I shook my head and took another sip of my coffee. “You definitely don’t need a test to prove you all are related.”
Samkiel groaned and set his elbows on the table with a thud.
“Where are Cameron and Reggie?” He looked at Miska. “I need you to go to your room and change into something you can swim in.”
Her fork clattered against her plate, and her eyes lit up. “Why?”
“Because we all deserve a day off, and we are going into the city,” he said, smiling at me.
CAMERON’S SHOULDERS SHOOKas he did some form of a victory dance along the beach, laughter lifting above the sound of the waves. I hadn’t known this was so close to home. The city ended just on the other side of a bridge, its pale stone draped with pots of colorful flowers. It opened onto a path lined with lush plants that led to this section of the shore. It was obviously traveled, but you wouldn’t easily find it if you didn’t know it was there. Apparently, Samkiel had discovered this spot when he settled the palace, but had kept it secret for a special day.
The city was thriving, and its people were settling into a life of peace and happiness. Gods above knew we all needed it. People were spread out on the beach, some relaxing in the sun with their families, others playing in the water. A group of older teens were constructing the beginnings of a bonfire in preparation for nightfall. A line of kids stood before a small shop, bouncing up and down as they waited for their turn to get a frozen treat.
Samkiel had done this. He brought peace in a time of war, and the cities we had been to, the people we helped, could finally laugh, joke, and play peacefully here. Homes were built along the cliffside and in the inner city, with shops lining the border offering an array of clothing, trinkets, and food. Everyone wanted to help make this city grow to protect it, and a part of my cold, dead heart split wide open. I knew that feeling so well, of finally finding a place you could call your own, a place you could call home. My chest swelled, knowing Gabby would have loved this. In her name, in his and mine, I would die protecting it.
“You’re playing against children,” I yelled to Cameron, who stopped his dancing. “You’re eight feet taller than them. Stop with the victory dance.”
“Winning is winning, baby,” Cameron said, pointing at me and winking.
Samkiel sighed next to me. We were dressed in matching swimwear, just like on Rashearim, except this time, I’d wanted pink, and he hadn’t minded indulging me. Children laughed at his antics, their ages ranging from nine to well past Miska’s thirteen. Cameron picked up the ball again, gently kicking it into the air, showing off for his audience.
“Should we embarrass him?” Samkiel asked at my side, hands on his hips.
“I love it when you talk dirty.” I winked at him, smirking wickedly.
Samkiel clapped. “Okay, one more.”
“Sure, if you guys want to lose again,” Cameron said, spinning the red ball on the tip of one finger, the kids squealing with glee.
“Ha ha ha,” Samkiel said before steeling his face. “Okay, pick your teams.”
The children scattered. Miska, of course, ran to us, and Cameron yelled, “Traitor!”
She giggled harder as she came to a stop between Samkiel and me, copying me and planting her feet in the sand.
“THIS IS CHEATING. Somehow.”
“Well, someone had to cheer too loudly about his wins,” I complained, eyeing Cameron accusingly.
Both of us swung off one of Samkiel’s shoulders as we tossed insults to each other like children. Miska giggled like a maniac from where she clung to Samkiel’s leg as he carried all of us past the finish line.
Cameron huffed, still trying to throw Samkiel off balance. “If I had a weak ego, it would be in shambles.”
As soon as Samkiel’s feet crossed over the line drawn in the sand, he dropped Cameron on his ass. He shook me off as well, chuckling when I hit the sand. Miska let go almost instantly, still giggling as she hopped up and ran to the group of girls that were a part of our team. They all squealed as they whispered about the game. It was nice to see her make friends with those her own age, especially after the way she was treated in Jade City.
“We win,” Samkiel said to Cameron, smiling triumphantly as he held the makeshift ball in his hands.
“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” Cameron said with a scowl.
His team hollered and laughed, jumping up and down in excitement. It seemed that nearly the entire city was on the beach. Some were laughing and playing in the waves, while others watched the game, and still others smiled and relaxed for what seemed like the first time in their lives.
“And Reggie just watched,” Cameron called toward him.
We all had given Reggie enough shit that he’d finally decided to come with us and unwind for once. He even wore a swimsuit, although he initially protested vociferously. It wasn’t until Miska begged that he finally agreed. A small smirk formed on my lips as the fate stood like a disapproving father, scowling at Cameron from a few feet away. It would be very intimidating if both men weren’t currently wearing the paint Miska had made on their fingernails. Apparently, in my absence, she had decided they all should match, so blue nails for all it was.
Reggie held up both hands. “I was but an innocent bystander.”
Cameron tossed a handful of sand his way, knowing it would never reach. “My point, exactly. You were supposed to referee.”
