Page 189 of A Fate of Blood and Magic
“Regardless of when or if the seizures return, we will not contact Brenton again,” Etienne said.
Alastor bowed, putting his hand on my back to guide us out. We made our way to their front door, and I couldn’t bite back my smile. It wasn’t just that using my magic had felt right, but that this peace, this elusive peace that came and left, washed over me and settled deep inside my chest.
Could my magic be healing for my babies? And not just me but the people of my kingdom as well as those I held dear to me. Back in my teenage years, I thought I’d wanted to be a doctor, but now, I realized I’d simply wanted to help others.
While I felt replenished in a way I hadn’t felt in a long time, Alastor and I took Hayden’s offered arm and allowed him to bend space and take us home.
“I appreciate you taking us back and forth like this, Hayden,” I told him. “I’ve been bugging Elias about finding someone else so you can do something that’s more at your rank or skill level or whatever.”
He bowed his head. “King Elias explained I’m the only one he trusts with his family who can bend space. I don’t mind. I enjoy being busy. After we arrested the traitors to our kingdom, George assigned me to lead the sword play training at the military school.”
“Do you enjoy that?” I asked. “Or would you prefer the patrol force? You have great instincts.” Afterall, it was because of his intuition that Garrison was questioned and later arrested.
“I do enjoy it. The younglings are lively and remind me of my own youth.” Hayden smiled. “Once the classes are over,I’ve been heading to the orphanage to help with cooking the evening meal.”
“You’re cooking at the orphanage?”
“Brenton said you and he wanted to get homemade meals to the kids daily.” He paused. “He asked if I’d be willing, and I agreed. Is that okay? I enjoy cooking, and the children seem to like it.”
“I didn’t realize . . .” Stupid, ridiculous tears welled behind my eyes. “I’ve been so busy with not being busy, I didn’t realize Brenton had moved forward with our idea. Thank you.”
Before he had a chance to respond, I hugged him. Reluctantly, he patted my back.
“I don’t think the king would appreciate us hugging,” he said.
“He’s right,” Elias said from where he now stood on our front porch.
“Eh.” I waved a hand toward Elias. “If my mate doesn’t know I’m a hugger at this point, that’s on him.”
“Why do I scent your tears again?” Elias asked, rushing down the steps with Brenton not far behind him.
“Because Hayden’s cooking for the kids at the orphanage.” I sniffled.
“Is his cooking bad?” Elias asked, his tone light and teasing. “Have the kids become ill from his food?”
I laughed, loving the way Elias’s arms wrapped around me.
“Don’t be an ass,” I muttered.
“While you two continue teasing Hayden, I’ll take my leave,” Alastor said.
“I’ll take my leave as well.” Before we could reply, Hayden bent space and vanished.
“Let me guess.” I tapped a finger against my mouth. “You’re meeting with someone again.”
Alastor smirked. “Yes.”
That was the fourth time he was meeting this mysterious person. Regardless of how much I badgered him, which was a lot, he remained tight-lipped.
“When do I get to meet this . . . someone?” I asked.
Already I’d asked the same question a few hundred times.
“Next time I meet with her, I’ll invite you to dinner.”
I gasped. “For real? Don’t play with my emotions.”
“Yes, I’ve had enough of her crying,” Elias said, and I smacked his rock-hard stomach with the back of my hand. “Ow.”
