Caren adjusted the straps of her sword as she climbed into the carriage behind Victoria, who was still mumbling curses about snow under her breath.
Ngozi followed next, stretching her arms lazily. "Well, if there's fighting, I'm ready. If there's snow… I'm less ready. But I'll endure." She winked at Eros. "For my husband."
Eros chuckled.
But Amanda stood outside the carriage, hands folded respectfully, her serpent eyes soft.
"I won't be joining this time," she said.
Eros raised a brow. "Oh? Why?"
Amanda exhaled. "I've been away from the clan for too long, my king. Queen Eli has been wonderful to them, but… there are matters only I can handle. Internal matters. The kind that require my presence—not just my strength."
Eros nodded gently. "Then stay. I'll trust your judgment on this."
Before Amanda could bow in gratitude, Queen Eli appeared with a very… suspicious smile.
"Perfect," Eli purred. "In that case—Shade."
Shade startled. "Mother?"
"You will go with them."
