“Such a gentleman. I would love a nice drink. And might I be so bold as to ask for your escort up this hill? I find I’m not as spry as I once was.”
“I would be honored,” Andvari said.
“And now let me look at this one. My, my. A sylph from the fae realm. Delightful!”
Loch stepped up beside her and scowled. “You have much wisdom and a strange power.”
She beamed. “Yes, I do. Now, tell me how it is for you in this realm. It is my understanding that most fae must travel to their realm to regain their strength, but I believe you are fine here.”
Loch’s scowl deepened. “I am as my mate needs me to be.”
“Yes,” Gamayun said. She looked at Andvari and smiled. “We are all as our mates need us to be.”
Her hand tightened on his arm as they walked up the hill. He didn’t like leaving Leader Hartwig behind, but knew he would be expected to provide escort to his leader’s companion. And it seemed like Hartwig wanted him to spend time with Gamayun. He just didn’t know why.
They walked up the hill, passing through the wards with ease. Andvari’s nerves eased further. Sawyer was in the backyard with Augustus and Eduard. Saeward and Draco had stayed with him, as well. And Andvari could feel the presence of yellow eyes. Watching. Always watching.
Sawyer and Augustus were sitting at one of the many umbrella-covered tables surrounding the pool. They each had glasses of something icy and amazing in front of them, no doubt the work of Viv. He’d heard her screech the moment she found out just how many important guests would be arriving within hours. No notice. No prep time. But she’d come through like a champ, as she always did. Even if she’d also protested loudly and vehemently over Sawyer’s menu choices.
Andvari couldn’t help but smile at his mate, even as they drew closer. Sawyer was engrossed in his conversation with their mate’s father, and the elder griffin’s eyes twinkled as he shared one of his many over the top tales. The moment he finished, Sawyer threw back his head and laughed. The sound lifted Andvari’s spirit. They hadn’t had much to laugh about lately, and he had barely seen Sawyer smile at all in weeks.
Sawyer noticed them then, and his eyes darted to the woman at Andvari’s side. He gave her a puzzled frown, and the expression caught Augustus’s attention. He glanced over his shoulder and spit out the tea he’d just sipped.
Gamayun laughed and hurried forward the remaining few feet. Augustus rose and she held out her hands to him. He accepted them in his, then raised them to his mouth. He kissed her knuckles and then leaned forward to kiss her cheek. “Gamayun,” Augustus said. “It has been too long.”
“Entirely too long, Augustus. I’m here as a guest of Hartwig, the vampire elder. Have you met him by chance?”
Augustus frowned at her but quickly schooled his expression. “I have, dear lady.”
“Excellent. A fine leader. And you, my friend. Your heart still weeps for your lost love. Might I recommend a trip to the mountains? I believe you will find some peace there, and perhaps some answers you seek.”
“Thank you,” Augustus said. “I will do that. May I introduce you to my son, Eduard? Eduard, this is an old friend of mine and your mother’s. Gamayun, this is Eduard.”
Eduard leaned in and kissed her cheek before giving her one of his best smiles. “It’s lovely to meet you.”
“And you, dear. You have your mother’s eyes. She was such a lovely lady. She would be very proud of you, you know. Do you know what she loved more than anything but you and your father?”
Eduard shook his head.
“Love. And she would be so pleased that you have such an abundance of it.”
Eduard and Augustus both had tears in their eyes, and Eduard kissed Gamayun’s cheek again. “Thank you. I didn’t know I needed to hear that.”
She smiled at him. “Would you introduce me to your mates, Eduard?”
“I would be honored.”
Eduard turned to Sawyer first, who’d been watching the entire scene with a curious smile on his face. He obviously sensed something different about her. He stepped up to Eduard’s side as Andvari kept watch. He glanced at Loch, who remained on guard as well.
“This is Sawyer Smith, my mate,” Eduard said proudly.
“And the Chosen One,” Gamayun added.
“That’s me,” Sawyer said. She smiled at him and patted his cheek.
“You’ve met Andvari already,” Eduard said. “This is Draco.”
“Such a stunning dragon, my boy.”
