Fyn and Lioran leaned back against the stone wall, shading Astrael and Aelira from the sun. The fae glimmer that illuminated their eyes shone even brighter when she looked at her baby.
“Astrael, your aunt is here.” Aelira hadn’t looked up at me. “She’s going on a long trip, but maybe we will see her again soon.”
The corner of my eye twitched. “Are you trying to guilt me with your son?”
“He is very stressed about you leaving.” Fyn rolled his bottom lip inward.
“He will miss you. We all will.” Lioran took the baby from Aelira.
“You promise you will take care of her?” She asked Fyn as her eyes watered. “You let nothing happen to her.”
“Yes, please make the trip as boring as possible.” Sarcasm laced my tone.
“I’m not responsible for the words that come out of her mouth, but she will have my protection even after she crosses,” Fyn said. “The rest is up to her.”
“I have my own sword.” I gripped it tighter.
No one laughed.
He tried his best to still his face. “Like I said?—”
“Must I remind you both? This is a political visit. I will need you to behave yourselves.” Lioran shook his head, hisglare sharpening on Fyn. “I am already starting to doubt my choice to send you with her.”
Fyn returned his stare. “My duty is forever to the crown.” His words were sharper than usual.
“I promise I will represent whatever I represent well.” I still didn’t truly know what that was.
Aelira wrapped her arms around me. “Please be careful. You are welcome back if you change your mind.”
I welcomed her hug. “I will be.” Grief tugged at me when I looked at Astrael. “I assume that since you’ve made a hole in the divide I can come back and visit, even if I choose to marry Soren?”
“It is a gate.” Lioran shook his head. “On a trial basis, as long as trade continues to be neutral. If it is open, you’re welcome to travel through it.”
“I need to see how this little one grows up and come and tell him tales of the human realm.” They would most likely sound very boring to him, especially when his magic developed.
Fyn cleared his throat. “I’m sure there will be stories for you both to tell.”
I traced a curl that clung to the back of Astrael’s head. “You be sure to torment Fyn with whatever your magic is… and your aunt will love you forever for it.”
“I’ll miss you, little prince.” I leaned in and kissed Astrael’s head.
Aelira wiped back her tears.
“It won’t be forever.” I said it as if I knew—as if I could promise what was coming.
She clutched my arms, looking me in the eye. “Find your happiness, sister. Whatever it is and make it yours.”
Happiness was a lofty dream I had stopped chasing long ago, but maybe I would find it.
“We need to get going soon so we can make it to Arnlow by nightfall,” Fyn said.
Cora wasn’t here yet. She promised she’d see me off. I hoped she hadn’t forgotten. “Is the riding party ready?”
“They will meet us at the border.” Fyn settled his hands on his hips.
“And who will travel with us now?” I asked.
“It’s just you and me, Princess.” Fyn laughed.
