For the first time since I arrived, just beyond the stairs, every immediate member of the family was gathered—in matching outfits, no less.
Even the Duchess, whom I believed to be practically brain-dead and mentally incapable, had regained a spark of life in her eyes and a healthy flush in her cheeks, a stark contrast to her previous deathly pallor.
The Duke stood beside her, a picture of regal composure. His expression was as cold and unreadable as ever, his steel-grey eyes a clear warning to keep one's distance.
To his right stood Tarius, then Saun, then Eckloge. To the Duchess's left were Leonda, Sydney, and then me.
A sudden realization struck: either most people on this planet possessed extraordinary vitality, or the Vesperas were deeply involved in youth-preserving rituals. The Duke appeared no older than twenty, yet he had five grown children.
