The afternoon sun had dipped low. Casting long golden bars across the study as Coral and I huddled over the guest list, pages of names laid out like little puzzles pieces of a world I was still learning.
"There are so many," I murmured scanning the inked flourishes and gilded crests. "Do they all matter?"
"Every single one," Coral replied with a dry smile. "Whether for politics, appearance or gossip, they all serve a purpose. Though some..." She leaned in, voice dropping to a whisper. "Are more trouble than they're worth."
My eyes stopped on a familiar name.
Evelyn Harrow.
The name hit like a pebble skipping a memory–sun dappled gardens, sticky fingers from stolen fruits, the echo of laughter through apple trees. Evelyn, we'd played together as children.
I pointed at her name, "Is this Evie?"
Coral nodded.
"I remember how she was terrible at braiding hair. I remember the time she started shedding her teeth and she accidentally swallowed one of them." I said laughing.
Coral peered at the list, "She's a bad egg, that one. She's one of Cerelith's–how should I put it, decorative shadows. Lanky, dramatic, says 'darling' too much."
I raised an eyebrow, "That bad?"
Coral tilted her head, "She's not wicked, just..... persistent. Especially where your husband is concerned."
The air cooled a fraction.
"Persistent?" I echoed.
"She was obsessed with him before he went to war," coral said with a shrug. "Still is. I think. She used to write him poems and slip them through the garden gate. Cerelith found it hilarious."
Before I could respond, the door opened.
Darrell stepped inside without ceremony, a crisp ledger in hand. "There's a shipment of cocoa beans that just came in two crates instead of one. Did you place a second order?"
I glanced up from the list, "Yes. I asked the steward to double the order."
He raised a brow, not in reprimand but surprise, "May I ask why?"
"I'd like the reception to reflect both Highmere and Rosendal," I said sitting a little straighter. "In Highmere chocolate is the most served beverage during winter. It warming, comforting and cozy. Here in Rosendal, it's rare and considered refined. I thought we could bridge that since winter is here."
He stared at me a moment longer than necessary, expression unreadable but not cold.
"Noted," he said at last. Then after a pause. "It's a good idea."
I blinked, unsure if I had imagined the softness in his tone.
Coral grinned behind her teacup.
Darrell nodded towards the guest list. "How many are we inviting?"
"Too many," coral said before I could answer. "But Cici is handling it with impressive grace."
"Cici," he whispered to himself. His mouth twitched, "that's more than most manage."
Then he turned and left as silently as he came.
I looked at Coral, " was that...a compliment?"
She laughed, " From Darrell.....oh yes. Mark the day– you've just been knighted."
Coral poured herself another cup of tea, then glanced at the list again before setting it aside.
"What about flowers?" She asked. "Have you thought about what you'll use to decorate?"
"Flowers? It's winter so...."
She smiled. "There a few that bloom if you know where to look. Hellebores are hardy and elegant–white, plum and deep rose. Snowdrops are delicate but beautiful. And there's winter jasmine– bright little yellow things that look like hope."
I considered it, "I like that. Jasmine. And maybe the hellebores in soft green and plum to match the dress."
"Perfect." She said, then went quite for a moment. Her fingers toyed with the rim of her teacup. "It'll be the first time seeing some of these people again."
She didn't look at me when she said it. Her voice steady and quiet. "The last time was during my reception, my bump wasn't visible. I even had no knowledge of me being with child."
I reached across the table, placing my hand gently over hers. "You don't have to pretend with me."
Coral finally looked at me, a flicker of something soft and raw in her eyes. "I know."
I gave her hand a squeeze. "Let's make it good. And if it turns awful will find a corner and mock everyone's shoes."
That earned a laugh, full and light. "You're nervous too aren't you?"
I nodded. "I'm terrified. I'm still learning where the sugar goes in the pantry."
"Well," Coral said, straightening her spine and brushing a crumb from her dress. "We'll fake it together then."
"And look good doing it."
"Obviously," she said. "We'll have winter Jasmine in our hair, cocoa in our cups, and confidence in our bones."