Squishable.
That was one way to put it, Evander supposed.
“Yes, well, it is a surprise party…” Lady Calla bowed her head, then lifted her chin and offered Corbin a smile. “I have no wish to war with my sons. None. Evander has proven himself to be a good mate, a good partner, and a fierce warrior. And I would not miss the joys of knowing your children for any cost.”
That was a pretty speech.
He squeezed Corbin’s hand.But well-meant and well said.
Yes.Corbin went to her and hugged her gently.
Lady Calla’s smile proved that perhaps this terrible feud could end with time and care, and the family bonds could be mended.
He hoped so with everything in him.
Evander smiled at her when she nodded to him. He bowed. “Come see the cradle I made, with a great deal of help from Hawk, my lady. Though we’re working on more, as I think there are multiple babies.”
“Well, it wouldn’t be the first time.” Lady Calla came and admired the cradle, running her fingers over the wood, stroking each curve. “It’s lovely. I’ve never seen finer. It’s absolutely perfect.”
Evander beamed, glowing a bit from the admiration. The work had not come easily to him, and he’d spent many hours trying to make the cradle safe and beautiful.
She pulled out a pot from beneath her robes, one that shouldn’t have fit underneath there, and set it on the ground. It was a deep mahogany wood, fae wishes for a long and happy life carved into the curves. It was a lovely thing, although it seemed a bit austere for babies.
“This is for the children. Corbin can tend it during his pregnancy, and they will have a tree of their own.”
He bowed his head in a gesture of respect. “That will make him most happy.”
She winked at him. “Growing things does tend to, doesn’t it?”
A movement outside alerted him, and he turned his attention to the window as the dragons began to come. It was as if a rainbow danced across the ground itself, dozens of dragons in a myriad of colors, along with their children, and they were amazing.
“Friends!” Elliot immediately ran outside, checking the sky before he did, and then rolled right up to a group of children, where they began laughing and playing, rolling Elliot around like a big ball.
One of the biggest dragons came up and peered at Lady Calla with a quizzical expression on his face, multi-colored eyes wheeling. “Arian?”
She laughed softly and shook her head. “No, dear. Arian is my sister friend. She rules over the Court of Bells. She’s dear to me.”
There was a moment of pure disappointment on the dragon’s face, then he smiled, teeth shining. “She is dear to me as well. Can you please tell her Zeke said to say hello? I miss her.”
“Of course, dear. Of course I will. She’ll be so pleased.”
How fascinating. One of the dragons knew one of the court queens. Very fascinating.
That’s Zeke, love. He’s amazing. A genuine friend.
How does he know the Queen of the Court of Bells?
When the dragons lived in the human world, she visited them quite a bit. They were sort of her pet project, if you will.
Evander couldn’t help it. He raised an eyebrow, surprised, making him unable to control his face.
It’s true. You’ll see, she even gave them a changeling, I believe, though I can’t prove it. When Beau and Seth needed to have a child, she provided. Stella is a beautiful little owl dragon baby.
Goodness, he learns something new every day. Corbin waved at Zeke through the window. “My friend Zeke! Have you met my mate? This is Evander.”
Zeke raised an eyebrow but then bowed his head, smiling at Evander. When the huge dragon met his gaze, Evander had to admit his horns tried to grow in a little bit. Such a dominant alpha made him feel insignificant.
“Bright blessings, Evander. It is good to meet you finally. We’ve all been very curious.”
