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Silently, Casimir complied and left in a soft breeze. Elysia meanwhile clamored for Emrys’ attention. Illeron called Emrys aside and the young shadow elf followed them, tugging on Emrys’ arm with amusing tenacity. The baby promptly fussed, demanding his mother’s attention. I remained next to Veta, feeling awkwardly out of place among all the familiarity between the others.
“They are a loud bunch, aren’t they?” she observed softly.
A rueful smile pulled at my mouth. “They are.”
“Just wait until we add my twins into the mix.”
“Twins?” I glanced at her middle.
She laughed. “No, not these little ones; the ones I left at home. They are five years old now.” She rubbed her side with an air of contentment. “They keep life full and interesting.”
Glancing across the room at the excited child swinging on my husband’s hand, I could easily imagine it. “I would love to meet them.”
“Can I explore the maze?” Elysia asked loudly as she perched herself on Emrys’ foot while continuing to cling to his wrist. He smiled down at her but didn’t pause in speaking with Illeron. Her father ignored the interruption.
Meanwhile, the baby’s fussing intensified. Avril began pacing and singing softly while she bounced the child on her hip.
Despite the surrounding craziness, Veta seemed to radiate calm and peace.
A tingle of awareness made me lift my head and scan the room. I turned to glance over my shoulder, only to encounter Emrys’ regard. His eyes flared silver before deepening to azure.
“The king seems distracted,” Veta observed with soft amusement. “How long were you under the spell before attempting to break it?”
“A few days.” I inwardly flinched. It sounded so brief, yet it had been enough to forge a friendship. “I am still getting to know him.”
“Give it time. Casimir still surprises me with new depths, and we’ve been married for years now.”
“Because he grew into a worrier?” I asked, recalling the shadow elf’s concerned manner.
She laughed. “No, according to his brother, he has always been that way. He’s a regular mother hen.” Her expression softened. “I was more surprised by the lengths he will go to for his family and the difficulties he has with communicating his needs. I have had to work hard on my observation skills.” She glanced past my shoulder, her eyes widening in apparent surprise. “Like right now.”
I turned to find that Casimir had returned. He was very like Emrys in height and coloring, but that was where the similarities ended. He looked over at the pair of us, assessing with his intense silver-green gaze. But Veta’s attention wasn’t on him.
“Your Highness?” Veta’s soft words brought my focus around to clash with my husband’s serious expression.
“Did you find Merlon?” Emrys asked Casimir mildly.
“I did. He agreed to examine Veta before he leaves for his home.” He frowned down at his wife. “But only if I take Veta to him now.”
“Merlon will wait,” Emrys assured him. “As you know, he is more bark than bite.” My husband’s hand settled on my shoulder, caressing the back of my neck beneath the fall of artful curls down my back. “Meanwhile, Kate and I have an appointment with her brother. I sent word ahead.”
Casimir nodded. “My king, my queen, if we may?”
Emrys nodded in return. “Go.” He regarded Veta. “A pleasure seeing you again, my lady.”
“And you, my king.” Veta caught my hand and squeezed. “A pleasure meeting you, my queen. I hope to see you again soon.”
“Me too.” I smiled and squeezed her fingers briefly before Casimir lifted his wife into his arms, bowed to us, and stepped into the nearest shadow. Only then did I realize that Emrys and I were alone in the room.
“Where are the others?”
“Illeron went to talk to my steward, and Avril took the children to explore the maze.” His finger caught another curl, this one near my ear. “Is your hair always this rebellious?”
“Yes,” I reluctantly admitted. “Albeit with a lot more frizz.”
His mouth quirked to the side. “I like it.”
Tension coiled in my middle. “How did my brother handle the news of our marriage?”
