The Weaver's Lament by Elizabeth Haydon Page A

you don’t really mean,” she scolded playfully. Her teasing smile faded to a warmer one. “That collision also resulted in Elienne.”
    Ashe’s smile matched hers. “Indeed. Well worth the black eye.”
    â€œSo stop fretting.” She returned to the sideboard and brought the rest of the food to the table while he poured the wine.
    She touched the wicks of the candles as he pulled out her chair for her, snapping them to life, then sat as he pushed it back in and took his seat. The music grew slightly louder as they set about dining in relative silence, smiling at each other and discussing the state of the Alliance between courses.
    â€œHow was Tyrian?” Ashe asked as Rhapsody rose to bring forth the dessert.
    â€œThe realm is in splendid shape, prosperous, peaceful, anticipating a good growing season, a bountiful harvest, and fine weather for the most part. The healing centers are functioning well, and are being visited by healers from far corners of the world.” Rhapsody carefully sliced the torte and put a large piece on his plate. “Structurally, agriculturally, culturally, militarily, and spiritually, all seems right with the world there. Rial is still doing a magnificent job as viceroy, though I suspect he will want to step away and rest soon.”
    â€œAnd the meeting of Namers?”
    Rhapsody’s eyes sparkled.
    â€œThat was amazing,” she said, taking her fork to her own piece of cake. “I am so encouraged about the state of the lore, not only among Lirin Namers, but with those who preserve it in other races and cultures, too. The Repository is still ringing with some of the most glorious tales and songs; the Sea Mages were delighted with the new Maritime wing, where we did two whole days cataloguing and sharing sea chanteys. And you would have been incredibly proud of Meridion, Sam; his address and his work on the symposium were first-rate. Speaking objectively, he’s by far the most gifted Namer in the Known World.”
    â€œI am always incredibly proud of him, and of all our children, and the Grands and Greats,” Ashe said, folding his napkin and laying it beside his plate. “You and God, the One, the All, have blessed me with a family I could never have even begun to imagine, given the one I came from. I thank Him each day for giving me the sense to have listened to you about having one of our own.”
    Rhapsody laughed and rose to clear the dishes. “You had a bit of a hand in making that family what it is, too,” she said. “The best proof I can recall of the wisdom of deciding what you want the outcome of something to be, and then making it happen.”
    â€œI’ve already admitted that you are never wrong,” Ashe said, gathering the dishes she left behind. “Shall I wash or dry?”
    Rhapsody was already pumping water into the sink near the wall. “Why don’t you dry and put away tonight? I swear I am shrinking; I had trouble getting some of the serving pieces down from the top shelves this afternoon.”
    A pounding hum behind Ashe’s eyes made him stop for a moment; the dragon, which had settled into dormancy after their lovemaking and had been abashed into silence at the sight of the scratches and her blood beneath his fingernails, was beginning to rise again. “Can we set them to soak for now, Aria? We need to talk more seriously.”
    Rhapsody sighed, but did not turn to face him.
    â€œAre we going to have the anniversary discussion now, then?”
    Ashe swallowed, struggling to contain the draconic voice that was growing louder in his ears.
    â€œDo you begrudge me?”
    Rhapsody touched the cold soapy water, releasing her fire lore to raise its temperature to just short of boiling. Then she turned and gave him a reassuring smile that carried over into her tone.
    â€œNot at all. I’m grateful you are willing to limit the discussion to once a year—I know it’s