Page 101 of Degradation

I felt what he wanted to do to me and shivered in anticipation. At the same time, I worried what my father would think if he heard us.

Eadric seemed to read my thoughts.

“Don’t worry, Sparrow. Garron and I will be there to ensure you’re quiet.”

My anticipation and worry climbed, but I knew better than to deny either.

“Tonight then,” I said. “But we will leave at first light. No delays like this morning.”

They all quickly agreed.

Escorted by Edmund, we entered the clearing as my father left the cottage wearing a coarse tunic and pants that were a few inches too short for him. His hair was in a tangle, and his face was covered with dirt, but his eyes were clear and locked on me.

My smile grew with each step we drew nearer. I didn’t release my hold on Edmund to get to Father. Not this time. This time, I needed my father to see that I’d found my place and chosen my path in life, just as he’d chosen his.

When I reached him, he surprised me by holding out his hand to Edmund.

“I saw what happened to you,” he said. “Thank you.”

After Edmund, he shook Liam’s hand. “Thank you, and forgive me for not being able to do more to help keep her safe.”

“It is us who should be asking your forgiveness, sir,” Brandle said. “We?—”

Father lifted his hand to stop Brandle from saying more, and I was grateful. I knew what Brandle wanted to apologize for and wasn’t sure it was the right time to broach the subject of my relationship with them.

“I have eyes and ears, son. Some conversations are best left vague, so tell me simply, which of you will marry my daughter.”

“All of us,” Brandle said.

Father’s gaze met mine, and I nodded without hesitation.

“I see. And do you plan to settle in Drisdall, Turre, or here, in between?”

“Father, perhaps an introduction is in order. These are the crown princes of Turre. Brandle, Edmund, Eadric, Darian, Daemon, Garron, and Liam.” Each nodded to my father when I spoke their name.

“Princes? And you’ll wed all of them? I don’t recall that being…” He waved his hand as if shooing the thought away. “Whatever you decide, I will stand with you. I doubt very much anyone would be able to stand against you, regardless.” His gaze and feelings conveyed his love and support until his thoughts turned toward Eloise. “Any news from your sister?”

“No. Only the hint that Maeve spoke when she was here. I’m grateful you didn’t follow her, Father.”

“And I’m grateful you were able to break the spell.” He flushed as he spoke and cleared his throat. “When do we leave?”

“It’s safest to stay here tonight and start out first thing in the morning,” Brandle said.

“Morning?”

I could feel my father’s need to reach Eloise.

“It will take half a day to reach Drisdall,” I said.

“It’s more dangerous once night falls,” Liam said.

“And Kellen’s been casting non-stop since we left this morning. She needs rest or risks hurting…herself.”

That father didn’t even flinch at the idea I could cast meant he’d been watching me from the trees before we’d left. However, Father’s approval regarding my ability paled when I caught a hint of Brandle’s growing worry. He’d caught Garron’s hesitation and glanced at me.

“I’m fine,” I said firmly. “Nothing I did tired me except for the long walk.”

“Do you need a foot rub?” Darian asked.

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