Page 56 of The Goddesses' Gifts

I tracked her to a bench near the hot spring garden, not far from where a swarm of children were playing a game for which I was certain there were no rules. Oz looked tired with dark rings around her eyes. Sleep often eluded her those days. Her belly didn’t look so large from a distance since she was rather tall for a human woman, but up close it appeared huge, heavy, and uncomfortable. I didn’t know how she kept up with the mass of children while so encumbered. She was so strong. Stronger than myself in some ways. It was why we worked well together. Which was why I needed her now.

Our bond alerted Oz to my approach. She turned and smiled at me, her brown hair shining red and bronze where the late afternoon sunlight caught strands gone errant from her braid. My throat bobbed a little as our eyes met. Did she feel the unrest in my heart as her smile faded into concern?

I sat down beside her on the bench and wrapped an arm around her, inhaling her scent and taking the comfort I could from it. “Lhoris, what’s wrong?”

I gave her the letter and she turned it over in her hands. “You haven’t opened it?”

“No, I don’t think I can do it,” I admitted.

She let the letter sit on her belly. It rocked a little as one of the babies moved. I smiled a little and rested a hand where I could see the movement. The little person inside pushed against my fingers. The wonder of it … those moments never ceased to amaze me. Such magic!

“What are you worried about?” She asked, content to leave the letter closed for the moment and placed a hand over mine.

“That they’ll be disappointed in me. Or worse, that they’re ambivalent and not care one way or the other.”

“That’s understandable,” Oz nodded and looked at the children, as if counting to make sure they were all there. When she turned back to meet my eyes again, she asked, “What would you do if they didn’t care?”

“I … I don’t really know,” I answered honestly. “Endure the grief. Continue my duties. Love you and the children.” I shrugged and looked down at the sealed envelope.

“What if they’re happy?” she asked with a slight smile.

“Then I’d be happy, continue my duties, and love you and the children.” I nodded. It occurred to me that the love of my family was the important component. I’d lived without my foster parents and sister for years. Their approval was a mere footnote compared to what I was building now. I would carry on the same one way, or the other.

Oz watched my face as I contemplated, as if she could see every thought. She surely felt the way my churning thoughts stilled. “Okay then.” She picked the envelope up and offered it to me. “You know how it might make you feel, so it’s time to see which way it’ll go.”

I nodded and undid the wax seal on the letter. There was a tiny pop of magic. My father undoubtedly knew we’d opened it. The penmanship, however, was my mother’s.

Dearest Lhoris,

We are very relieved to hear you’re well and safe. We also understand why you haven’t come home with a child on the way. It grieves us that you didn’t let us know sooner, but such wonderful news more than makes up for any distress caused by delay.

Alyndra is confident she can help the babies if they do come a bit early. So please don’t worry too much about it, dear. All will be well!

If all goes according to plan, your father, sister, and I should be arriving six weeks in advance of the projected due date; roughly mid-April. We will be staying until the babies are at least a month old as you assured us a place to stay for that long.

We are pleased your brother is there to help you understand your duties to your pregnant mate. Your father is excited to help you with what he can. I look forward to meeting your Ozanna and playing with the babies.

There is much news from the woodlands, and sadly, it is all hardship. The fae courts are at war again, and it’s been spilling over into the woodlands. Even the Orcs are being pushed out of their northern territories. We may need to request an audience with your human Lord to discuss it in an official capacity. In the meantime, warn him that the wild, beast-like creatures from the magic realm have been steadily pushed south toward the mountains. It’s only a matter of time before they make their way into the human realms. Please assure him we have sent this warning ahead in good will.

We love you son,

Imryll Pernala

I read over the letter and felt lighter, despite the ominous news. I could feel Oz’s eyes on my face, anxiously watching my reaction since she couldn’t read the flowing elven script. “They’ll be here in a couple of weeks to meet you,” I said, smiling, not able to stop at least one tear from slipping down my cheek.

Oz beamed up at me and wrapped her arms around my chest for a sideways hug, made awkward by her growing belly. “See, they love you,” she said, kissing the tear off my cheek. “Will you read the letter to me?” So I did.

I brought the letter to Nicolas’ study that evening—to pass on my parent’s warning. The young duke was seated at his ornately carved desk with an entire wall of bookshelves looming behind him. There was a small fire in the hearth, and he gestured for me to join him in one of the plush armchairs in front of it. Once seated I informed him of my parents' letter. As my friend, Nicolas was pleased to hear they’d be coming to visit, but their warning of encroaching wildlife left him … pensive.

“Your parents have the authority to speak for their people?” he asked.

“My father is a member of the Elder’s Council in that region of the woodlands. While he may not have the ability to make decisions for the council on his own, he will have knowledge and the ability to communicate with his peers,” I said. “It would make sense to treat him as an ambassador while he is visiting.”

“Perhaps I should have Sebastian or one of his advisors join us in that meeting,” Nicolas said as he crossed his arms and pressed a knuckle of his loosely fisted hand against his bottom lip. “We are speaking of realms and nations, not simple provincial matters.”

“I wouldn’t doubt your wisdom on this, your Grace,” I nodded. “I’m an herbalist, not one to bend the ears of men with power.”

“You crossed that line when you became my friend, Lhoris,” Nicolas grinned. “You bend my ear any chance you get. You needn’t be so formal behind closed doors either.”

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