A deep voice sounded from the small crowd of people still pouring into the glade.
Erich looked over Robin’s shoulder to see a rotund man in monk’s robes step forward.
Robin smiled. “Brother Fletcher, I think he might have been jesting.”
Erich raised his eyebrows at Aizel.
She lifted her shoulders in a cute little shrug and danced back to his side, grabbing his hand. “I’ve already hauled your sleeping body to safety twice. We might as well make it official before you get yourself in trouble again.”
“Are you certain?” Erich whispered.
“Are you?”
“I’ve never been so certain of anything in my life.”
Chapter 44
Erich led his tired crew through the family gate of the Iseldis courtyard.
Robin and her companions had left them a week prior, disappearing to carry out their own business. Peter had opted to come all the way to Iseldis with them, saying he had family in the area.
“Remember,” Aizel whispered up to Erich as they slipped from their horses. “Robin asked us not to mention her by name.”
He nodded and hoped he actually remembered not to slip up this time.
Celesta held Peter’s hand. She was practically falling asleep on her feet.
“Well,” Erich said, “let’s go meet the family.” He was nervous for the conversations to come, but he was thrilled to have Aizel at his side.
The door to the castle opened and Meena flew out, running across the courtyard. She threw herself at Erich in a hug that involved several playful punches. “How dare you leave me without saying goodbye. How dare you!” she yelled. “Never ever do that again.”
Erich hugged her back. “Meena, I would like you to meet...” He paused for dramatic effect. “My wife.”
The shriek in his ear nearly deafened him.
Meena jumped from his arms and immediately threw herself at Aizel.
“While I introduce her to the family,” Erich asked, “could you take her younger sister, Celesta, and find some food, maybe a hot bath and some warm clothes?” Erich used his hands as well as his voice so that Celesta could understand what was happening. He had gotten much better at speaking with his movements over their long trip back through the mountains.
Celesta smiled shyly at his exuberant sister.
Meena leaned down to bring herself eye level with the young girl. “Would you like something delicious to eat?” She copied Erich’s motion, indicating her mouth.
Celesta nodded, happily slipping her hand into Meena’s.
Erich led Aizel and Peter to his parents’ private salon, where his father and mother joined them in a heartbeat. After more hugs, Erich grabbed Aizel’s hand and pulled her forward.
“Father. Mum. This is Aizel, my wife. She’s from the Isle of Istroya. And she’s a Majis.”
Erich watched his parents’ carefully schooled faces.
“You didn’t have to lead with that,” Aizel whispered with a hiss.
“Best to rip the linen off the wound as the healers would say,” Erich smirked back.
Queen Cara stepped forward, pulling Aizel into a gentle hug, but Erich didn’t miss the glare she sent to his father over Aizel’s shoulder.
“It would seem we have much to catch up on,” King Frederich said, raising his eyebrows at Erich.
