The Way Back (Champions of the Crystal Book 4)

Chapter 15.1

Sabrina barely had time to change clothes after Rassir left; she was a few minutes late getting to Justek's apartments, which were considerably closer to the Royal Residence than hers. He greeted her at the door, but his wife was right behind him, beaming. "Lady Sabrina!" she said. "Thank you so much for coming. I've so much wanted to see you again. I don't think I ever told you how much your kindness meant to me when I was hurt on that terrible night. I don't know if you remember...?"

"Of course I remember you," Sabrina replied warmly. "The brave little girl whose first ball was ruined. I hope the next one was far more enjoyable!"

"It was," Aléai assured her. "Please come in and sit down. Lunch is nearly ready." She led the way, moving gracefully despite her pregnancy, which added considerably to her girth.

"Is there anything you need?" Justek asked her as they walked. "Have you had any difficulties at all with obtaining funds? You must be sure to let me know if there's the slightest problem."

"No problems at all. I paid off some of the clothiers already, the most appalling sums," Sabrina assured him cheerfully. "And I do appreciate your bothering with my affairs. I know Mara must keep you plenty busy on her own!"

"Oh, I handle business for several of the royal family," Justek said. "For all the underage children, and then for some of the others. The Heir, for instance. Though most of the adults, like Prince Niavar, need someone full-time to manage their assets. If you'd prefer to have a business manager you don't have to share, please tell me, and I'll recommend someone."

"No, I'd like you to keep doing it, unless it's too much of a burden."

"Not at all."

The door chime sounded, and Aléai excused herself. Sabrina heard an enthusiastic welcome from the vestibule, and a moment later her hostess returned, saying, "Lady Sabrina, I hope you won't mind some company for lunch? You remember my sister Aliza?"

"Aliza!" Sabrina cried, getting to her feet and crossing the room. Her former lady-in-waiting had not so much aged as matured, and the sparkling smile she wore was that of the young woman Sabrina remembered from the first days of the Regency, before her marriage and widowhood.

"Lady Sabrina," Aliza greeted her. They hesitated a moment, each wondering whether to extend their hands formally or to embrace; then Sabrina took the initiative and hugged her friend. Aliza returned the embrace warmly, and after a moment murmured, "I wept for you yesterday. I am so sorry."

Sabrina felt hot tears surge behind her tightly closed eyes. She tightened her embrace a little in response, but couldn't speak. Aliza whispered, "It gets easier. I promise you."

They stepped back from each other, and Sabrina said, "Thank you." She cleared her throat. "I don't think I've seen you since you came to tell me you were pregnant."

"And you sent me home because of the Reissian assassins," Aliza recalled.

"I was so sorry to miss the birth of your daughter."

Aliza smiled. "I know you would have been there if you could. I would like to introduce her to you someday, if I may."

"I insist on it," Sabrina replied.

"Lunch is served!" Aléai announced.

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Sabrina spent the rest of the afternoon with Aliza and Aléai; Justek excused himself after lunch to get back to his work. Aliza had taken the day off from her job as Chief Administrator of her province to come visit with Sabrina, and the two friends spent the time catching each other up on their lives.