“It’s not your fault.”
Caelian blinked up at her brother, certain she’d misheard him. “Pardon?”
“It’s not your fault, Caelian. None of this is your fault, and no one blames you.” Ariesian knelt on the ground before her and captured her hands, forcing her to meet his gaze. His silver eyes were full of love and concern, of pride and empathy. His face was open, relaying the full depth of his emotions. This was no longer the Lord of House Celestine, but herbrother, Aries, who would do anything to ensure the happiness of his siblings. Who would do anything to keep her safe. “You were a child, Cae. It’s not your fault.”
A knot of emotion was lodged in the back of her throat, and she pressed her lips into a hard line to keep from crying.
“It’s not your fault.” He squeezed her hands in earnest. “Say it.”
“It’s not…” Caelian’s voice cracked. She swallowed hard and tried again, shaking her head once. “It’s not my fault.”
“I want you to believe it when you say it.” Ariesian nodded. “Again.”
“It’s not my fault.” Her voice was stronger this time, and a small, wishful part of her knew he was speaking the truth. Caelian heaved herself off the fountain ledge and into his arms. “It’s not my fault.”
He rocked back but remained firmly grounded, holding her in the strength of his embrace. “I am so sorry if I ever made you feel less than, or as though you were unworthy. It was never my intention to hurt you so deeply. I only wanted to protect you from…”
His tone shifted and his voice trailed off.
“From any lords who might see me as weak and vulnerable?” she suggested, understanding why he wanted her far from Aeramere during Midsummer.
“Exactly.” Ariesian huffed out the word. He climbed to his feet, bringing her with him, and when he planted his hands upon her shoulders, his gaze searched hers, pleading with her to understand. “You must know there are people out there, especially some males, who wish us harm. Who wishmeharm.”
“I know.” Caelian nodded, for though they were few and far between, she’d heard such dreadful wishes before. And promptly ignored them.
“If they thought they could get to me through you, they would. Which is why I’ve been very selective about the marriages of our siblings.” He released her then and scrubbed one hand over his face. “If only some of them were not so damn stubborn.”
She didn’t ask because she knew he was talking about Nyxian. About his wedding tomorrow, to Lady Aria Skyhelm.
“And what are your thoughts on my marriage to General Holtstrom?” she asked, because even though they didn’t ask Ariesian’s permission, she still wanted his approval.
“He is a fine choice.” Ariesian smiled, and it was so rarely seen, Caelian had forgotten how handsome it made him when he was at ease. “So long as he makes you happy.”
“He does.” She hugged her brother again. “Very happy.”
Ariesian kissed the top of her head. “Then I’m glad for it.”
“As am I.” Kjeld’s rough voice sounded, and Caelian pulled away to find him leaning against a smooth pillar, watching her with a lazy smile on his face. His summer blue eyes landed on Ariesian, and his features softened with gratitude. “Thank you for trusting her with me.”
Ariesian straightened, his chest expanding on his next breath, as the lightness of his expression was absorbed beneath a veneer of impassivity. Caelian watched as her brother transformed into the epitome of nobility, Lord Starstorm.
He inclined his head, tucking his hands behind his back. “Of course. I could not have wished for someone more worthy.”
It was a high compliment coming from Ariesian, and without sparing her or Kjeld another glance, he left them alone in the gardens.
“I worry for him.” The admission slipped from her before she could stop it, and Kjeld closed the distance between them in two long strides, pulling her into his arms.
“Aye, and you would not be the only one.” His large palms skated up and down her waist. “It would not surprise me in the least if all of your siblings, except for maybe Nyxian, though I’m sure he’ll come around, are worried for Ariesian. His responsibilities are great, and if he reclaims your bloodright…then heavy is the crown.”
Caelian draped her arms over his broad shoulders and stared up at the male who owned every crevice of her heart and the entirety of her soul. The one who understood her, who saw her, who looked beyond what she presented to the world. And she knew he would never leave her side. “Ariesian has always been there for us, he basically helped to raise us. He stepped up as a father figure, stepped into his title, all of it without hesitation. When the time comes, I will not fail him, none of us will.”
Kjeld captured her chin with his thumb and forefinger. “Whatever path you walk, whatever oath you take, I will follow. Where you go, I go.”
She rose up on her toes and lightly pressed her lips to his, meeting the intensity of his gaze. “Right now, I would like to go to the docks. I hear Lira will be arriving soon.”
He nodded. “That she will.”
Caelian searched his eyes, looking for the truth. Her bottom lip trembled and her voice quivered when she asked, “Promise me we’ll go back?”
