Chapter 39
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
MERI
S itting across from Ri′, I listen to her tell a story from their childhood when she had to stop Cormal from beating up the kid next door because he had shoved her. Laughingly telling us her other brothers had already hit the poor kid, but Cormal thought he deserved more.
“Cormal has always been a force of nature and the fiercest of protectors,” she declares with a smile.
I reach out for his hand as I agree with her. “Absolutely, although I would probably add some additional traits like bossy, always likes to be right, has to plan everything…” The rest of my words are muffled by his hand over my mouth.
She laughs, but there’s a hint of envy in her eyes. While Oryn and she have remained friends, the romance didn’t survive her transformation from quiet woman to fiery one. I have no doubt that when she’s ready, she’ll find someone who appreciates her wicked smart brain, boisterous laugh, and fierce nature.
Madoc and Rivan laugh at our antics. We usually try to spend at least a week here every month. The Underworld is my home as well as Cormal’s, and we enjoy showing them the wonders of it.
We traded in Cormal’s bachelor pad for something larger but retained the modern feel of it. Full of technology, it took Madoc a while to be comfortable here, but Rivan jokingly helped him acclimate. I smile at him. He makes all our lives easier with his easy-going nature and acceptance of almost anything.
It took Rivan and Aeris six weeks to tattoo the soldiers of the Federation. When presented with various runes, they chose the Dagaz rune because it signals change and transformation. The end of one path and the start of a new one. Two triangles interconnected and continuous. It felt like the perfect symbol to represent their new life. That was three months ago. So far, nobody has applied to come back, which, hopefully, means the plan is working.
Rivan’s relationship with Aeris never changed. She remained distant the entire time they worked together and didn’t even say goodbye when she left for Avalon. Nor did she introduce him to his niece. He’s more accepting of her response than I am. If I ever see her again, I’m likely to punch her in the nose. He reminds me she knew nothing of his life with Nyssa, or what he had to endure. She thinks he had it easy. He could have corrected her, but who can say one hardship is harder than another? Who knows what she had to endure with their father? Enough that she felt justified in killing him.
Cormal rubs a thumb across the back of my hand, and I smile at him. We’ve come a long way in such a short time. The relationship I used to pine for isn’t the one we have. Thank the goddess. Instead, it’s deeper and stronger than I ever imagined.
“The shop opens early tomorrow,” Ri′ says, getting up from the table. “Next time you’re in town, come by and see the new stock. I’ve got some fabulous things set aside for you.”
Her face lights up when she talks about her store. Her obsession with power and magic faded with her capture. She channels all that energy into finding the best clothes for her store. Even Evren shops there.
I stand and give her a tight hug. “Ooh, I can’t wait. Thank you.”
While Cormal walks her out, I turn and sit in Madoc’s lap. “I’m tired. How about you?” It’s taken over four months to parcel the land out to those taking the deal, but we’re almost done.
He runs a hand up and down my spine. “Exhausted. Are we staying the night here?”
Cormal returns in time to hear Madoc’s question. “No, but we’re not going straight home. Meri wants to stop and see Asher.”
Madoc agrees with a yawn. “We need to go before I fall asleep.”
I hop up and tug on his hand. “If we go now, we can be home in an hour.”
That’s the incentive he needs. Swooping down, he gives me a kiss. “Lead the way.”
Solandis and Vargas finally moved out of The Abbey, much to Arden’s dismay. She loved having them close to her, dropping by often to spoil her new brother.
Vargas missed The Underworld and, surprisingly, so did Solandis. Their new house is out in the countryside, protected by a magical bubble, of course. The exterior is an aged cream stone found in the quarries nearby, accented with a dark brown roof and door. The interior is massive and full of light. Solandis’ effortless style is reflected in the luxurious, but understated, furnishings.
When we get to Solandis and Vargas’ new house, she’s getting ready to give Asher a bath. Even though she could clean him with magic, she refuses to do so.
“I made it just in time,” I say, blowing air kisses at my favorite boy.
Turquoise eyes bounce with happiness when he sees me. His mouth blows drooly bubbles my way, while his hands happily slap the water around him, soaking everything outside the tub, including Solandis. She laughs, and he squeals.
I bend and give her a kiss. “He definitely loves the water.” As I watch, iridescent scales shimmer on his arms, then recede, leaving smooth golden skin in its wake.
“Besides his dark blue hair and the scales, have you seen any other signs of cirein-croin?” If it weren’t for those two things, I’d have a hard time believing he had Water Fae in him.
She smiles and shakes her head. “No. With his eyes and skin, he resembles me. I guess only time will tell.”
The little boy yawns, and Solandis takes him out of the bath and gets him dressed in the cute octopus pajamas I got for him.
“It’s been a long day, hasn’t it, my love?” She coos to him the entire way to his bedroom, and his little lids slide shut.
Laying him in his crib, she turns on the sound machine, swearing he needs the ocean waves to help him sleep through the night.
I lean over and place a kiss on his sweet, plump cheek. “Good night, sweet boy.”
As Solandis and I start to leave the room, a golden light appears, shining brightly above the bed. Swearing, we rush forward to grab him, but stop when we see what it is. The light Fae crown. Royal blood and cirein-croin. The best of both worlds and the true leader of all the light Fae.
“The crown has chosen the next ruler,” I murmur, not wanting anyone to hear us. Her turquoise eyes fill with worry, and I clasp her hands in mine. “We don’t have to tell anyone except Vargas. Let him grow up first. Learn all the important stuff. The world can wait.”
Solandis gives me a determined look. “You’re right. Tomorrow will come soon enough.” She walks me out to the living room and kisses my cheek. “Love you.”
“Love you,” I say with a bright smile as I turn toward the three men waiting for me. “Let’s go home. There’s a good book I’ve been reading. But I’m stuck at page one hundred and sixteen.”
Cormal’s lips curve in a wicked smile as he scoops me up.