Page 26 of My Salvation

She nodded. “Very good.”

Before their eyes the sapling grew and intertwined with the hawthorn’s lower branches.

Cas watched the entire process in fascination. “Priest, I see blue bleeding into the earth itself. Pink is radiating from the sapling.”

Liaylia’s expression relaxed as she took a seat on the earth next to the growing tree. She looked up at Cas. “You’re one of the fae who see emotion as color?” she asked.

Cas nodded. “It’s not an exact science, but I try to use it to help others.”

Lia nodded. “A wonderful gift to pass on to the next generation. The two of you are planning on having children right away are you not?”

Cas threw her arms in the air. “I guess so.”

Priest went to his mate. “Liaylia, I know that everyone wants to grow both houses, but my mate will only have a child when she is ready,” he said firmly.

Lia smiled. “Such a good boy.” She turned to run a hand over the sapling. “I cannot wait to show Abraxas and Aldrya. It has been hard supporting the lesser houses when we have been weakened ourselves. This helps so much.”

Priest hadn’t seen Lia this happy since his tenth birthday when he officially became Priest Vi’Aerdan. He had stood next to his father, shaking inside that she wouldn’t want an eagle. But she had simply placed her hand on his cheek and welcomed him warmly. She had never seen him as anything but a son of Aerdan.

“We’re going to head inside to save Merrick. Mother might want to start cooking again,” Priest said, rolling his eyes dramatically, hoping to make the spirit smile.

Lia looked up, her eyes filled with laughter. “Gods above forbid.” She rose gracefully, brushing off her skirt. She pointed to a thick branch behind her. “The day your father mated your mother I felt a jolt of strength unlike anything I had ever known. That woman’s core is made of steel; her strength is only out-shown by her kindness.” She eyed Cas. “You bring strength as well, but also a flexibility. I shall enjoy every second of getting to know you better. May I hug you?”

Cas brightened. “Of course. I hug Coll all the time.”

Priest had a sneaking suspicion that Coll was unlike any other spirit. Most were more reserved, like Liaylia.

Lia hugged Cas then took both of her wrists. “Just as Coll gave his blessing, so shall I.” When she stepped back two wooden bracelets now encircled Cas’ wrists. “I hope you do not mind, but I wanted a way to watch over you too.”

Cas stared at her wrists. “Daughter of Aerdan, and…” she gasped. “Why does this look like a fertility charm?”

Lia blushed. “I thought maybe you’d like the extra help.”

Cas sputtered, looked at him, then began laughing. “We never stood a chance did we?”

“Lia!” he chastised gently. In truth if he could get Cas pregnant tonight he would, but this was all about respecting Cas’ choices.

The small spirit pouted. “We have to split your children between House Illiya and House Aerdan, so you need to have a lot.” She turned to Cas. “It won’t make you become with child unless you’re ready, but it will help you once you decide to try for one.” She then turned to Priest. “And it will help them grow healthy.”

Cas put a comforting hand on the sulking spirit. “I thank you for the blessing. I’m not sure when we will try for children, but it reassures me they will be healthy.

Lia looked relieved at Cas’ acceptance. “I am so very happy you both have found one another.”

Priest took a chance and kissed Lia’s forehead. Coll had seemed happy to be treated informally. “We’ll visit often,” he promised.

Lia covered her forehead with both hands, looking delighted.

Cas took his hand. “Come on, we better see what your mother is up to.”

He waved to Lia and followed Cas back inside.

“Why did she look so surprised?” Cas asked.

“I’ve never done that before, but Coll seemed happier when you treated him like a brother, so…”

“They’re guardians, but I think maybe they’ve been lonely too,” she said, looking back toward the garden.

When they walked into the kitchen Merrick had two empty plates waiting for them on the table. Next to the empty plates platter after platter of fruits, cheeses, breads and meats were near to overflowing. Merrick pointed to the chairs. “Eat something while I get these loaves into the oven.”

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