Page 200 of Harbinger

“Who …” She trails away with a blink. Instantly, her face rearranges into a smile sweet enough to choke on. “You must be Arden. Broderic told me you might be coming for the equinox.”

My mouth is open to correct her when Broderic strides into the room, eyes on the shiny new astrolabe he’s carrying. “I suspect that your uncle—”

“We have company,” Laurel cuts him off, hooking an arm possessively through his. “Your sister is here. Isn’t it wonderful?”

Considering the way she’s digging her fingernails into Broderic’s arm, I don’t think she means it.

My brother doesn’t smile when he looks up. “You came.”

“I sent word.” Not that he responded.

“I suppose …” But he doesn’t finish the thought.

Laurel’s smile is beginning to crack, but she turns the flattery back on me. “You must come to dinner this evening. We’ll have a little party.”

I shoot a confused look at Broderic. “Tonight is the equinox,” I remind him.

“I know that.” His tone is clipped.

The words slide through me, hollowing a space in my chest.

“It’s Kieren’s Evensong,” I add. He can’t have forgotten, which means …

“The guard who died?” Laurel asks, smiling like I’ve made a joke. “You came for that?”

I bristle, heat climbing up my throat.

Broderic has the grace to wince. He withdraws his arm, patting her hand. “Can you give me a moment with my sister?”

“Of course.” She plants a kiss on his cheek, eyeing me over his shoulder as she leaves the room like I can’t be trusted. She doesn’t close the door behind her.

“Did you receive my message?” I ask. Bishop told me he sent it, and it’s not as though Broderic is surprised to see me.

No, it’s more like he was hoping I would change my mind. He shifts on his feet, pocketing the new astrolabe, and I realize that everything he’s wearing is new and much too fine for a farmer.

“You are welcome to perform an Evensong.” He finally meets my eyes. “But we won’t be attending.”

I feel like I’m falling into that pit he’s opened in my chest. He can’t do this. Not to Kieren. “Seven hells, you’re not,” I snap. “You have to be there. We were his family.”

“No, we were not.” Broderic folds his arms over his expensive new vest. “Kieren left this house without word after he stole from me. That is not how family behaves.”

I shake my head, feeling a little dizzy. “He wouldn’t do that.”

“He took the astrolabe. Not that he responded to any of our messages.” Broderic’s eyes flick away, disgust twisting his mouth.

The astrolabe. Kieren told me he sold it to pay for our passage. Now, the funds are in a tin in the kitchen at Miradores. “He needed money. He wanted—”

“I’m not interested in whatever excuse he gave you. I asked him to return, and he ignored my messages.”

The accusation destroys the last of my control. “He was dead! He died in the dirt.” My voice breaks as I say it. “Trying to save my life.”

Even after what’s happened. That should mean something to Broderic.

But he tilts his head and glares back. “None of that would have happened if you’d come home with me.”

Each word is a stab to the heart. Before I can summon a response, his eyes pin my gaze. They’re the same color as mine, hazel like our mother’s, but it’s the only way we’re alike now. I can’t stand looking at them a second longer. Turning on my heel, I march out of my stolen bedroom—and find Bishop standing in the hall. Judging by the look on his face, he arrived in time to overhear our fight. I glance into the sitting room, where the others are waiting. They probably heard it, too.

“Obviously, you won’t be able to stay here.” Broderic continues as he follows me out, but he stops short when he sees him.