“Indeed. I’ve been telling her the same thing for full seasons.” Vasper pinched his sister’s arm. “Good thing we still like you, Leena. Otherwise, Mother probably would have sent you to live in the sea so as not to embarrass us further.”
“Oh, I don’t embarrass you.” She swished her hand through the air. “I entertain all of you. You’re just too proper to admit it.”
Varkin eyed his youngest child with a twinkle in his eye, and I had a feeling my cousin was right.
My mother also seemed to be in agreement. A grin spread across her face as she beheld her sister’s family. “I so wishI’d been able to join you that weekend, Daileeum. But at least I finally got to meet Varkin once you two emerged from your bedroom chambers a month later.”
Vordem, Vasper, and Mylin all roared with laughter, and Valeena poked her mother back.
“Stars, did you hear that, Mother? Even Aunt Oleander is joining in the fun. Whatever are you going to do?” Valeena batted her eyelashes playfully.
Laughing again, I glanced at my sisters. Both Koraline and Lillith had been quiet so far, but from the happy smiles and quiet chuckles they’d both emitted, I had a feeling they also loved these cousins.
“Since the events of that night are off-limits”—I eyed Valeena conspiratorially, at which she fell into a fit of giggles—“may I ask if you were ever arrested by the kingsfae for your plans to raid Mistvale’s shores?”
Varkin shook his head. “My lovely wife used her connections with the royal family to waylay my arrest, but my father was rather unhappy with my defeat.”
I leaned forward more. “Oh dear, that sounds like it may have been worse than being arrested.”
Varkin shrugged. “I’m not sure how much you know about my father, but King Drachu has many,manychildren. Most of us were born of his concubines. I’m no exception, but he still endeavors to discover which of his children have traits that may serve him. Alas, I failed miserably.”
My lips downturned in sympathy that Varkin had likely been shunned by his father.
Varkin chuckled and shook his finger at me. “Now, none of that. I can see that you’re feeling sorry for me, but worry not, Princess Primelle. I may not have much contact with the Lochen king, but that doesn’t mean my entire family has shunned me. Even though I’ve spent most of my life on land with my mother’sfamily, and have only returned to the sea on occasion, I do have a number of Lochen brothers and sisters who are still happy to welcome me into their homes.”
“Indeed, we’ve even met a few at family functions when they’ve agreed to spend time on land with us,” Lillith chipped in. “Isn’t that right?”
Koraline inclined her head, and at her side, Neb added, “I think I met one of your brothers last summer. What was his name? Tyler or something like that?”
“Tylen.” Varkin corrected, then laughed. “And yes, you all met him last summer, but as I said, there’smanyof them. You’ll inevitably meet more in the seasons to come.”
“Which also means we have plenty of homes to visit if we go to sea,” Valeena chipped in. “I do adore the cities beneath the waves.”
“Do you visit them often?” I asked.
Vordem cut in, “Not often enough. She’s usually here annoying us.”
Valeena slugged him in the shoulder but went on to tell me about the trip she’d taken last season to Vemil Brasea, the Lochen capital in the Adriastic Sea. Despite being only a quarter Lochen fairy, Valeena had inherited the ability to shift into the fish-like creatures the Lochen fae could turn into, something her brothers couldn’t do.
My delight increased at her story and her family’s easy banter. It was in such contrast to the annoyance emanating from Darius and the stiff posture my aunt Crisillin wore. My uncles on my father’s side appeared more open, but I couldn’t help but wonder if extended family gatherings could be awkward.
But I supposed only time would tell about that too.
After Valeena finished her story, my mother patted my hand and at last made a proper introduction to Neb. Even though Koraline still looked down her nose at me, Lillith seemed to bewarming to me, and Neb had good enough manners not to share in my oldest sister’s snubs.
The clock rang noon when everyone finally stood, and my father sauntered to my side to give my hand a squeeze. “And that, my darling, is everyone. Welcome to the family, Primelle.”
Even though Iwas hoping to speak privately with my parents so I could request that I start researching what was known of the creatures, my parents insisted that we all spend the rest of the day together so I could become better acquainted with my extended family.
I figured after the familial duties were done, I could corner my parents and ask them if I could be released from the palace each day to venture to the libraries. But at least the rest of the day didn’t involve sitting inside.
Instead, my entire family sauntered to the outdoor stables so we could all enjoy a ride over the palace lands on the royal domals. I only thanked the gods and goddesses that Gwen and Timith had insisted I take riding lessons as a child. Otherwise, I likely would have been thrown from the saddle.
As it was, I enjoyed the activity. The fresh air and sunshine helped me forget momentarily about the attack in the maze, and my Lochen cousins proved to be as pleasant as the weather.
Darius, on the other hand, I could easily do without seeing again anytime soon. He was constantly complaining about something or another, and his mother wasn’t much better. My poor uncle Leopold also seemed to share in my desire to keep his distance. Not once did I see him ride by either his wife or son.
My Imperial Warrior followed me on his own domal throughout the venture, and I could tell from Royden’sexpression that he wasn’t a fan of domals even though he was skilled enough in the saddle to keep up.
