Asher stood at the edge of the dais where our large dining table sat, with Skylar by his side. He seemed frozen, shocked beyond belief while his gaze focused on the woman who stood at the center, addressing our people.
The woman’s raven black hair, which gleamed blue under the dancing fire light, was the first thing that caught my attention. It fell sleekly all the way to her knees, partially covering the beautiful cream coat with snowflake embroidery she wore. Her pale skin was accentuated only by the stark white that engulfed her eyes, both creating a harsh contrast with her dark strands.
Never in my life had I seen a Truth Teller. Never thought I one day would. Yet, as I glanced at the woman who stood before us, I knew she was Asher’s mother.
“What is she doing here?” Imogen asked, seeming as stunned as Asher was. “I thought she was in the Icelands.”
“She’s scolding everyone for doubting their queen and king, and attempting to walk out on them last night,” Willow answered, fully enjoying it. “And for ruining the celebration.”
“No…” Warmth captured Braxton’s expression as he looked at her. “She’s returned home to be a mother again.”
Finishing her speech, the Truth Teller turned towards me, a smile curving her lips like she could see exactly where we stood.
“Dragon King, Queen of the People, thank you for welcoming me. So, what are we having for breakfast? I am famished.”
* * *
“You can stay in the castle with us, Truth Teller,” I offered once we reached the seventh floor, feeling bad that I wasn’t sure what else to call Asher’s mother.
Breakfast had been shocking, and a bit awkward with her unexpected return, but Asher’s apprehension to her presence seemed to be melting away with every sun-minute that passed.
“You may call me Aelia, my queen. My time as the Truth Teller is soon to be over. TheSky Godshave already chosen my successor.”
Holy Gods. Braxton and I exchanged a glance, unsure of what that meant exactly.
“Thank you, Aelia,” I offered with a smile. “You may call us Evanna and Braxton.”
She bowed her head, grateful.
“She may stay in Kingston’s prior quarters. If Asher approves, of course,” Willow immediately offered. “Kingston and I will share mine now.”
“It is next to Asher’s, so that would help for you both to spend some time together. Allow you to talk,” Braxton suggested, and tension returned to his commander’s shoulders.
“Perhaps it’s too soon…” I began, but paused when Asher shook his head.
“She may stay there. I’m alright with that.”
A certain sadness captured the Truth Teller’s features, and she stepped closer to her son, lifting a hand to his cheek. For a moment, he tensed under her touch.
“Leaving your side was never a choice between you or my vision, precious child. It was merely the acceptance of a mission only I could uphold.” Her white eyes briefly turned to my mate before returning to her son, a smile curving her lips. “My mission has now been fulfilled. So, I have returned, hoping you will grant me the privilege of being in your life again.”
The unmistakable truth and warmth in her confession melted Asher’s walls, his coolness towards her vanishing. Gripping her hand on his cheek, he nodded, even as his jaw tensed with the emotion coursing through him.
Lifting her arms, she welcomed him in her embrace, and my eyes glistened to witness their reunion. Something else I thought I would never have the honor to see.
“This is Skylar,” Asher introduced his mate the moment he pulled out of the hug, finally accepting his mother back into his life.
“The woman you gave your heart to. I know,” Aelia finished for him, extending a caring hand to cradle Skylar’s cheek. “I saw you find each other and fall in love… I have witnessed the life you will share and the family you shall nurture together. They are beautiful.”
For the first time since his mother’s return, a true smile captured Asher’s face, illuminating his eyes. Her words helped him understand his mother might have been gone, but she never stopped watching over him.
And just like that, another wound began to heal.
Exchanging a glance with Skylar, he kissed her, his attention soon returning to his mother. “Let me escort you to your room. You must be tired from your journey here.”
“Later, Son.” Patting his hand, Aelia regarded Braxton. “I believe our king wants to talk to me first.”
Braxton gave Asher a half apologetic, half bewildered smile but Asher just nodded.
