I peer over at Yemi’s men to see how they take being left in here without her. It’s no surprise Doren is nodding enthusiastically while the other three shift on their feet.
Lambrit gives Rose a quick kiss, then moves right to Ellian’s side.
“I’m staying with the men,”V hoots as he flies over and perches himself on Creed’s head. I fight back a snort.
“Thayla, dear, grab that bottle for me, will you? Then come with me,” Annalise says.
I do as she asked, then Yemi, Rose, and I follow behind her with smirks and winks at the men.
“What stage in life do we have to get to, to be able to command all of them like that and they listen?” Yemi asks with a faux whisper.
“Train them right from the start, and it gets easier.”
The three of us chuckle as Annalise leads us through the kitchen and out the back door. My mouth parts the second we step out on the threshold.
I don’t know what I expected, but a ginormous backyard and a beautiful, long porch with a table that can—will—fit all of us, wasn’t it. We make our way to the far corner where several rocking chairs are spread out.
The children are running around the huge stretch of green grass, and my gaze roams across them, their toys, obstacle courses, and all kinds of other stuff.
This is a kid’s dream yard.
“Okay, my boy, are you ready to eat?” A sweet coo follows Annalise’s question.
“May I feed him?” Rose asks as she steps closer and smiles down at him. “He’s so precious. I haven’t seen a baby in years.”
“Of course. Baby Ezra is a sack of sugar. I was wondering if your power was going to push you toward him.”
Rose grins brightly and expertly takes the baby, then the bottle I pass her like it’s completely natural.
“How do you know what her power is?” I ask as Annalise relaxes into the rocking chair.
“It would be impossible not to. Her domain falls under mine.”
Yemi’s and my chairs stop rocking as we stare between them. Rose shrugs like we should’ve known.
“I’m confused,” Yemi says. “I thought the Goddess of Affection’s name was Esmerie?”
“It is. She holds the official title in the eyes of the gods, but paper doesn’t define power.” She eyes my narrowed gaze. “Oh, I know that look. I wear it often when Ellian doesn’t tell me everything. The boys didn’t tell you because we don’t dare acknowledge it.”
“So…” I tilt my head. “Actually, I’m not sure what to say.”
She pats my hand, calm as ever.
The Goddess of Affection.
The gravity and natural relaxation around her make a lot more sense now. So does her ability to take care of this many children.
“A great deal is about to change, and I wanted to speak with you three—goddess to goddesses—before Ellian does. I don’t know you all well, but his faith in Amick, Creed, Riven, and Kyzen has never wavered. He sees that same loyalty in Lambrit, and now in your Valtrue, Yemi. Since he trusts you, I will too. I figured starting with who I really am was the best place to start.
“The role he’s stepped into is dangerous. Now more than ever, he must keep those he loves close. I will do whatever I must to protect my husband, my children, and the people we hold dear. That begins with honesty, and according to Ellian, all the men inside—aside from perhaps Sevryn—understand how the higher gods operate. You know what his parchment meant during the Chancellors Choosing, yes?”
I glance at Rose’s worried expression and her mumbled no.
“Amick was meant to be High Chancellor,” I say. “Ellian prayed for him to have more time, so he assumed the responsibility until Amick is ready to face that fate.”
Her jaw drops. “Oh.”
Yeah…oh. It fucking sucks no matter how you look at it.
