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It was beautiful, and powerful, and just a little bit addicting. This was what spring felt like. Never having felt her magic before, she’d had no idea that this is what it would feel like to channel it.
After a few more moments of just colour, things began to change, and the splashes morphed into butterflies flapping away on the imaginary wind.
Bringing forth the birth seemed to be surprisingly easy once she’d been able to access the magic. All she’d had to was place her hands on the stone and the magic had rushed through her, filling every corner of her mind.
And now it was flowing out of her again. Towards the human world where it would herald the blooming of flowers, and the birth of new creatures.
Slowly, and a little disappointingly, the magic started to fade away. While she knew it had to happen, that didn’t stop the sense of loss she was feeling. But then again, she’d be feeling exactly the same in another year’s time, when she had to perform the Birth again. And every year up until her future daughter turned eighteen and would take over the role.
Tomorrow, she’d meet the autumn and summer Queens. She’d tried to get the winter Queen to visit too, but apparently she was sick. Which was concerning to say the least. Paranormals shouldn’t get sick at all. Even if they were missing their magic like the winter royals were.
The magic of spring faded away, leaving Aledwen naked in the middle of her throne room and surrounded by people. Though she soon felt a soft robe being pressed around her shoulders. She leaned back into the giver, taking a deep breath and snuggling into his warmth. It was definitely one of the twins. Cyprus if she had to bet. She wasn’t completely sure how she was able to tell them apart. They were completely identical. And yet she definitely knew which one of them was which.
“Thank you,” she said, only receiving a nod in return. Definitely Cyprus then. He only seemed to talk when they were alone, or just with her other mates.
“The Birth is complete,” the Master of Ceremonies called out, and the fae around them cheered. Most likely because another party was about to begin.
Aledwen almost rolled her eyes. All the partying really wasn’t her thing. If given the option, she’d rather just retire to the library and talk with her mates. Especially as there were other, important things for them to deal with.
“Have you heard anything from your brother?” she asked Fane, once she was sure there wasn’t anyone left listening.
“Not yet, but it’s only been a day. I suspect we’ll hear from him in another two or three.”
“When he notices the magic is gone?” she clarified.
“Yes. I’m not sure how he even holds it, or how often he checks on it. I can’t say I’ve ever tried to steal magic before,” he replied.
“No, me neither.”
Fane chuckled. “And let’s hope we don’t have to deal with bound magic again.”
“We better not,” Drey replied. “Besides, you may have bigger issues to deal with.” He looked in Brandon’s direction, and the shifter tried to look innocent, but failed miserably.
“What did you do?” Aledwen asked, slightly exasperated.
“How do you feel about family dinner?”
Epilogue
While it was nice not to be royal for a while, Aledwen was more nervous than ever as she waited outside the smart looking house with the twins on either side of her. Both Drey and Fane had wisely decided to stay back at the palace. Throwing in the fact that Aledwen was in a relationship with not just their sons, but two other men too, would likely be too much. Particularly for people that had a hard time accepting their daughter was with a bear shifter.
Brandon rapped smartly on the door, before opening it anyway and walking in.
“That’s always been our family way,” Cyprus said when he saw the confused look on her face.
“Alright then.”
“You ready?” he asked, slipping his hand into hers and giving it a squeeze.
“As I’ll ever be.”
She didn’t want to admit it, especially as she knew it was really important to them. But she was nervous. She’d never had to meet the parents before. Mostly because she’d never been in any kind of relationship. Just had a few fun nights.
The decor was modern, but timeless, and she wasn’t surprised to see photos of the twins and their two sisters adorning the walls. Apparently, the eldest wouldn’t be here today. She was busy doing something with her children. Aledwen liked that. Family should always come first.
“Aledwen, right?” A redhead that looked a lot like the twins greeted her warmly, and it took her a little longer than she’d have liked to recognise the woman as Arabella. Even if they had been introduced once before. Cyprus and Brandon gave their sister a quick kiss on the cheek, before disappearing further into the house, leaving the two women alone. Most likely on purpose.
“Yes.”
