Grace smiled, taking it from Hailon and adding it to the stack on the counter.
The cloak, several tunics, three dresses, a weeks’ worth of undergarments, and four pairs of leggings later, the shopkeeper was only too happy to wrap up my parcels and deliver them to the carriage for us as we continued on to the area of the markets with home wares.
“Do you all live in the city?” I asked as they led me down a street lined with tents and tables, each one a separate vendor.
“At d’Arcan itself, actually,” Calla said, stopping to buy some delicate-looking candies from a man who clearly knew her well.
“Vassago and I keep one of the staff apartments upstairs too,” Greta agreed, waving at a woman selling scarves.
“There’s still one available for you and Seir, should you need it,” Calla teased, winking at Hailon. “You too, Phin. We have a couple that are freed up at the moment. You and Tap are always welcome to stay if you like.”
“Thank you.”
“I have a small suite at d’Arcan, and Magnus technically lives at the stone kin conclave, though he mostly stays with me or at a way house close by. We’ll be moving into a house soon,” Grace said. “Still on the grounds at d’Arcan, though.”
“Do you all teach?”
“Greta and I do, but only every great now and then.” Calla shifted her parcels around. “Rylan and Vassago have regular classes, and Grace manages all the inner workings of the school.”
“I have help! Thank goodness.” Grace chuckled, pride making her cheeks glow. “My girls came to us shortly after Calla did. They get their education and help me with the chores.”Grace chuckled. “Though Stella will likely be off soon, seeking her own way.” Her smile faded a bit at the edges.
Hailon smiled at me, seeing that I was hesitating over asking another question. “Ask whatever you like, Phin. We’re mostly open books.” Greta nodded enthusiastically in agreement.
“How did you all end up there?”
Calla smiled. “That’s several lengthy stories, actually. The short version is that the Fates put us there.”
“The Fates?”
“Indeed.” Grace’s smile was slow, her response interrupted as she stopped to haggle over a basket of assorted cheese. “Come on. Let’s get warm, shall we? The shop with hot chocolate is just over there.” She swept us into a café, and we all settled into a table at the back once we’d gotten a steamy cup of chocolate and a pastry.
“How are you doing?” Hailon asked, leaning close.
“I’m okay.”
She squeezed my shoulder. “This hot chocolate is to die for. Might put you off sweets for a week, but it’s worth it.”
I took a tentative sip and agreed. It was like someone had just melted down several bricks of chocolate and poured them into a cup. Just a few sips in, I was warm enough I took off my coat.
“What do you know about fated mate bonds, Phin?” Calla asked, her cheek resting on her fist.
“Not a lot,” I admitted. “I suspect my parents were fated, but they didn’t really talk about it. It’s supposed to be pretty rare.” They all wore a similar lopsided grin as they stared at me. Realization dawned, and I sat forward in my seat. “Oh.Allof you?”
“And Merry, with Coltor,” Hailon added.
“And Lovette.” Grace omitted the mate’s name, but I recognized Lovette as one I’d heard while speaking with Merry and Hailon in the glade.
“But how?”
Calla sipped from her cup of rich chocolate before speaking. “Multiple complicated stories, as I said. But that’s what I meant by the Fates bringing us together. They had a significant hand in assembling this family.” She reached into the collar of her shirt and pulled out a necklace. Greta did the same, and Hailon. Their necklaces all looked exactly like mine, just with different stones.
I floundered, opening and closing my mouth several times but never finding the words I needed to express my questions.
“Family heirlooms,” Hailon said, “from our mothers.”
I glanced down at the bracelet Rylan had made me, remembering his interest in my own necklace, and my thoughts spun, pondering what all of it meant.
“We’re all here, Phin. For whatever you need. Just ask.” There was nothing but sincerity in Calla’s tone, and everyone at the table agreed with her.
