If only I’d known then what I knew now.
The once dull, glass-looking pieces were now shinny and clear, the same magic that projected out of them swirling within their depths.
“Alright. You are special too,” Skylar admitted, gawking at my glowing eyes, and stepping closer to the counter while everyone else moved back.
A slow smirk tilted my lips before my fingers curled around the hilt. The moment I gripped it, the same rush of power I felt with the ring coursed through me, though soft enough for me to be able to wield it. Adrenaline and magic dashed through my veins as I lifted the sword, the blade singing while it cut through the air.
“Wow,” Charlotte whispered from my left, and I glanced at her to see my magic reflecting in her eyes.
“Maybe you should put it back in the box,” Asher whispered, gesturing behind me.
Following his hand, I found a small crowd was gathering, the sword illuminating the entire space.
Right.
Taking a settling breath, I lowered the blade, nestling it into its velvet bed and closing the lid. As it clicked into place, my eyes ceased their glowing, but the people behind me remained there, watching me with awe-filled expressions.
“I can’t thank you enough, Skylar. Truly,” I offered. “I give you yours back. It was an honor wielding it.” Pulling it from the hook on my belt, I handed the sword to her and took my case off the counter.
“It was an honor lending it to you.” With a smile, she placed hers back on the shelf by her desk, before returning to our side. “Imogen advised the other day that you would need six new armors. They are well on their way, but they are not ready yet,” she informed, glancing briefly at the five women behind her.
“That is alright, Love. I know brilliance takes time.” Asher offered with a handsome smile meant just for her. “I brought you the guard for fitting.”
“Ever so helpful.” Turning, Skylar whistled at one of the women, calling her to our side.
As soon as the girl took off her helmet, a smile curved my lips.
“Thea!” Charlotte squealed, rushing into the shop to hug her.
“Hey, guys!” she offered, keeping Charlotte by her side as she joined Skylar.
“How are you?” I asked, taken aback by her presence here. Imogen had told me Thea presented other skills that could help the Legion greatly, but I never imagined it would be this.
“I’m good,” she answered excitedly. “Learning so much.”
“I had no idea you had the forging gift,” I admitted.
“Neither did I!” She chuckled. “Commander Dawnsky noticed something in me and sent me here to talk to Skylar. It turns out I have the same ability as her.”
“I don’t know exactly what lineage, but Thea and I are family,” Skylar explained, her words singing with joy. “She’s a quick learner.” Gesturing at Aaron to step into the shop with Charlotte, she turned to grab two measuring ribbons that hung from the wall, handing one to Thea. “Please help me get them started. We need to make sure all arm shields fit them snugly.”
“I’d love to.” Grinning widely at Charlotte, Thea motioned for her to extend her arms and began measuring her.
It was humbling to see how overjoyed they were to have found family they didn’t even know they had. Slavery had erased their ancestry, but the freedom that Evie granted them helped them find each other again. At every turn, I was reminded of how important everything we were doing here truly was.
“Before you get busy again, could I ask for a favor?” I called to Skylar, my question bringing her back to my side.
“Of course, what do you need?”
Picking up the large leather bag I’d brought with me from my quarters, I placed it on the counter. “This is my father’s armor. Could you please help get it ready for me to wear tomorrow morning? I wouldn’t know where to even start.”
A bright emotion illuminated her eyes, wonder spreading over her expression. “You are the surprise our princess will unveil tomorrow, aren’t you?”
I nodded. “Yep.”
“It is his formal introduction to our kingdom,” Asher added.
“What surprise? What did I miss?” Thea asked, moving closer.
