Although he was reluctant to release Pyxlevir, Gramlithyn forced himself to let go so they could exchange hugs with Pyxlevir’s parents. The other centaurs sprang up, added their felicitations, and there were more embraces. Since Gramlithyn’s parents remained frozen in place, he found it difficult to relax despite the positive response from Pyxlevir’s relatives.
“For the first time, I wish there was something besides beer in the house,” Timotheus mused. “An announcement like this deserves champagne.”
“We’ll have it at D’Vaire after Pyxlevir and Gramlithyn announce it to everyone this weekend,” Evlithar enthused.
Unable to stand it any longer, Gramlithyn left Pyxlevir surrounded by his beloved relatives and headed to where his father remained rooted in place.
“Mom. Dad. I’m sorry,” Gramlithyn said.
His father shook his head. “No, I am the one who is sorry. I wish…well, we’ll save that for another day, I think. Congratulations, you deserve all the happiness in the world. Both of you do.”
At Laconifel’s side, his mother pulled herself up and wiped her cheeks. “How lucky you are to be granted your mate so young. Fate must adore you nearly as much as I do. Congratulations, my dear Gramlithyn.”
A sliver of peace hit Gramlithyn as his parents hugged first him, then insisted on doing the same to Pyxlevir. No one had objected or yelled, which Gramlithyn would take as a win, but the air hadn’t been cleared either. Unsure where that lefthim, Gramlithyn let his gaze lock with Pyxlevir’s, and his other half smiled. It lacked the verve of his usual grin.
Gramlithyn ignored the rest of the people in the room to scoop Pyxlevir into his arms again.
“We survived,” Pyxlevir whispered.
“Barely.”
“Everyone needs time to digest it. Let’s herd them to the table so we can get out of here early.”
With a nod, Gramlithyn dropped a kiss on Pyxlevir’s head. Their secret was out, but Gramlithyn still had work to do if he wanted to rebuild his relationship with his parents. That would have to wait for another day, and it’d start with Gramlithyn explaining why he’d walked away from his mate and life six years earlier.
Chapter 30
The atmosphere at D’Vaire was celebratory, but Gramlithyn’s unease remained. Neither he nor his zebra could fully relax despite the presence of their remarkable mate at Gramlithyn’s side. A dark cloud would continue to follow him until he faced his past.
“Pyx,” Gramlithyn said. “I need to talk to my parents.”
“I know, do you want me to come with you?”
“I appreciate the offer, but I’ll be okay.”
Pyxlevir grinned. “Of course you will. Kiss first.”
Gramlithyn brushed their lips together and caressed the soft skin of his pretty blue cheek. “I’ll be back soon. Save me some champagne.”
“You can have as much as you want. I wish someone would let me have a freaking beer,” Pyxlevir muttered.
Delighted with Fate’s choice for him, Gramlithyn dropped another quick peck on the top of his braided hair, then headed out of the two-story great room and ventured outside. His parents were seated on the deck with Pyxlevir’s closest relatives. Gramlithyn wondered if they were curious why they weren’t planning a matebond ceremony yet, but somehow no one had mentioned it. That would be soon, but Pyxlevir deserved to have everyone ecstatic about their big day.
“Mom. Dad. Do you have a minute?” Gramlithyn asked as soon as his parents spotted him hovering near the back door.
“Of course,” his mother responded instantly and rose. At her side, his father did the same.
“The gazebo is a nice quiet spot if you need one,” Evlithar volunteered.
“Thanks, that’s a great idea,” Gramlithyn replied. He wove his way through the occupied seats and followed his parents off the deck. It was a short walk to the gazebo, built decades ago to honor the Grand Warlock after an event left those closest to him believing he was dead. A plaque bearing the wordDra’Kaedanhung in the entrance. Gramlithyn waited for his parents to choose a spot to sit before he rested his bum on one of the thick navy cushions.
“Sorry for interrupting your weekend,” Gramlithyn said, shoving his hands under his thighs as he fought to remain calm and keep his thoughts organized. Like Gramlithyn, his zebra was antsy but not nearly terrified as they’d been a few days prior when announcing their matebond.
“You aren’t interrupting anything,” his mother responded. “D’Vaire weekends are about family, and we cherish being with you.”
Gramlithyn nodded dumbly and stared at his worn boots because he lacked the bravery to look into their eyes. “Look, I’m sorry. You raised me to believe in Fate, to act with honor, and to be honest. At the first test of adulthood, I failed in every respect. I’ve lied and I’ve hurt people. The last thing you need to hear is a bunch of excuses, and there is really nothing to justify my choices. All I can do now is apologize and beg for forgiveness.”
“Let’s start at the beginning,” his father insisted. “Your mother and I have had some time to put together a few things in the past couple of days. I’m going to assume this is relatedto your matebond and to Pyxlevir, but I’m not clear why you’re apologizing.”
