As soon as I step onto the sandy floor my mother is right there, not caring who is in her way. She kisses my forehead and then spots Deean.
Before his kiss she slaps his arm. “What is wrong with you?” She gives him a look like she’s scolding a child.
My father comes to me and grips both sides of my shoulders before pulling me in. “Your brother told us what that evildoer tried to do. I should have never sent you. Our line could have ended in one night.”
I pull away, patting an arm. “Well, we had help.” Stepping to the side I reveal the Foxes, announcing each by name. “They request pardons and protection. Without them, we would have never returned.”
My father has no hesitation about the request and has a few guards show them to tents where they can freshen up.
The only one who stays behind is Ariah, standing close to my side.
Once Marcel and Gran take their turns with greetings, I properly introduce her to my family.
She bows to my parents. “It is a pleasure to meet you all. Iann speaks highly of all of you.”
“Ariah here is the one that led us to the Ivian Flower,” Deean fluffs her up for our parents, even though I don’t think it’s needed. “She is also the one who defied her own Queen to save us.”
My father folds his arms in front of him as my mother steps forward, walking up to Ariah. “You defied your Queen to save my son?”
Ariah shifts but finds confidence in her stance as she replies, “I did. Not just for your sons, but for myself too, and my friends. I’d do it again if it meant saving him.”
Gran cracks a sly smile but refrains from commentary.
My mother grabs both sides of Ariah’s face. “Anyone willing to save one of my boys is most welcome in Saden.” She lets go and spins around, extending an arm for Ariah to hold on to. “I would like you to tell me all about your trip and leave nothing out.”
Ariah looks back, tossing me a smile before my mom throws a wink of her own.
Deean slaps my back. “That was easy enough. I’m sure she’ll have Ariah planning for your marriage in no time.”
“Shut up.” I push him and we join the others and head to the tent.
Days later my mother throws a party, as she does best, to celebrate our return and discovery.
My father is still in shock that the tree even exists, but hasn’t discussed my mother ingesting the petals or her illness. I also think he’s afraid of her saying no.
I understand she may not want to be immortal, but the alternative is just as terrifying.
No one else has done anything with their flowers, and no one is too sure what to do.
Ariah, who refuses to use it, has prepared to have it shipped to Morrena. Come morning, a carrier will take it and settle the deal between them.
My mother introduces Ariah to several party goers, and it isn’t until later in the evening when I whisk her away from the festivities.
“Where are we going?” She clings to her dress as I run us through the halls.
“Trust me.”
Taking her to the dining hall, I rush us out of the courtyard doors and pass the fountains.
I allow us to go from a run to a light jog, leading her past hedges and down a rocky path.
When I see the carriage waiting, I know her wait is almost over.
The driver opens the door and I extend my hand for her.
“Are you going to tell me where we’re going?”
My eyebrows gesture for her to get in and she does with little fuss. I climb in and slide beside her. With a tap on the roof of the carriage we’re off.
