“That position exists on paper, not in power. It’s much the same for Esmerie and myself. The realm knew the moment my power surpassed hers. She was meant to step down, but I refused to step up.
“The higher gods didn’t want me either. I don’t fit their mold. I never wanted to live in Valveilious or entangle myself in their politics. I wanted a family. A life. Love. I have that, and I would prefer it remain intact.”
Sadness shadows her eyes. I can’t imagine how much more Ellian’s going to have to work now, which takes him away from his family.
From her.
“I’m sorry,” I whisper.
“You have nothing to be sorry for. Ellian doesn’t regret his choice. Those four boys were the first children we ever cared for. Many Domain Gods, any higher-powered gods really, struggle to have children of their own. Then some are blessed when they’re unworthy. I prayed for years to the Goddess of Creation for one.” She smiles faintly. “In her own way, she answered.”
Yeah, with her children she couldn’t be bothered raising and protecting.
I swallow my anger, but Annalise notices. She squeezes my hand.
“Some mothers don’t know how to be mothers. They can’t even create a proper illusion for the role,” she whispers, then clears her throat. “The gods have been manipulating power for many years. I’m only one example. There are others walking among us who should hold titles their power warrants but don’t. Valveilious is no longer about worth. It is about alliances and ambition.
“The political battlefield will be one of the most dangerous arenas Ellian faces. It isn’t like racing to the Abandon with swords drawn. It requires strategy, restraint, and precision. Conquer there first, and bloodshed may not follow.” She pauses. “That doesn’t make it easier, though.”
Worry etches across every feature in her face. There’s more she wants to say but isn’t. I know this was a warning to us, though, in preparation for whatever Ellian is going to talk to us about.
“Momma, watch this!”
“Oh, Rowden!”
Annalise hollers as she hops up, but there’s nothing she can do. The wild child cuts a flip off the top of their obstacle course before she makes it to the steps. Yemi’s, Rose’s, and my gasps echo across the porch.
His body freezes mid-flip in the air, and I whip my head toward the back door.
“I don’t understand how that kid hasn’t broken something yet.”
Kyzen’s arm stretches out as his eyes blaze, and I release a deep breath.
“Sheer luck. Thank you, Kyzen,” Annalise breathes as she races down the steps and plucks Rowden out of the air.
“Zymir, don’t even think about it,” Ellian says as he sets down a plate of delicious-smelling roast, then he places his hands on his hips.
My eyes widen at the little boy who was about to attempt his own stunt. Luckily, he doesn’t argue. He does grumble a quiet, ah man, but he does as he’s told.
“Rowden Akova, you know better. We’ve talked about this, son.” Annalise sighs.
“I could’ve landed it this time.”
Fuck, kids are so scary.
“You all should’ve just let him do it. You gotta live and learn,” Riven scoffs as he sets down two plates.
All of Yemi’s Valtrue pile out the door with their own dishes in hand, and my stomach growls again. Yemi and Rose smirk over at me, and I shrug.
I’m going to stuff my face.
“Come sit down,” Creed barks at the kids and not a single one of them flinches.
They come barreling up the steps and take their seats in front of the plates already prepared for them just like they were told.
“You too, ladies. Let’s eat,” Ellian says, and Yemi, Rose, and I hop up.
Rose waves Annalise off as she offers to take Ezra back. She’s apparently loving those baby snuggles. I bite my lip and hide the fact I just caught the gaze Lambrit gave her.
