Sophia's POV
I sat on the terrace steps and watched them from a distance, close enough to hear, far enough to give them room.
Richard leaned forward with his elbows on his knees, looking up at the darkening sky like the stars might arrive early if he asked nicely.
"There's one there," he said, pointing. "Not visible yet. It'll come up over that ridge in about twenty minutes. Your mother used to call it the lazy star because it was always the last one to show."
Damien followed his finger, though there was nothing there yet.
"I don't remember her," he said quietly. "Diana, from before. I only remember you and the stars."
Richard's hand dropped slowly.
"She was different then," he said. "Before everything. Before the money and the fear took over." He paused. "I think I loved her the wa
