Page 116 of Midwinter Wiles & Valerian Dreams
Fear sits cold in my gut while the board confers. Finally, they sit up straight, and I inhale.
“It is my duty and honor as Head Sentry for this board, on behalf of the Department of Childling and Pixie Sentries, to issue a verdict in this petition. By unanimous decision of the board, this Sentry awards sole custody of these seven wards to Lark Hyveri. As to whether he is fit to serve as their permanent guardian, the answer is a resounding yes.”
Her words hit me like a bell rung deep in my chest. Is this—did I just hear what I think I heard?
“Furthermore, this board would like to extend condolences on the loss of the orphanage you all called home and of its former headmaster, Frederik Rutte. We would also like to thank you, Lark, for providing these young ones with a safe, stable family since that time. It is our firm belief that their best future is with you.”
The kids turn to look at me. Happy murmurs start around the room. Someone squeezes my shoulder from behind. My brain feels fuzzy.
“One last thing,” Daria adds, almost as an afterthought, “Included with this verdict is a form allowing guardianship to extend to your spouse, should you marry. File it when and if you wish. Or never. I want to be clear that this ruling does not rest on any intended marriage, but on you, and you alone. Do you understand?”
Dumbly, I nod, because I understand the words she’s saying even if I can scarcely believe them.
“Good.” Daria smiles. “Congratulations,Isä.”
Just like that? I’m their father?
The room erupts. Helkki whoops, Katja gives a relieved laugh, and the twins grab anyone within reach for back-slapping hugs. The townsfolk crowd in with congratulations, and for a dizzy, impossible moment, I realize: they judgedme. Only me.
And they decided I was enough.
Talvie’s winter-fresh scent fills my nose as she fills my arms, and I hold on tight.
“I can’t believe it. I’m theirIsä,” I whisper in awe.
She looks me in the eye. “You have been for a while already, Lark. But I’m glad you know it now, too.”
Sentry Niemi comes over and squeaks when I surprise him with a big hug. “Thank you.”
“Oh, well, yes. Just doing my job, but I’m certainly glad it worked out.” Niemi’s nose twitches, and I smile after him as he leaves in his neatly pressed grey cloak. I wonder if he ever lets loose and has actual fun. I’m going to miss that little muskrat face.
Finally, the crowd thins, and I spy Daria making her way over. She shed the fancy robe and is back in her usual innkeeper garb.
“I don’t know how to thank you,” I say.
“No need,” she replies. “And before you doubt yourself, Lark, there was no conflict just because I know you and Val.” She runs a hand through her hair. “Rather, Princess Talvie. Now that came as a bit of a shock, I admit, but not the relationship between you two. I already had no question in my mind that you’re the right choice for those kids, and you are for her, too. It’s been a pleasure watching you both realize how good you are together.”
Her knowing smile sticks with me as her silver hair disappears out the door. It’s going to take some time to accept that I could be with someone like Talvie for real, but I’m committed to the journey.
Ludo holds the door for his boss and then waits for us too. “Hey,” he whispers as we pass, “any idea why I found Daria locked in our pantry this morning?”
Laughing, I walk out of the town hall with Talvie’s hand in mine, but not before catching a final word from Queen Taynia.
“Beron, be a darling and make sure that if anyone in this town ever breathes a word of my…predicamentwith that mule, that it be the last breath they ever take.”
Ah, well. Good to know the Ice Queen still has her edge.
Chapter 40
Talvie
The morning after the hearing dawns brighter than it has in ages, sunlight gilding the snow in shades of rose gold. In front of the inn, Taynia looks up from a hushed conversation with Beron at my approach. Her expression softens. I’m not unaffected by seeing the warmth in her eyes again, but neither have the broken curses magically repaired everything splintered and strained between us.
“You’re ready to go?” I keep my voice light, but my walls are still up. I haven’t forgotten, even if I’m working on forgiving.
“We are,” she says. “I still wish you were returning with us. I want a chance to earn your forgiveness…to work on our relationship. Have you reconsidered at all?”
“No, and I’m not reconsidering Lark either.”
