SAKALA
I turned, scenting them before I saw them.
“KALA!”
I bent down to the ground, tears already falling as Kavni ran toward me, my mother and dad following behind at a much more sedate pace. Mother looked unflappable as always. Or, she was at least trying very hard to appear that way. My father gawked at everything around him, his eyes wide.
I focused on my sister, warm and alive and plump and healthy in my arms.
“I missed you so much,” I cried into her hair, smoothing it down with my hands. “Were you all right? Were you good? I was so worried you weren’t eating and—”
“I made sure she ate.”
I glanced up as Tekka stepped in behind my parents, blushing the moment I met her eyes. “And also … I might have yelled at your dad. And the captain. Shit. I’m sorry. Please don’t make my betrothal—” she pleaded to my mother, who held up a weary hand and sighed.
“No. You have my thanks. I hadn’t realized there were … issues back home.” She raised an eyebrow at my dad, who blushed.
“I—” he began.
“Later,” my mother purred, one wing tip trailing along his.
I blinked, unused to seeing them together, let alone show affection. Kavni squirmed in my arms, and I backed away.
“This is Fane, my—”
“Uh huh. Who are they?”
Fane choked as Kavni immediately dismissed him in favor of his younger brothers, her eyes on fire at the sight of two new, prospective playmates.
“That’s—”
“CAN’T CATCH ME!” Kavni dove off my lap and pushed Xan hard. My face twisted in horror, but Fane only laughed as Tarin growled and shot after her. Xan joined once he caught himself.
“Let’s go before they start mating—” Fane chuckled darkly into my hair.
They disappeared into the hallway and ran off, oblivious to everyone and everything.
I groaned and rubbed my face with my hands. “What have we done?”
Fane laughed, pulling me in close to his side. “Created a monster. Several, in fact. The guards will regret every complaint about me.”
“Well, I suppose we can skip lessons for today,” Fane’s mother said, giving us all a warm smile. “Dinner?”
Fane offered his elbow as his parents and mine were ushered down to the grand hall. The feast would be large with so many guests! More guests than Lyoness had seen in decades, and all because of Fane. Because of us.
I squeezed his hand. At least I knew the easiest way to get his brothers to move along. I had so many plans.