Page 105 of The War of Four Winters

"The Mirage happened to be in the perfect position to provide," Tariq paused dramatically, "creative naval support." He stroked Bash's head, prompting a pleased chirp from the little dragon. "Though I must say, brother, you have a remarkable talent for finding trouble. First Saltmire, now civil war in D'thallanar itself."

"It seems we can't stop running into each other," I observed, unable to keep a wry smile from my face.

"Fate has a sense of humor," Tariq agreed with a wink. "And I've never been one to ignore her invitations." His golden eyes moved to the boys, who were staring at him—or more precisely, at Bash—with undisguised fascination. "And who are these fine young gentlemen? Don't tell me you've started collecting children now?"

"These are our sons," Ruith said. "Leif and Torsten Starfall.”

“Captain Tariq Al'Sharif of the Mirage at your service,” Tariq said, making a bow to the boys. Of course he would leave off the fact that he was aprince.

Bash let out a smokey snort.

Tariq rolled his eyes. “And this is Bashqara.”

"Is that a real dragon?" Torsten blurted, unable to contain himself any longer.

Tariq's face lit with delight. "Indeed it is, young prince!" He crouched slightly, allowing Bash to creep down his arm toward the boys. "She's very gentle with children, I assure you."

As the boys cautiously approached the miniature dragon, Taelyn moved to stand beside Yisra, their shoulders touching. "Captain Yisra and Prince Tariq returned together a few hours ago," she explained. "They've been coordinating our naval forces since then."

"Your Majesty," Yisra greeted Ruith with a respectful nod. "Lord Consort. The preparations outside continue apace, but I would not miss this moment for all the chaos in D'thallanar."

"We're grateful for your witness," Ruith replied, genuine warmth in his voice. "All of you."

Tariq straightened from his crouch, flashing his most charming smile. "I am, of course, delighted to witness this touching family moment. Though you've been holding out on me. Nephews? And you didn't even send a message."

"There wasn't exactly time for family announcements," I replied dryly. "What with escaping Homeshore, infiltrating D'thallanar, and breaking Ruith out of prison."

"Details, details," Tariq waved a dismissive hand, though his eyes held genuine warmth as they moved between me and the boys. "Family finds a way, does it not?"

The five of us stood together—Ruith and me, Taelyn and Yisra, and now Tariq with his miniature dragon—an unlikely family forged through war and shared purpose. The closeness between the two women mirrored our own bond, while Tariq brought his own peculiar energy to our circle, expanding it in unexpected but not unwelcome ways.

Ruith moved to the table where the documents awaited. Unlike the elaborate ceremonies that typically accompanied royal adoptions, with their processionals and public declarations, this would be simple. Private. Perfect.

Taelyn stepped forward, her composure intact despite the loss she carried. "The documents are properly executed," she confirmed, her fingers tracing the official seals. "They need only your signatures to make them binding."

"And the boys'," I added, meeting her gaze with silent understanding. This wasn't just about us claiming them; it was about their choice to join our family. Their agency mattered, especially after having it stolen from them for so long.

Ruith gestured for the boys to approach. They stood before the table, suddenly solemn as the moment's importance settled over them. Even Torsten's boundless energy stilled as Ruith knelt before them, bringing himself to their level.

"Leif, Torsten," he began, his voice soft. "By signing these documents, you become our sons by law, as you have already been in our hearts. You'll be princes of House Starfall, with all the responsibilities and privileges that entails. But more importantly, you'll be family. No matter what happens in the days ahead, no matter what battles we face or challenges arise, that bond cannot be broken."

"Not by distance," I added, joining Ruith before them. "Not by conflict. Not by any power in this realm."

Ruith nodded. "The documents ensure you would remain princes of House Starfall, under Taelyn and Captain Yisra's guardianship, until we return."

"And under mine as well, naturally," Tariq interjected smoothly. "As their uncle, I have certain responsibilities to ensure they grow up with the proper appreciation for adventure, questionable decision-making, and exquisite taste." He winked at the boys. "Every prince needs at least one disreputable relative to teach them the things their fathers won't."

Ruith sighed, but stood without further comment. He took up the quill, dipping it in ink before signing his name. I followed, the simple act of writing my name beside his on a document that would forever link our lives feeling both momentous and entirely natural.

Then it was the boys' turn. Leif took the quill, his small hand steady as he formed each letter with concentration. When he finished, he offered the quill to Torsten, who approached the task with characteristic enthusiasm, nearly upsetting the inkwell in his eagerness.

"Is that it?" Torsten asked. "Are we a family now? Officially?"

"It is done," Taelyn declared, a genuine smile briefly lightening her grief-shadowed features. "The realm has two new princes. May they grow in wisdom and strength under your guidance."

Ruith knelt again, opening his arms. Both boys moved into his embrace without hesitation, their small arms wrapping around his neck. I joined them, this family we had created against all odds, this improbable constellation forged from the chaos of war and revolution.

Captain Yisra took charge of the documents, handling them with the same careful respect she showed her ship's most precious cargo. "These will be recorded in the clan archives immediately," she assured us.

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