Page 3 of Finding Closure

“No, it’s not like that. We’re just talking, and I get your concern. Thank you for making sure I didn’t step in it,” I told him, glad when he seemed lighter.

I was shocked he was even there or jumping in with all he had on him. I could feel his emotions all over the place and how he was struggling.

Next, we went to the rooms I was talking about combining and remodeling into what I would need. It would be nice because it was the end of the hallway but also a bit tricky since it was at a corner of the castle and only some of the area had balcony.

“We’ll mostly be in your room, my sweet mate,” Julian reminded me. “So make it the biggest and have the prettiest view with a few bed-type chaises or couches since we prefer that instead of my snuggling up to Darby again like a git.”

“Amen,” Darby snarked without any malice.

“We can figure out the details and stuff that I gloss over with this sort of thing,” I promised. “I just thought this the best spot and…” I shrugged. “Now we can. I can.” I smiled at my dad when he sniffled, obviously happy about this step.

Me too. I hated that I was practically scared of my family castle.

They were shocked that I didn’t have any more input or things I wanted to go for. I told them that it would all come naturally. We could find the right rooms for our studies that fit our vibe.

Why force it?

“Actually, there is one more thing,” I said and changed direction. I went to the family dining room that was still bigger than any dining room in a normal house or even mansion but nothing like the formal dining room.

And certainly tiny compared to the ballroom.

“I want this room redone top to bottom,” I declared firmly. I moved in further and found the spot, smiling. “And I want our wedding photo here. The one with all of us and my dad. This is the place for family.” I smiled at my dad. “There has to be apainting or something with you, Mom, and me, right? That had to be like a royal thing done.”

His eyes flashed shock since I’d never asked for anything like that. “Yes, a few even. Also, in your mother’s desk in her room, the right-hand drawer has the rolls of film from the pictures taken of us. Iolas and your godsmother who died in the war joined us for some.”

I nodded. Perfect. “I want a new set of those pictures developed and we can pick which will be framed and hung here. Maybe one of each. Then we’re finally going to do the photo shoot Julian bought me for my birthday. I want to add on pictures of Neldor and me with the commanders who have supported us. I want pictures with Izzy and my aides.”

“Everyone who is welcome to eat with family,” Julian figured out, smiling when I did. “I love it. I think it’s exactly what this place needs.” He smiled as he glanced around. “And there’s a lot of wall to keep adding to. Slowly.” He met my gaze again. “Over our many,manyyears being happy.”

“Yeah, exactly that. With peace.”

“It’s a wonderful sentiment, my daughter,” Lageos agreed before coming over and giving me a hug. “I love it. You will have a piece of us always join you for meals even after we’re gone, surrounded by the people who you’ve let into your heart. Yes, perfect. Your mother would be clapping at the move.”

I hugged him back but realized who I forgot, smiling at Irma. “And all the hobgoblins who got me here and kept me safe. One with the kids too.”

“You honor us, Your Highness,” Irma rasped.

“You’re the reason we have a Faerie to have peace in, Irma. The honor was always mine.”

I was lighter when people accepted it and had their marching orders. I did really like the table, but the stain was off so I could fix that later after the room was updated. Same with the chairs.They were nice big ones and more comfortable than most dining room chairs, but the pattern on them reminded me of 70s retro and not in a good way.

Izzy and I headed outside to go see the babies and give the parents some love. Amethyst looked tired from nursing and just being a mom.

Gambit was his normal over the top self but not being selfish which was nice to see. He immediately demanded more treats for his awesome mate who was giving so much and tired. And I needed to visit more. Plus, she needed to see her sisters and, and,and.

I chuckled and told him to calm down. “Yes, I will talk to Neldor, and of course her siblings can visit and meet their niece and nephew. You’re right, we should have thought of that.”

Immediately, that chilled him out, but he also demanded I give her some healing because she was the miracle mom who carried two unicorns.

Again, more than fair. I noticed she was a bit sore and stiff. I kissed her head. “Yeah, I can’t even imagine giving birth and to twins is terrifying. You did great, girl.”

I also told the attendant that I wanted the fair folk healer to check on her two to three times a day given having twins was a miracle. Also, I wanted a mattress for her. I knew it would get ruined, but her joints seemed to be the problem after carrying so much extra weight for that long.

It made sense after all. I’d heard moms of people say the same and the time after giving birth their bodies were just a mess. I didn’t know if more treats would help her lactation, but at least an extra marble now and again as her body could use the extra sugar.

“You’re doing great advocating for your mate and kids, Dad,” I praised Gambit. “But you need to stop hovering and get some of this energy out. You went through something big too, and youwere kept separate from it and couldn’t help her the way others could. That’s a lot on you too.” I chuckled when Amethyst gave me a grateful look for understanding that.

Yeah, she looked a bit like he was the reason she was worn down. Too much love was still too much of something to deal with.

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