The moment my skin touched hers, my heart seared in my chest and I released a slow breath. A new truth slamming hard and deep into my soul.
I now had two beings in this world I would protect with the last dying beat of my heart.
I didn't know what the future held for this little miracle, nor any idea where she came from, but I did know one thing. This tiny beautiful child laying on a bed of soft white was somehow theanchor that would hold this world together or the weapon that would tear it apart.
Questioningly I looked over my shoulder at Jarquinn whose lips pressed into a thin line. He shook his head subtly but I saw what was behind those ancient blue eyes. The master healer had more answers…answers he didn’t want to reveal here and now.
My gaze slid over to Remnant, where her shadows swirled behind her, poised to send me to my death if need be. “Be at ease. My need to protect this child runs just as strongly as yours now. She will be welcomed here and so are you.” I bowed low in greeting and rose. “Welcome to my home and Finlandia, Remnant Ezra Solaire Dark. The crown is honored to have you here and blessed that you bring such a beautiful miracle with you.”
“Riella ismineto protect. She is not a boon for your people,King Strider.”
I flinched at the venom in her use of my title. “Clearly we have some things that we need to discuss.”
Remnant snuffed out her shadows. “Clearly.”
Jarquinn groaned with exasperation. “Then would you two please leave and discuss your business elsewhere?”
I nodded and stepped back. “Of course.”
“Riella will not be waking any time soon,forta. She will stay in a healing sleep for now.” Jarquinn said kindly to the hesitant shadow fae behind me.
Riella—my mind rolled over the meaning.Gift and Strength. Fitting for the first fae born in centuries!
“How long will she be this way?”
Jarquinn's knowing gaze sparkled with mischief. “As long as it is needed.”
I smirked. Clever ancient fae. “Indeed.”
Jarquinn grinned then, snatching me into his warm embrace, unable to help himself from smothering me with his obnoxious fluffy robe.
“It’s good to have you back, my cub. We have missed you.”
I heard the hitch in his voice, the emotional toll that my absence had caused. I buried my face further into the white fluff, squeezing him back.
“I missed you too, Jar.”
Jarquinn cleared his throat, pulling away from me with tears filling his sky blue eyes. He winked at Remnant standing silently to the side with a slight frown on her face.
“He’s a right pain in the ass, Mistress Dark, but please do try not to kill him. I know first hand that sometimes it seems like an impossible task but we do sort of love him here…the goddess only knows how much I do.”
The shadow fae bowed her head respectfully. “He is safe from me for now, master healer.”
I chuckled and shook my head. “For now.”
She stared flatly back at me. “For now.”
“Yes, yes, for now. No killing. Goddess bless you both. Now please just leave!”
I snorted and rolled my eyes before turning towards Remnant. “Ready?”
“Of course, lead the way,your majesty.” She waved her hand towards the doorway.
I ran my hand through my hair again and released a deep sigh. “How long am I to be punished for not telling you?”
“Likely forever,your royal shifter highness.” She hissed.
Sighing again, I led her from the room toward my more private chambers.
