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Isi nodded and stepped back. “I think drinks are in order, correct? We can raise a glass to celebrate your upcoming nuptials.” She snapped her finger and a tray with three fluted glasses and a bottle of splendeer appeared on a table just inside the parlor.
“Isi,” my aunt sighed, her lips thinning. “Please do not.”
“No more,” Isi said, winking at me. “I promise.”
We’d see how long that lasted.
My sister resembled me with the same golden hair and height, though she had our father’s black eyes. She’d admired me from the time we were little, following me around everywhere and constantly asking me questions. I hadn’t minded too much. I loved her, and I wanted her to be happy. I only had vague memories of our parents; she was too small to remember, and that was a true tragedy.
“You’re adorable, little one,” our aunt told my sister as we walked into the parlor. “But you try my patience!”
Isi gave Finni a kiss before turning back to Kate, her gaze traveling down my fiancée’s front. “You’re pretty, soon-to-be sister.”
“Isn’t she?” Finni asked, opening the bottle of splendeer and pouring glasses for each of us. She handed them around.
“To you, Tylik, and your sweet bride,” Isi said, raising her glass.
We entwined our arms, Kate shooting me a grin as we did it, then took sips while still woven together. Unlinking from each other, we stepped backward, settling in seats near the fireplace someone had lit. Flames crackled, and warmth swirled through the room, giving it a cozy feel. Perhaps I did see the value in a fire.
“Are those the Bestilian sapphires you’re wearing?” Isi asked Kate.
Kate lightly touched her ring, then the matching necklace and earrings. “They’re beautiful. I’m honored to wear them.”
“The Bestilian family gifted them to ours three thousand human years ago,” Isirell said. “It’s only fitting you wear them.”
Color rose into Kate’s face. “Thank you.”
We sipped our drinks and chatted, and I was grateful to see Isi behaving kindly to Kate. My sister could be flighty, but she was endlessly nice. She’d make the perfect duchess once my aunt decided to hand down the title.
Stomps rang out from the front of the estate, and one of the guards swept open the door.
Maxon Zahgorim and his wife, Chastity, bustled inside.
“Whoa,” Chastity said, pausing in the open doorway. “Your descriptions made me think this place would be beautiful, but it’s stolen my breath.” She turned to Max. “You and your crew did a fantastic job with the construction.”
“Yes, he did,” Finni said, rising and moving over to greet them. “Welcome. You must give you wife a tour, Maxon.”
“If you don’t mind, I’ll do so later,” Max said.
“Of course,” my aunt said. “Whenever you’d like. Our humble home is open to you at all times.”
Humble? Kate and I shared a grin. This place, a tiny chateau by elf standards, had twenty-five bedrooms, each with ensuite bathrooms.
They joined us in the parlor, and Kate and I rose to greet them.
Max grinned at me and reached out to tap my shoulder. “How are you doing, Tylik? Great to see you again. Kate.”
She and Chastity exchanged hugs.
“Good to see you too.” This was one of the many reasons why so many loved living here in Monsterville. Here, Maxon ran a construction company. And I was Tylik, the male running the apothecary where other monsters could buy herbal remedies or ingredients for spells. We fit in.
Chastity hugged me after Kate, reinforcing my affection for this community.
“We’re having some before-dinner cocktails,” my aunt said, gesturing to the splendeer bottle that had magically refilled—as it would do in the fae realm, never here. Another small spell cast by my sister. “I’m sure the rest of the guests will be here soon.” Finni nodded to the guards. “Do escort them to us once they’ve arrived.”
“Of course,” the guards said in unison.
Before we could sit, the guards swept open the doors again. Raze and Elisa strolled inside and removed their light coats, followed by Gunner and Rylee.
