Page 83 of Finding Closure

Wow, I was really queen.

We moved to the patio of the castle where our “party” was set up. Basically, we were just eating and drinking. I wasn’t the only one who was exhausted. The commanders were all sitting there looking a few drinks into their relaxing in the sun with plates of food in front of them. They all jumped to their feet when they saw me.

“I’m fine. A bit spacey,” I promised them.

“You scared us, Your Majesty,” Stefanie rasped. “I couldn’t get to you or—” She swallowed loudly.

I nodded, knowing how terrifying that had to be for her. “I was out. I didn’t know what was going on. Right after I turned around, everything went black as all of the visions hit me at once.”

“Are they visions you can share?” Shael hedged.

I opened my mouth but then closed it. “I don’t know. I can’t—I need a bit to sort through it all. It’s all jumbled and…” I glanced at my dad. “I think I have to get some power out.”

He nodded. “That’s how demigods have power jumps. It’s like excessive static buildup. You’ll feel that now along with how you did as a fairy.” He glanced at my guys. “She will need much more cleansing now. I suggest at least three mornings a weekalong with Saturdays. Neldor, you will start using that hourglass to cleanse her when she sleeps as well.”

“Of course,” Neldor accepted.

“The good news—well, besides more power—is you’ll be more fuel efficient,” Lageos told me. “I eat a ton, but you beat me. My magic isn’t only from food but nature itself and the elements. I can recharge on sunshine or the moon as you do on a stack of pizzas.”

“Thank fuck, because I don’t think I can physically eat any more and not start hating food,” I grumbled. I adjusted my neck and decided to get it out. I saw the trellises I’d asked for had been put in, so I threw some magic that way, and before I could blink, they were all overloaded with grown plants.

And fruit. Tons of fruit falling all over the place.

“Oh good, I’m going to have to adjust to this and figure out how to do baby magic again,” I drawled.

“Your life will never be boring, Daughter,” Lageos chuckled. “Teleport out to the ocean and grow everything there. I know the auctions are wanting more and more seafood.”

I shrugged. That was a good call.

I did just that, letting my wings out so I could hover above the water. I flew along and let out what felt like atonof magic but was stupid easy. I also dropped in a ton of the vitamin and supplement pellets for various fish and animals living in the water. I went for a good twenty minutes and wasn’t tired.

Simply felt lighter.

Oh goodie. I loved new like this.

Neldor met up with me and gave me a worried look. “They’re distracting you, aren’t they?”

“Yeah, I’m pretty sure they gave me something else to focus on after I lose him tomorrow,” I agreed. I took his hand and we flew back to the terrace, not saying anything and just enjoying the afternoon.

It was nice, relaxing, and exactly what everyone needed. After dinner, the others left or went to bed, but I stayed up with my dad. I asked about his favorite times in history and tried not to cry when he got things mixed up or seemed confused. He’d been fading faster the past six months and it broke my heart.

Which meant I couldn’t be selfish anymore.

“It’s time,” he whispered when the sun was coming up. “Your mother was calling to me. It’s time, Daughter.”

I nodded, unable to say anything around the lump in my throat and tears I was blinking back. Apparently, we weren’t the only ones who couldn’t sleep because the guys were all up and the commanders were waiting for us.

It was really time, and I never wished more that I had the magic to stop time or rewind it. I was selfish like that. I’d never thought of that before no matter how many died in the war or were hurt.

But I wanted it now to have more time with my dad or to change our fate.

I was ready to fall apart, but I had to be strong for him. He was in much more pain over this than I could ever be. He was pulled in two different directions that—I couldn’t have made this choice.

“I love you. You’re the best dad I could have ever had,” I rasped. “Tell Mom I love her too and I’m sorry I haven’t forgiven her yet. I will.” I cleared my throat and wiped my eyes. “I understand at least now.” My voice cracked on the next part. “I’m sorry I didn’t find you sooner, Dad. I’m sorry you suffered so long.”

His eyes flashed shock. “That was never your fault or failing, Tamsin. It was ours.” He hugged me tightly and kissed my hair. “You are and always will be perfect. No one has ever loved anyone as much as I love you.”

I hugged him with all I had, not caring that others were there or watching our hug that lasted too long.

---