TWENTY-EIGHT
FAUSTIA
Violet and Garret stood side-by-side on a balcony carved into the battlement overlooking the main entrance to the palace. Masses gathered beyond the walls, cheering for the happy couple and their joyous announcement—a royal baby was on the way.
Semona, Garret's mother, arranged this display of happy matrimony and overjoyed parents. She had proclamations distributed to the common folk of the city, inviting them to the palace to offer their well wishes with the promise of free bread. For the noble houses, an extravagant feast and a ball were their reward for playing enthusiastic courtiers.
Afterward, Garret lingered at her side, doing his part to play the doting husband—hand at the small of her back, soft kisses to her temple—effusively praising her fertility. In no
