“Good things, I hope,” I say.
“Mostly.” There’s a hint of humor in his expression, and his mouth pulls up at one side. “I hope you don’t mind, but my wife, Thesha, didn’t make the trip. She will be here for the next one.”
I am sure that they don’t fully trust the shifterfae yet, but all of that will change after their stay, I am sure.
“Of course.”
Isla and Xander shake hands.
“And this,” Damon continues, gesturing to the blond, “is Kian, king of the emptyfae.”
Kian clasps my forearm in greeting. “It is an honor, Shadowfae King.”
“The honor is mine,” I tell him. “Drakar Kilara is waiting for us in the meeting hall,” I tell them. “There are refreshments there, and chambers have been prepared for you all to stay the night.”
“A hot meal and a bed.” Damon grins. “You certainly know how to welcome guests.”
“We try.”
We begin walking, the group falling into an easy formation. Orion and Damon flank me on either side, with Xander and Kian close behind. Isla walks next to me, her hand still in mine.
The path winds through the shifterfae settlement. We pass cooking fires tended by females, their children playing nearby. A group of young males sparring stops and watches us, their eyes wide. A dragon sleeps coiled beside a stone pavilion, its tail wrapped around itself like a cat.
It’s easy to forget, sometimes, that there is still good in this realm. That not everything has been touched by Snow’s darkness.
We are nearing the meeting hall when Isla tugs at my hand, and I slow my pace to match hers.
“I’m going to lie down for a bit,” she whispers.
I stop and turn to face her. Her color hasn’t improved.
“Of course.” I cup her face in my hands and press a kiss to her forehead. “I’ll come check on you as soon as I can.”
“Take your time. This meeting is important.”
“You’re important.” I brush my thumb across her cheek. “You and our little one.”
She smiles, and some of the tension leaves her shoulders. “Go. Make alliances. Save the realm.” She looks past me to the gathered kings and offers an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry to leave so soon. I’ll see you all later.”
“Rest well,” Orion says.
“We’ll see you later, Isla,” Damon adds.
Isla squeezes my hand one last time, then turns and makes her way back toward the caves.
I watch until she disappears inside. Then I turn back to the group.
“Was that a ring I saw on her finger?” Damon asks, grinning. “The one you bought in town?”
I nod. “It took nearly three weeks of asking before she finally said yes. Now I just need to get her to agree on a date for the ceremony.” I roll my eyes.
Orion claps me on the shoulder. “Congratulations.”
“There’s more.” I look at each of them in turn. “She’s carrying my child.”
For a moment, no one speaks. Then Damon lets out a low whistle, and Xander’s eyebrows climb toward his hairline.
“A baby.” Orion’s grin spreads wide across his face. “Congratulations again. Maxwell could use a playmate. Just so you know, it is normal that females feel ill and tired for a while. Maya was the same.”
