“It would be nice to have our little brother home again.”
Cole patted him on the side of the head. “It would, indeed,” he said. Then, he took a deep breath and swept his hand in the direction of the chapel door. “Mayhap we should go drink a secret toast to the return of Cassian as we celebrate your marriage. Papa is taking up all of your time and I would like some of it.”
Julian was still digesting the news of Cassian but, in the same breath, he felt some joy. Joy and relief that his little brother hadn’t been killed those years ago. But the joy was tempered with confusion, something he was desperately trying to shake. This was his wedding celebration and he wouldn’t be distracted from his beautiful bride by the revelation of his brother’s reappearance, as important as it was.
Tonight belonged to him and Lista.
“Then let us return to the hall,” Julian said as Cole led him from the chapel. “I think my wife is with Cori and Addie.”
Cole grunted. “Where else would she be?”
“I think I’m going to have to fight them off when I try to take her up to my chamber for the night.”
They looked at each other and started laughing as they quit the chapel and headed for the keep. As they crossed the shadowed bailey, a lone figure emerged from the alcove near the altar of the chapel. There were two entrances, one for the family and one for the priest, and the priest’s door had been opened. In fact, the figure had been standing there for quite some time, long enough to have heard Julian’s conversation with Jax and the subsequent news from Cole.
Kellington’s tear-stained face came into the light.
It was sunset, with the last rays of light penetrating through the expensive stained-glass window that was one of three on the east side of the chapel. The light caressed her features as she made her way to her husband’s crypt, a gentle hand upon the stone as her lips kissed the effigy on the head.
She sniffled.
“I hadn’t meant to hear all of that,” she said, her voice trembling from weeping. “I had only meant to have a private word with Julian until Cole came in, but did you hear what he said? Cass has been found. My little boy has been found. I thought he was with you, but as it turns out, he is still with me. All of our sons are with me and I could not be more grateful. And you…you, my pet, are always with me. You are with us all. I heard what Julian told you and he was right… his greatnessisLista. She is what he has been searching for all of these years. I wish you could see them together, Jax. Then you would know it is true.”
Kissing the effigy one last time, Kellington followed her sons’ path from the chapel, heading back towards the keep that was lit up with the glow of a thousand candles. There was light and music, food and drink, and the chatter of people celebrating atruly happy occasion. It was all things glorious and although Kellington was joyful in her son’s marriage, she couldn’t help but feel that something was missing.
Someonewas missing.
Jax.
She had been with the man more than half her life. Losing him as she had in battle those years ago had been a shock, one she still wasn’t over. His abrupt departure left a hole that no one else could fill, as if a large piece of her heart had broken off, a piece she would never get back.That’s why they call it a broken heart, she mused. Broken or not, however, it was still full enough and strong enough to love her children, their spouses, and her grandchildren.
Even the naughty ones.
How Jax would have loved them.
With a smile, Kellington stepped into the great hall, confronted almost immediately by Ashton. The tall, blond de Royans knight nearly bowled her over, startled when he realized he had been rather abrupt.
“Lady de Velt,” he said, clearly fortified by alcohol. “I was hoping I might have a moment of your time. I have a very important question to ask you and I do not take it lightly. I have thought long and hard about it and it is time that I speak with you.”
Kellington already knew what it was before he even asked. She’d been expecting that question for the past two years, only Ashton had been too skittish and cowardly to bring it up. Seeing Julian married, however, must have fortified his courage and Kellington fought off a smile at the young knight who seemed to be sweating quite a bit.
“Of course, Ashton,” she said. “What would you like to ask me?”
His eyes widened. “Now, my lady?”
“You asked for a moment of my time. Now you have it.”
Ashton looked around nervously, making sure no one was listening, before refocusing on her. “My lady,” he said. “I would like to ask permission to court Addington. I am a de Royans, my father’s heir, and I will inherit Bowes Castle upon his death. I have much to offer a wife so I hope you will consider this when rendering your decision.”
Kellington opened her mouth to reply when Anteaus was suddenly in front of her, trying to push Ashton out of the way.
“Lady de Velt,” Anteaus said, shoving Ashton back by the chest. “I would like a moment of your time, if you will. I must ask you a question of the utmost importance.”
Kellington almost laughed. She could see Ashton’s enraged face and Anteaus’ determined one. Before a fight could erupt, and the pair had been building up to it all day as Addington flirted with both of them, Kellington stepped back and took charge.
“Anteaus,” she said firmly. “Find Cole and escort him to my solar. Ashton, you will go to my solar immediately and wait for me. Do this now.”
The knights split off, automatically carrying out her command without hesitation. When Lady de Velt gave an order, it was not meant to be disobeyed. Kellington watched them head off for a moment before seeking out Julian, who was in conversation with a de Lohr knight. She pulled her son away from the conversation and pointed in the direction of her solar.
