keep them both, Arden grabbed their arms and hauled them over to sit on the bed. “We’ll have to get another chair, and maybe see about a slightly larger table, but that can wait. Elena, you must help me tell Paitra about everything that’s happened this week. Oh my goodness, where to start?”
    “ Denas al maha , has she been this way all week?” Paitra said, laughing. “How did you put up with it so