Thank the gods for my beloved.
I smile.
“Besides, even if I don’t have the same power, I feel… lighter. Happier. And nothing can stop me frominsinuatingthat the power still is nestled within me.” Then I place my hand on hers. “And who’s to say our child will not have the same power?”
I feel her consider this, and then, when she accepts the idea, she snuggles closer.
“Tell me what you think our child will be like,” she asks softly.
I smile wide enough for my face to hurt.
“Strong, stubborn, and incredibly well proportioned. None of the other younglings will have a chance.”
She laughs, and I notice a tear sneak out of the corner of her eye. I wipe it away, and she catches my hand.
“I hope you know that this is from happiness, not pain,” she says solemnly.
“Believe me, I know.”
Chapter 50
Ocean Jasper
ESTELA
The music of the feast swells around the hall. It’s been decorated almost as elaborately as it was during my wedding on the Festival of Endu. A second wall was opened to look out at the Ardorflame Temple, and there is a group of singers sitting at the other end of the space.
Ulla and Thorne have joined Velen to create waves of music that would please the gods themselves, while several elves have brought instruments. I think of the ogres at Rholker’s coronation, and all the great many things that I have passed through since I was taken from the cave a handful of months ago.
It strikes me that I never realized instruments weren’t used under the mountain as I watch the musicians play. It spikes my curiosity.
That is, until a cry comes from the basket next to me. Mikal and the new baby were placed on either side of our table.
Mikal holds a dagger in his hands, and he practices twirling around his fingers and wrists.
“Be careful,” I chide as I adjust the small babe’s blanket, and my brother looks up at me.
Hegrins.
“Svanna said I have excellent blade instincts,” he counters, and I snort a laugh.
Just as I’m about to snatch the blade away, Teo stills my hand. “She’s right. Have you spoken to Vann? He’s always happy for a sparring partner. I would be, too.”
Mikal’s whole face lights up. “Really? Would you like to practice tonight? War on the horizon means that you can never have too much practice.”
I suck in a sharp breath.
He’s young, so he’s always been so full of energy, but I don’t luxuriate in the idea of my husband taking my brother off to be a soldier. Teo has made promises to me and our family.
Knowing how to use a blade is wise,mi amor?1,he says through our bond.
I want to make a comment about his invading my thoughts. “Tomorrow, perhaps. Tonight, you should enjoy yourself. Go, there are others your age over near the roasting bear.” Teo raises his hand to gesture where the other younglings play and run. I see mostly small children, but there are a few teenagers swaying about. One or two looks like they could go perform thedual’moraantomorrow.
Mikal stiffens. I look at him, leaning forward as he watches. After a few moments, his eyes find mine. I see his life spent cutting wood among men twice his age. He looks unsure, tugging on his tunic.
I worry that he won’t find what he searches for with them. Rejection is more painful than self-imposed isolation, but the fear of success can’t hold him back forever. Especially when most of that fear is mine.
They accepted you, they will accept him in time,Teo says calmly.
