Princess Willowyn's Arc

Chapter 57 of 70

A week later, morning light filled the great hall. Willowyn had spent seven days with her mother, learning the twins' faces and helping tend them. Now the dragon waited in the courtyard, saddled for the crossing back to Kai's kingdom. A rider had come at dawn with a letter sealed in purple wax. Kai read it twice, then folded it. "My father sends word," he said. "He calls it urgent. We are needed home." Willowyn nodded. The rest could wait no longer. Queen Elara stood in the doorway with Eros beside her. He held both babies, the boy wrapped in blue, the girl in pink. Elara's silver braid lay over her white gown. Her green eyes were wet but she did not weep. "You kept your promise," she said. "You came home. That is enough for a mother." Willowyn crossed the floor and wrapped her arms around her mother. She held on and let the tears fall against Elara's shoulder. "I will write this time," she said. "I swear it. I will not vanish again." "I know." Elara stroked her daughter's dark red hair. "Go where you are needed. That is who you are now." Eros stepped closer. The blonde lord shifted the babies in his arms so Willowyn could see their faces. Elladon slept. Eris blinked up at her sister. "They will grow while you work," Eros said. "But they will hear your name." He gave Willowyn a small wink. "Come back with stories." Willowyn touched each tiny hand. She kissed her mother's cheek. Then Kai took her hand and drew her gently toward the door. His grip was warm and steady. "We should fly before the light is high," he said softly. She felt his thumb move across her knuckles. The comfort of it settled her breath. In the courtyard the minx waited on the saddle, its pale fur bright in the sun. The tiger cub pressed against the dragon's leg. Willowyn climbed up and gathered the reins. Kai settled behind her. She looked back once at the doorway, where her mother lifted a hand and Eros raised the babies for her to see. The dragon spread its wings and rose. The castle shrank below them.