I’d won.
The joy, the relief, was indescribable. If Edwin had been on hand, I’d have seized him and not let go.
Tears stood in Edwin’s eyes, and I could tell he felt as overwhelmed as I did. “I’m so happy I could scream. Come home, quickly, so we can celebrate.”
“Trust me, my love, I’ll return as quickly as the winds can bring me to you.”
Eighty-two
Edwin
I stood on the docks and waited for our ships. They were now in sight, and a thrill went through me as I watched them sail in. I spotted an extra vessel—Valentina’s ship, one they’d confiscated to bring all the ex-possessed back home. James had finally gotten into contact with the Berengar knights—apparently the evacuation had not gone smoothly, too much panic from people, but that was a different story—and between the knights, the people of Berengar, and all the soldiers deployed there, they’d managed to mostly straighten things out enough to return. I’d known James’s projected arrival time since yesterday, but still, I was delighted to have him home again. The separation had only been for five days, but it was five days too many in my opinion.
Waiting here had been incredibly hard. Even harder when I’d known James had engaged in battle. I’d wanted to call him every five seconds to be reassured he was all right. I’d kept myself from doing so, because distracting him would have been the worst thing I could do, and I wasn’t putting my husband in jeopardy. Still, that moment when he’d called me, and I’d seen for myselfhe lived, had crystallized in my mind. Seeing him grinning, clearly exhausted but victorious—I’d never forget his face to my dying day. That moment of joy, of relief, of knowing everything which had threatened us was no more.
In this life, we had achieved everything we needed to.
I dared to hope it meant we could live peacefully now, as Vuheia had assured him.
I’d definitely give her many offerings of thanks for my husband coming back to me alive and well, because that had been my major fear, and I was ridiculously happy it wasn’t a nightmare I needed to entertain any longer.
Word of James returning victorious had spread quickly. To the families who had lost someone in battle, I’d not only made sure they were visited and informed in person but I’d also ensured a healthy monetary payment went to them. The money wouldn’t replace a loved one, but they wouldn’t be struggling to pay bills while they found a way to get their feet back under them. Especially for the people from Cabbage Patch, who were already on the brink of financial ruin just living day to day, the money would help them into a better future. It was all I could do.
Still, in spite of those lost, the mood here on the docks was festive. People already lined up, eager to see their victorious king, and I could hardly throw stones considering I’d lined up right alongside them. My new retainer, Chandler, had insisted I wear my crown on this occasion. This whole thing was already forming up to be a parade, official or not.
The very second the ship pulled in, James barely waited for a gangplank to be lowered before he descended. I drank him in as he half jogged toward me, Titan, who was already prancing, right on his heels. James handled the lead rope while skillfully avoiding people who tried to stop him. He looked exhausted, not moving with his usual grace and energy. Still, the momenthe spotted me, the most brilliant smile took over his face, and I swear to you, I fell for the man all over again.
How could you not love someone who looked at you likethat?
James reached out to me and I met him halfway, flinging my arms around his neck and squeezing him tight. The second we had arms around each other, he made a sound of utter contentment, like this was where he’d wanted to be all day.
He smelled of sweat, wind, and the brine of the ocean. I kissed the side of his neck and whispered, “Welcome home.”
“I am so glad to be home, you’ve no idea. Why are there so many people, though?”
“Word got out you would return about now. Everyone’s lining up to see you.”
“An impromptu parade, eh?”
I could tell from his voice how tired he was. “There’s a hot bath, your favorite food, and quiet for the rest of the day waiting for you. Just smile and wave until we reach the palace.”
“This,” he said with satisfaction, “is why I love you. All right, let’s get through this.”
I stepped back and took his arm, leading him toward the carriage. “I’ll fill you in on what’s happened this morning while we go, but I promise it’s nothing bad.”
“Good. I have no energy to deal with anything.”
“I figured as much.” Then I paused, looking at Titan. “Would you prefer carriage or Titan?”
“Titan. Load up with me, actually, I don’t want to ride separate from you. I’ll boost you up.”
It meant riding bareback, as Titan wasn’t saddled, but I knew he was easy to ride. All I had to do was hang on to James, and bareback was easier than trying to double up on a saddle.
We loaded up onto Titan, and James pinned a smile on his face, waving at people as we rode up the steep hill to the palace.I waved some too, but it wasn’t me people wanted to see, which was fine. James had earned his moment in the limelight.
Our knights and soldiers lined up behind us, wanting their own moment of fame, and I didn’t begrudge them. In fact, I egged the crowd on by calling out here and there, “Our brave soldiers, priests, mages, and knights have defeated the demons and saved the country!”
People responded with raucous cheering, and everyone in the parade visibly perked up, waving back. There, that was the right response. They deserved recognition too.
