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“Thanks, Cam.”
Her brother turned to Arkimedes, and they both hugged tightly. With how much Cameron had grown, the top of his head was almost at the same height as her mate’s. Would he turn out to be even taller than him in the end?
“Look at those wings! I don’t remember seeing them before.”
Arkimedes’s cheeks tinted red, uneasiness dripping through their bond as he shifted on his feet. “I don’t need to hide them here.”
“I love them.” Cameron reached out a hand toward the black and blue feathers. “Can you move them independently?”
She blocked her brother’s hand before he made Arkimedes more uncomfortable. “Cam, Arkimedes is still recovering his memories. Give him time to get used to you before you start grabbing at him. How would you feel if someone were to touch you without asking?”
Cameron paused, his eyes flashing to her before he shrugged. “I wouldn’t care,” he said and sneaked his other arm around her to touch the feathers of Arkimedes’s wing.
Arkimedes laughed, and his weary gaze softened. “It’s okay, Nava. I don’t mind it.”
“I’m not used to anyone touching my wings, but he is my family, too,” he said through the bond, and her heart soared.
“You see? It’s fine. You’re always such a worrywart, Nava.”
Cameron seemed so grown-up now, even though his attitude hadn’t changed much.
“I never expected we would end up here, but I like it,” Cameron said, glancing around the docks with interest.
“Where is Laurie?” Nava stretched her neck, trying to catch sight of their old caregiver, but she couldn’t spot her anywhere. A heaviness settled in the pit of her stomach. “Is she all right?”
Cameron’s face drained of its color. “About that…”
“What happened?”
“She became ill back on Pearl Island, and Gavin didn’t think the trip here would suit her health. She needs to follow us when she feels better, using a regular ship. Not a blimp.”
“So you left her there?” Nava tried to find Gavin in the crowd. “Who is taking care of her?”
“They didn’t tell me, but I overheard them talking when we got the letter. We couldn’t wait until she regained her strength. Gavin had some healer friends there who promised to help her and send her our way when the time was right.”
While she hadn’t seen Laurie for a while now, the worry ate a hole into Nava’s chest. Time moved differently in this kingdom, which meant Laurie could only travel during fall or spring. It might be a long time before they were all together again once more.
Arkimedes stroked her back in a comforting gesture, helping to ease her anxiety.
“We wanted to come here and help you with the—well, with everything. We left as soon as we could, but it doesn’t seem like you’re in trouble now.” Cameron’s red brows scrunched as he studied them.
True. Leir was gone, and Nava counted her lucky stars that Cameron had never been in danger.
“It’s for the best. I wouldn’t want you anywhere near what we went through,” she said.
“That’s it, no? You never want me to be there for you, even though you need help sometimes, too.” Cameron’s face hardened. He looked so much like their mother when he was annoyed.
“You came at the perfect time,” she said and reached for him again. She needed to be close and remind herself they were together again. Finally. “I’m no longer a wanted woman, and I have a feeling you will like our new home. There is a drawing room, like we had at the manor. You were so young then. I doubt you even remember it.”
Laurie would have loved it, too. Perhaps she would get to see it soon.
“And a weapons room? Violet has been teaching me to fight.”
“Yes.” Nava nodded. It was the first thing she’d requested from Arkimedes when they’d planned the refurbishment of the ancient estate. It was far from the city, a day’s trip past the forest and into the mountains, surrounded by nature and lush, sprawling gardens.
Gavin strolled down the ramp next, his brown coat gaping open to reveal a loosely tucked-in white shirt. He stopped when their eyes met across Cameron’s shoulder. A lopsided smile spread over his face a moment later, and then he dipped into the lowest bow Nava had ever seen. “Your Majesties!”
Nava burst into laughter, just as Arkimedes said, “We aren’t majesties yet, Gavin.”
