Page 19 of My Salvation

The man in long dress robes stepped back and wiped at Cas’ tears. “I see you have brought guests.” He bowed to the group behind her. “Welcome to House Illiya. I am Cassandra’s squire, Eion Mormaer.”

Laughter burbled up from around her heart. “Yes, I’m sorry for not letting you know we were coming. I had no idea you were here!”

He smiled slyly. “Where else would I be except waiting for my little miss to return?”

“The house? How? Why? What?” she babbled. She couldn’t believe that the man who had been like a second father to her was actually here. When she found herself unable to return, she thought for sure he’d find a new family to serve.

He wrapped a fatherly arm around her shoulders. “Gentlemen, if you would follow me?” He steered her into the house. “While we may not have an individual room for everyone, we should have enough, if most of you do not mind sharing.”

Reston stepped forward. “Just let me know which rooms are off limits, and I’ll get the men sorted while you take care of Cassie.”

The squire inclined his head regally. “You have my thanks.” He pointed to the stairs. “Family personal quarters are in the west wing. You may assign any room in the east wing as you see fit.”

Reston gave a piercing whistle. “All right, men, let’s get our stuff dropped off, then get orders from our commander.”

“Sir, yes, sir!”

“You okay, hun?” Luca asked.

She nodded, then wiped her nose on her sleeve. Next to her, Eion sighed. “He’s like my dad.”

“Good for you, kiddo. We’ll catch up with you later, right?” he asked.

Aiden turned to her. “I’ll head up there and make sure shenanigans are kept to a minimum. You catch up with your squire. This evening is the party at Dav’s pub. Hope to see you there.”

Meryn gave her a thumbs up. “I like you. You should come.”

She turned to Priest. “Will you be there?”

He gently pulled her away from Eion and into his own arms. “I don’t know, my mate, will we?”

A displeased huff from Eion had her smiling. “This should be fun.”

“Why do we have to go? It’s getting good,” Meryn protested.

Ryuu gave a half bow to Eion, then followed his charge as she was carried up the stairs.

“Come, My Lady, I’ll start a pot of your favorite tea,” Eion said, holding out his arm, pointing toward the sitting room.

“White jasmine?” she asked.

“Of course.”

Once the door to the sitting room closed behind them, Eion crossed his arms over his chest. “I suppose introductions are in order.”

Cas felt her chest lighten. “Eion, this is Priest Vi’Aerdan. I just found him this afternoon upon returning home. He is my mate.” She looked at Priest, drinking in his dark looks, and sighed. “Isn’t he wonderful?”

Eion’s mouth twitched. “I suppose you could do worse than a Founding Family head and unit warrior.”

When she caught Priest’s eye, he winked at her and puffed his chest out a bit, causing her to laugh.

Eion finally relaxed when he saw her laughing. “Good. Now, let us have some tea.” He moved to the sideboard and started a kettle to boil.

Cas pulled Priest over to a long couch and sat down. He kissed her forehead before he sat next to her. Taking a deep breath, she turned to the man who had been like a second father to her. “What happened… in the end? Have you been here the whole time?”

Eion kept his back to them as he carefully prepared the tea tray. “They were glad you left. It was… difficult in the final days. Your father went first, and the pain that caused your mother was immeasurable. To her, she wasn’t fading fast enough. She took her own life a week after your father passed.”

Cas swallowed hard.

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