Page 77 of Spellbound
“I have no idea what you're talking about," I replied innocently, watching as Adelais took charge of organizing the seating arrangements in our boat.
Around us, siblings and their mates prepared for departure. Jan and Conall discussed something with Avie, whose fiancé, Malcolm, held out his hand from on board their boat. Elspeth joined their boat, her friendship with Avie had continued after their work together during the war.
Leo and Gund stood with Owen, Lysandor, Otto, and Thal. Colum joined them and said something that made them all laugh. It gave me a thrill seeing how close everyone had become.
“This was a great idea having all the siblings get together,” Cael said, helping Gwyneth onto the boat. “We should make it an annual tradition.”
His comment was perfectly timed. Watching our families interact, we’d maintained the bonds we forged during the fight to stop Blackstone. The shared experience that united our families. “Absolutely,” I agreed. “You’re in charge of the planning.”
“Ready?” Rod called, before Cael could protest.
“I want Kat to sit with me!” Adelais announced, as she stood in front of her brother and cousin.
My little firebird was going to be a handful. “Sit down, love, or you’ll fall in,” I said, walking over to the kids. “Kat, sweetie, can you sit between Adie and Ailpein, please?”
Like the sweet child she was, Katarina happily sat between her two older cousins, looking pleased they’d been fighting over her. They were going to be a handful, all of them, but they’d also be close. I couldn’t ask for anything more.
The castle dock was crowded as our tiny armada arrived. Mom and Dad stood at the front with Bart’s parents. All four waited with barely contained excitement. Lauch and Fiona joined our parents, having returned to the castle after the party. I felt bad seeing his face as they prepared to leave early. The weight of his responsibilities had already settled onto his shoulders. I planned to talk to my siblings after the party to see if we could take on a little bit to give him more freedom.
I felt a gentle surge of earth magic as our boat touched the dock. A warm, approving pulse that radiated up through my body. Rod felt it too; I saw the recognition in his eyes as our gazes met. The Earth had asked a lot of us, but now it seemed to offer its blessing.
In that moment, I realized our duties as anchors weren’t a one-way obligation. For all we gave to maintain the Great Ward, the Earth had returned our service tenfold: a home, a family, a life richer than either of us could have imagined.
The kids began to wave toward their grandparents, who were reduced to childish displays and waved eagerly back. The moment the boat docked, Cael, Rod, and I helped the three kids off the boat and watched them race ahead.
The four grandparents acted like they had no responsibilities other than entertaining three little beings who never wanted for attention. Chancellor Hollen and King Malachy ceased to exist, as their formal personas were replaced by doting grandfathers who had no defense against small arms wrapping around their necks.
“Look at them,” Rod said, his hand finding mine. “Worth every sacrifice.”
I couldn't speak past the lump in my throat, so I squeezed his hand instead. The Great Ward hummed steadily in the background of my consciousness, a constant reminder of our responsibility. It wasn’t a burden, however, it was the foundation upon which we’d built our new life. A life filled with love, family, and hope. Something worth protecting.
Exactly what Grandfather intended with his sacrifice.
“Let’s go celebrate,” I said.
The End
