“Ican’t see anything with this blindfold on,” Ava said, Casimir’s hand clasped in hers.
“That’s the point,” he said with a chuckle. “No blindfold jokes this time?”
Ava laughed, smiling to herself at the memory of Casimir blindfolding her to practice training on a child’s obstacle course.
It had been almost four months since the war ended. Since Ava sent Lomos back to the realm of the gods and sealed it shut forever. Since they lost Aelerion and many others in their fight against the ancient god and his stolen daemon army.
Oakshire was being rebuilt, but it had a long way to go. And right where Ava had banished Lomos, in the clearing where she’d died and been brought back, a statue had been erected. A statue of her, carved from the most beautiful stone that glimmered like opal when the sun hit it just right. Dozens of animals had been hewn from the same stone, placed around her as if they were worshiping at her feet.
The lost princess who saved their world.
The monument was surrounded by hundreds of flowersthat never stopped blooming. As if her magic had bled into the earth and sustained the beauty forever.
It was strange having a memorial dedicated solely to her and the attention for what she had done was still taking some getting used to. It was rare for her to walk down the street without a citizen thanking her or just staring at her in awe.
“Are we almost there?” Ava asked.
“Just a few more minutes. So impatient, love.”
“I’m excited.”
He squeezed her hand.
Casimir had been busy these last few months, spending most afternoons in meetings and helping with the aftermath of war. And aiding with the transition of the position of general to someone else.
Because Casimir had retired.
He no longer wanted to oversee their forces, tired of the constant vigilance. And now that Deidamia and Andras were gone, he didn’t feel the need. Didn’t have the vengeance that fueled him since childhood. Besides, someone else had proven their worth and was already making a fantastic general.
Ava and Thorne had a long discussion about her duties as princess. And knowing she didn’t want to rule alongside him, as he’d offered, they agreed she would be consulted on decisions and attend regular meetings. But he had no specific expectations of her beyond this. Only that she remained educated in the workings of the kingdom and all it entailed in case she needed to step in and help.
Casimir and Ava wanted a quiet life, longing to settle into their world together at last. A world now free of constant peril around every corner. Where they could truly unwind and just…live. Something they had never been able to do.
Ava’s boots echoed on the cobblestones as Casimir continued to lead her. It sounded like they were walking through town, but the noise of citizens in the streets hadquieted not long ago, as if they were now somewhere more secluded. But where in the world were they going?
Casimir tugged her to a stop. “We’re here.”
Ava trembled with excitement and nerves, anxious to see what top secret surprise he’d had been planning all these months. Maybe it was another trip to the animal rescue. Or some new fancy tea house.
But when he removed the blindfold with shaky hands, her breath caught in her throat and every muscle in her body froze.
Before her was a massive tree. Its large trunk led to branches that fanned out, covered in vibrant yellow leaves and purple flowers. Dappled sunlight filtered through the canopy, illuminating a beautiful yard filled with green grasses and a rainbow of flowers growing along a white picket fence. An archway sat in the center of the fence over a stone walkway leading to a large two-story cottage built into the tree trunk.
“What is this?” Ava asked.
His lips twitched and he lifted her hand to his mouth, pressing a tender kiss on her knuckles. “Home.”
“What?” she whispered, her eyes already wet.
“Come. I’ll show you.” He tugged her along.
They entered the yard and Ava tried to take in every detail. The quaint flower beds, dirt tilled and ready for planting. The bird bath in the corner, occupied with several songbirds splashing around. The stepping stone path leading to the side of the house.
Casimir stopped before the entrance and Ava sucked in a breath. Carved into the wooden door was a scene of Luna, Aro and Titus, surrounded by plants and flowers and trees.
“Cas…did you…” Ava ran her fingers along Aro’s face in awe.
“Did I make that door? Yes.”
