Daddy was always glued to the news stations these days. I was worried it was turning him into a different person.
“Oh, good, you’re all here,” Mama said as she set garlic bread out on the table. “Ez should be along soon.”
Not a moment after she said that did my brother waltz in. Tahoma squeezed through the door behind him. The peryton had to tilt his antlers in order to fit through the door, even though it was wide. The moment she saw him, Marina gave a squeal and went tottering toward my brother.
“There’s my big girl.” Ez reached down and lifted Marina on his hip. She gave a happy squeal.
Ez kissed Opal, and added, “And there’s my sweet girl.”
Opal blushed, and I smiled. Opal and Ez were so cute together, and Ez did such a good job of taking care of Marina. Daddy side-eyed Mama, but she didn’t say anything.
None of us had sat Ez down and had a private conversation about where his relationship was going with Opal. I was waiting for Mama and Daddy to bring it up, but so far, they hadn’t. I thought it was pretty weird, seeing as how Ez was already acting like a dad to Marina. I figured they’d tell him to slow down or something, but nobody mentioned anything. I guessed we’d have to see where it led.
“This looks wonderful, Mrs. Mitoh,” Abigail noted as she rolled up beside me, taking a napkin and putting it on her lap.
“I made more than enough. Take whatever you wish,” Mama responded kindly.
Abigail got along well with my family, which was good for her, because I would’ve fired her if she didn’t. Alana enjoyed her company, and I trusted my sister’s judgment, so I let my walls down with Abigail just a little.
Throughout lunch, we talked about what everyone was doing in Ilamanthe. Mama and Daddy were doing their best to hold the tribe together with the other chieftains, while Alana and Maverick were getting accustomed to the schools in Ilamanthe.
“What about you, Ez?” I asked as I finished my plate. “I haven’t seen you around much.”
“I’m studying healing full-time. The Elves have a really intensive medical program, and I’ve immersed myself in it. I don’t have time for much else,” Ez stated.
“Ava, have you stopped by to see Maddie yet?” Daddy asked, abruptly changing the topic. “She’s been waiting for you.”
“I’m a princess. I’ve been busy.”
The excuse was flimsy. I’d been avoiding going to see my aunt, because I wasn’t sure what she’d tell me next about my prophecy. I knew that’s what it had to be about. She wouldn’t summon me for a friendly catch-up.
“Hm.” Daddy made a face before he stood up from the table. “We have a surprise for you, peanut.”
People hadn’t stopped spoiling me since I’d become princess, and I found it delightful. “Ooh, what is it?” I asked eagerly.
“It’s waiting outside.”
A little while later, I found myself sitting by the side of the cobblestone street outside. The palace had a garage area to store vehicles in order to get around Ilamanthe. My gaze instantly jerked to the side when I saw a beautiful red sports car turn the corner. It was low to the ground, with big fat tires and an engine that roared so loud it made my heart stutter.
“No way?! You got me a car?!” I yelped.
“Anadaptablecar, one you can drive,” Daddy clarified.
“Yeah! Me, Dad and Bren have been working on it!” Maverick added eagerly.
The car stopped in front of me, and Bren got out. He was a friend of the family, married to Chieftess Vanessa. He’d owned a shop for sports cars in Kinpago. I guessed he’d transferred his business to Ilamanthe after the Elementai had fled California. I couldn’t believe he’d put this together forme.
“The look on your face is priceless,” Bren noted with a chuckle. “Definitely worth it.”
Maverick hopped up to the car and began explaining everything. “It has sensitive electronic controls for the fitting brake, and accelerator controls to the steering wheel, so you don’t need to use your legs to drive. You can control everything with your hands. The accelerator is like a motorcycle’s, and there’s a knob on the steering wheel so you can steer with one hand, while controlling the speed with the other. It also has a rotating driver’s seat, to help you get in and out, and a specialized space for your wheelchair.”
“It can also convert to regular controls, just in case you need someone else to drive,” Daddy added.
I figured I’d be driving some big-ass handicap van the rest of my life, and would never be able to tear up the roads again with a fast vehicle. I started blubbering. “I can’t believe you did this for me!”
“We know you love going fast,” Maverick replied. “It was so much fun to work on!”
“Can I take it for a drive?” I asked eagerly.
