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I remember how Kai implied people would be surprised when they see us together romantically, but I don’t give a damn about any of them.
“The show’s over,” I quip—quite bitchily if I do say so myself—and I embrace the queen in me because fuck these judgmental people. “False alarm. Go back to the party and don’t even think about glancing this way.”
Getting the harsh memo, the nobles take their seats without another word.
The royals, however, are still hanging around.
“False alarm?” Zander repeats. “Are you sure? Because it sounded serious.”
“It is serious. We still need to talk to all of you, but we were mistaken about today’s date. Really—there’s no need to address it now. Get one of the bakers to redo the frosting on the top of the cake. Proceed as if it’s a normal birthday.”
Fortunately, Kirian and Quinn take my word for it.
They recede and resume the party as if nothing out of the ordinary has occurred. There’s laughter, light chatter, and the clinking of glasses as everyone toasts to their own good fortune.
So very fae.
Kai and I can run in here like the city is on fire, then say,never mind, and they just go back to what they were doing without giving it another thought.
However, my son is still lingering, and I wonder if he’s wanting an apology.
Taking his hand, I give him a loving squeeze before letting go. “When I ran from this world, I wasn’t running from you. I might’ve wanted to see what else was out there, but I never, ever, stopped wanting you. I’m so sorry.”
Zander gazes at me with nothing but understanding. “Mama. You could leave for a thousand years, and I’d still welcome you back. Anytime. Every time.”
His love astounds me, and I’m about to promise I’ll never abandon him again when Maelyn waves down a couple staffers and requests, “Please tell the maids to prepare our room for Queen Ro and Kai. Move our belongings to one of the other guest suites, and make sure they have enough supplies to last them for three days without leaving.”
“Three days?” My eyebrows go up. “We only need enough time to clean up and get a nap.”
Maelyn gives me a wink. “I can tell when a mated pair is in their honeymoon stage. You should have the option to isolate… and celebrate.”
Uncomfortable at the implication that Kai and I are going to have a sex marathon, Zander clears his throat. “Yes. Well. While they’re getting your room ready, there’s someone I’d like you to meet.”
When Zander swivels and gestures behind him, a tall young man who’d been conspicuously hanging back turns around.
“Maverick,” I breathe out.
When he reaches me, he bows. “Hello, Grandmother. Although we’re just meeting, I feel as if I already know you. I’ve seen paintings and heard so many stories. Honestly, I’ve waited all my life for this moment.”
Bypassing pleasantries, he bends down and engulfs me in a hug.
At first, I’m too overwhelmed to reciprocate. I didn’t think this would ever happen. Not long ago, I’d come to terms with the fact that I probably wouldn’t get to meet my grandson. I’d convinced myself that I didn’t have a home or a family.
I was so wrong, and I’m here right now because Kai refused to give up on me.
“Hey, Kai,” Maverick says over my shoulder. “Good to see you, too. Does this mean I have to call you Grandpa now?”
“Just Kai is fine,” my mate replies, chuckling a little.
After I lovingly pat Maverick on the back, he pulls away and his grin fades as he solemnly states, “I do hope you’re here to stay because I’d really like to try to beat you at chess.”
I laugh, but Zander nudges him in a slightly chastising way and mutters, “Don’t pressure her.”
My heart is warmed by the way my son values my freedom. Even after missing me for so long, he’s thinking of my happiness above his own.
Wanting to deliver some good news while we can, I inform them, “Well, you don’t have to worry about me going anywhere.” Glancing at Kai, I grin. “We’re staying in Valora. We don’t know where we’ll settle yet. Maybe we’ll travel a lot, but we promise to visit often.”
Maelyn releases a long exhale like she’d been holding her breath. “Oh, thank the suns. You have no idea how glad we are to hear that.”
