Crane laughed. “You’re more like Maverick than you know, young one. He never could stay still for long. Would you like an escort?”
I smiled at the compliment of being compared to Maverick. And I was a bit surprised that the mention of his name didn’t fill me with melancholy. Perhaps, now that those behind his death were finally brought to justice, I could remember him with peace in my heart.
“No, thank you Lady Crane. But… is Lady Skyfire up?”
“Yes,” Crane said with a hint of disapproval. “She, like you, can’t remain in bed for long. She’s been up for a couple days now, despite her injuries.” Crane huffed. “I don’t understand her insistence on remaining injured.”
I pulled on a loose white blouse and sighed heavily. “Have you ever been in such a pitched fight?” I asked Crane. I honestly didn’t know. She usually stayed away from the fighting.
“I… have been in a few skirmishes in my time, but… probably nothing like what you or she went through, no.”
I nodded. “We all carry scars from those fights, Lady Crane. Even if you can’t see them, they’re there, marks in your soul you have to live with the rest of your life.” I gave another heavy sigh, feeling my own lasting marks in that moment. “Perhaps, for Skyfire, wearing her wounds on the outside is a way to cleanse her soul of the marks on the inside.” I looked up at Crane and smiled softly. “Or maybe she’s just a stubborn and highly-irrational woman. I don’t really know.”
Crane laughed. “Did you want me to deliver a message to her for you?”
I nodded. “Yes, if you will. I’d like to have lunch with her.”
“I’m sure that can be arranged.” Crane rose and, to my surprise, stepped in to embrace me.
“What’s this for?” I asked softly, returning the gesture.
“For everything you’ve done and I’m sure will continue to do for all of us, for our House and this nation of ours.” She chuckled softly. “And for staying alive so I wouldn’t be forced to lead this House.” She squeezed me just a little tighter. “The shoes I’d have to fill would be far too large for me.”
I found a tear on my cheek at her praise and kind words. I held her tightly too. “Thank you.”
She was back to her usual dignified self when she released me. “Good day, Lady,” she said with a nod — and just a faint smile — and left.
I followed her out, then stood in the hall for a moment, deciding who I’d visit first. We’d all been put up in Wyvern House’s estate in the capital, Skyfire wouldn’t have had it any other way. We’d been given the best guestrooms they had, all facing south along one hall. I knocked then entered the next room, not waiting for anyone to tell me to come in.
I interrupted Ahmaia speaking softly to Alvere. She rose sharply and nodded at me. “Lady Legs.”
Alvere was sitting up in bed, looking far better than he had in the dungeons. I smiled at him, and he returned the gesture. “I’m sorry to interrupt, I can come back.”
“No, stay,” Ahmaia said, and I caught her glance moving between me and Alvere. “I’ve had many days to speak to my… my son. It feels so odd to say that.” She smiled and her face seemed to light up with it. “I’ll stretch my legs and let you two catch up.” With another nod of her head, she began to make her way out.
“Thank you, ah… do the Fey have titles? Should I call you just Ahmaia?”
She paused next to me, laying a pale hand on my arm. “You could call me Mother, if you like?” Her words were light, her meaning heavy. She seemed to see how that hit me and chuckled softly. “Or Ona, if that is more… comfortable.”
“Ona Ahmaia? What does that mean?”
“For the Fey, any woman who is related to you, but not a mother, or sister, or daughter, is Ona.”
“Oh… so not a political title, then?”
“We have been blessed to have little politics among the Fey.”
I chuckled. “Yeah, that would be a blessing.” I nodded to her. “Ona Ahmaia.”
She nodded and left.
Once I heard the door shut, I looked at Alvere and mouthed the wordmother?
He smiled. “I think that just means she likes you.” His smile faded. “I’ve been trying to explain to her how I’d have to marry for my kingdom, not for love.” His smile returned quickly. “But I think she’ll always see you as my wife, no matter who I marry.”
I sat on the bed next to him, putting my arms around him. He did the same as we leaned on each other. “I will always be your love, no matter who else you’re with,” I said softly but firmly. “I don’t think I can give you up.”
“I can’t give you up either. Whoever I marry will have to learn to live with you.”
