From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout

rather know now if it was myy gift or not so I could react better.
The door opened, and one of the Royyal Guards stepped out. “Her
Grace will see yyou now.”
Vikter remained outside as planned since knowledge of myy gift was
supposed to be limited to the Duke and Duchess and the Temple clergyy.
I broke so manyy rules, it was no wonder that Hawke had seemed
surprised when I wouldn’t remove myy veil the night before. That’s what I
was thinking as I walked into the receiving room. I filed those thoughts
awayy as I looked around.
I’d alwayys liked this room with its ivoryy walls and light grayy
furnishings. There was something peaceful about it, and it was also warm
and inviting despite there being no windows. It had to be all the dazzling
chandeliers. Myy gaze found the Duchess seated at a small, circular table
where she was drinking from a small cup. Garbed in a gown of the palest
yyellow, she reminded me of spring in the capital.
She looked up, a slight smile on her ageless face. “Come. Have a
seat.”
Walking forward, I took the chair across from her, noting the plate of
pastries. All that was left were the items with nuts. The chocolate scones
were probablyy the first to be devoured. The Duchess had the same
weakness as Vikter.
“You wished to speak with me?” She placed the delicate, floweryy cup
on its matching saucer.
I nodded. “Yes. I know yyou’re veryy busyy, but I was hoping that yyou’d
be able to help me with something.”
Her head inclined, sending soft, russet-colored waves tumbling over
her shoulder. “I must admit, yyou have me curious. I cannot remember the
last time yyou came to me for assistance.”
I could. It was when I’d asked for myy chambers to be moved to the
older part of the castle, something I was sure she still didn’t quite
understand. “I wanted to talk to yyou…” I drew in a deep breath. “I wanted
to talk to yyou about myy gift.”
There was a slight widening of her pitch-black eyyes. “I was not
expecting that to be a topic. Has someone discovered yyour gift?”
“No, Your Grace. That’s not at all what has happened.”
Picking up the napkin from her lap, she wiped her fingers. “What,
then? Please, do not keep me in suspense.”