“You might want to muzzle her,” I tell Grams as Odas sets her on the ground, and shifts back into his smaller form. Grams chuckles but shrugs.
“I don’t mind if she speaks, but I might bring one along just in case.” Grams winking at me makes me laugh. “You behave,” Grams says to me, patting my cheek. “I’m happy to see you reunited, my lovely. I’ll return shortly. No weddings without me,” she tells my mother. “Nice to finally meet you, Lark and Steve…” Grams narrows her eyes at him, and Steve blushes.
“It wasn’t what you–”
“I’m aware,” Grams says, lifting her brow. “I knew you when you were just a boy. I’m just sad you got yourself wedged in the middle of all the bad, that's all.” Grams pats his head, and I think he might start crying.
“Be safe, Mother,” Shine says to her, and I can’t shake the feeling that all of this is just so bizarre.
Chapter 10
Moon
“Where can I take Sweet Girl?” I ask Fen after my Grams leaves. Norma didn’t put up a fight when the guards locked her in iron cuffs. Fen didn’t even spare her a second glance, but Steve watched her like a hawk. We’re still standing in the throne room, but now Cato is in human form once more, and the guys aren’t so on guard.
“There’s an area outside with a pool surrounded by trees and grass. If she wants to stay inside, there’s a place–” But Sweet Girl starts trotting off. I wave her goodbye, and she huffs.
“I guess that's her answer,” I chuckle.
“I want you to stay,” my mother says, turning to me, and taking one of my hands in hers. “We want you to stay. At least for a little while.”
“Okay, yeah, we can stay. For now,” I agree, not used to being this close to her. Her presence in my life has always been peripheral, and I am not sure how to interact with her.
“I would like to get to know you,” the King adds, and I nod.
“So weird,” Fen chuckles, and I pat his arm.
“Maybe you can get to know Steve?” I offer, and Fen shrugs.
“Let's rest for now. Then we can all meet for dinner?” my mother asks, and I agree.
“I’ll show you to my old room?” Fen offers, taking my hand.
“Good idea.”
When we step out of the throne room, Arlo is there and joins us as we head through the halls. Fen is still holding my hand in his, and I squeeze it.
“You okay?” I ask quietly, even though most of the guys can hear us, I still try to keep the conversation private.
“I think so. She was never a mother to me. I’m not sad that she’s gone. Maybe a little disappointed that she’s still the same person. Surprised that she hardly put up a fight.” Fen shakes his head. “After all she put us through.”
“I know. I’m sorry. And yeah, I was expecting more…” I lean my head against his arm, cuddling close to him as we keep walking.
“I’m okay, Moon, but I am enjoying your attention.” Fen smiles, and I grin right back. The rest of the walk to his room is quiet. Except for the sound of the small army walking behind me.
“How long before Crow and Lust make it back, do you think?” I ask.
“Not long, Mistress,” Kili murmurs from behind me, leaning in to nibble my ear, making me yelp and giggle.
“Are you hungry?” Cato asks, as he moves in close, basically shoving Kili out of the way. “Do you need water?” He sniffs me, and then marks me with his scent, his eyes flashing to those of his Dragon. “Your scent…” he murmurs, and Daire flashes over.
“Your scent is changing, Moon…” He frowns, but I don’t really know what to say to that.
“My room,” Fen says, he’s also frowning as he opens the door and holds it for me to enter.
“Oh…Oops.” Cato starts nibbling his lip, eyes wide as he walks past me and into the room. I follow closely behind him. I’ll take in the sight of Fen’s childhood bedroom after I figure out why Cato is being so odd all of a sudden.
“What's going on?” I ask, as all my men minus Crow and Lust enter and give me a sniff. I’m looking at them like they’re all crazy, meanwhile, Odas is grinning like a madman. Silas looks mildly concerned, and Cato… Cato starts destroying Fen’s room.