"If you want, or we could stick with respect," Mayr said gently. "You don't have to be in our bed to count. We can do this as friends. That's a love we could try."
Coye's lips parted in a quiet "Oh." A blush crept over her cheeks. "Thanks."
"Sure." Mayr offered Coye a smile, hoping she believed him. Since the explosion, he had reconsidered his behaviour towards her. There was no place for anger, not anymore. They would make things work.
"Thank you for being kind to each other." Arieve curled her arm around Mayr's waist and reached for Coye with her other hand. "It makes this even better. Happier."
"Anything for you," Mayr and Coye said in unison. They traded glances and shrugged.
"Now that we're all in the same mood, we should dress our tiny beast." Arieve fingered the blessing gown lying near Aliss. Soft and heavy enough to keep Aliss warm, the three layers of bright white dress shimmered with silver thread and delicate white embroidery. Clear glass beads and gleaming white pearls dotted the hems and cuffs in single rows, sewn in an alternating pattern. Arieve sighed as she undid the small, flat buttons down the back. "It's almost too beautiful to put on. I know how hard Tash worked on it."
"That and the little girl wearing it," Coye said, grinning.
Mayr laughed. "Maybe on the dress, yeah, but he didn't work that hard when it comes to Aliss. I was there when he was showing me how easy he and Arieve—" He snapped his mouth shut, glimpsing the way Aliss's big eyes stared at him. Nope, not finishing that thought around her for another eighteen years. Or ever, actually…
"Here, let me help," Mayr muttered, reaching for the gown. All Aliss needed to know was that she had enough family to spoil her with affection every day of her life, and her resemblance to Tash and Arieve made him happier than he could express. Much of Aliss was like Arieve: the curl of her hair, her infectious laugh, and her chin, nose, and ears. According to Tash's parents and sister, however, Aliss's tawny hair was the same as Tash's when he was an infant. If that was not convincing enough, her eyes said everything—an intense bright blue that brought Tash's mother to tears in recollection.
Together with Coye, Mayr and Arieve worked Aliss into the dress, despite her attempts to wriggle and roll away. Once her arms were in the long sleeves and the gown pulled down, they attacked the six buttons. All but one slipped through their holes; the last refused to cooperate. Mayr tried, followed by Arieve, who gave up with a huff and surrendered to Coye.
By the time Tash entered the room, all three were biting back curses to the sound of Aliss sucking on her fist.
"Dare I ask?" Tash approached the table, laughing quietly. "Allow me. I've replaced that button three times. There's a trick." With deft hands and a twist, he forced the button through and flattened the dress. "There." Slow to back away, he rubbed his cheek along Aliss's, eliciting another of her giggles.
"Thank you." Arieve kissed Tash before tying a bonnet on Aliss and picking her up. Instantly, Aliss whimpered and craned her neck, letting loose a piercing wail. "You were fine!" Arieve rubbed Aliss's back, unable to stop the cries. "What's wrong, baby?"
"Here," Tash said. "I have a theory." He took Aliss from Arieve and laid her head on his shoulder, her cheek pressed to his beard. The fuss stopped as though it had never been. Both of them glittered in the sunlight, her gown radiant against his dark red robes. Making small, happy noises, Aliss tugged on his veil.
Coye snickered and held out the matching blanket. "Clever boy."
"Oh, he knows," Mayr said. He wrapped the blanket around Aliss with Tash's help. "I swear these two plan things when we're not around."
"Hush, you. She knows what she likes, that's all. I'll go with it," Tash retorted, kissing Aliss's fingers. "I want her to know I'm here—that I'll never be far away."
Mayr smiled at the beauty in Tash's words. He was keeping his promise to stay, and each day proved he meant it. No matter the agony, he remained, bound to them.
Tash gazed at Mayr. "Now I know how you feel about Ili. Why you couldn't give her up. They wrap all your emotions around their tiny little hands and pull your soul into a dance before you realize you already know the steps."
"You're welcome," Mayr murmured, teasing Tash's lips with his. Their kiss blossomed quickly from chaste to an eagerness he missed.
"Boys, save that for later." Arieve smirked and drew on a lightweight cloak with lace capelet over her heavy dress, both of them bright white and tied with long white ribbons. "Let's get through the ceremony first, yes?"
"I suppose." Mayr sighed dramatically but winked and offered his arm to Arieve. "Shall we?"
Arieve shone with a smile as she hooked her arm around his. They passed through the bedroom and stepped into the hallway, joining Ralaern, Surie, Lisreft, and Gorgan. Dressed in white like all of the guests and guards, their escorts flashed wide smiles before they fell into step behind Tash and Coye. Since the explosion, Ralaern and Surie had served as Tash's primary escorts, while Lisreft and Gorgan looked after Arieve, Aliss, and Coye. They had Mayr's implicit trust, and he expected only the best from them.
The group descended the main staircase to the sunlit foyer. Ress and Adren waited at the bottom of the stairs with their four-guard contingent. Across the foyer, Nimae stood between two guards with another two behind him, his wrists cuffed and connected by a thick chain. He was the only one not in white, his crumpled clothes dark like the energy that emanated from him. His long hair was freshly washed, the spicy scent of soap wafting through the air, and someone had shaved his face as he requested every week.
Hostility pulled the air taut as Mayr stopped in the foyer. Adren flashed a strained smile, cir hand clasped around Ress's. Ress cleared his throat and glanced wearily at Nimae.
No one was comfortable when Nimae was nearby.
Holding Arieve close, Mayr kept her out of Nimae's reach. Once Tash stepped into the foyer, Mayr placed himself between Tash and Nimae, a decision that earned him Nimae's nasty glare.
He cared little for the intimidation attempt, challenging Nimae with a pointed stare. Nimae's current arrangements were compromises meant to soothe Tash and protect the rest of the family. They were not intended to coddle Nimae or make him feel better about his role in destroying the temple. Instead of being kept in a cell in the main house like an average prisoner, Nimae was confined to the Guard House on the lowest level, in the space meant for safety during an attack. All weapons caches had been stored elsewhere and the metal doors reinforced.
Mayr maintained that Nimae was far from all right. While Nimae's words and behaviour suggested he was a danger to himself more than others, Mayr put nothing past Nimae's desperation and internalized rage. He neither knew Nimae nor trusted him, and no one could vouch for him. To that end, Nimae was under surveillance at all times. Although he was allowed out each day to walk, eat, and partake in activities at Aeley and Mayr's discretion, Nimae was always accompanied by four or more guards. It was better than subjecting him to the limited mercy of High Council.
"Some fancy gathering you've got," Nimae said, eyeing Tash and Ress over Mayr's shoulder. "Can't think of a single reason why you're trotting me out—unless I'm the entertainment?"
"Never," Tash answered. He pushed past Mayr with Aliss in his arms. "I wanted to ask if you'd…" After a nervous glimpse at Mayr, Tash took a deep breath. "I was hoping you would attend Aliss's blessing."
Nimae snorted softly.
"Please, consider it," Tash pleaded. When he moved closer to Nimae, Mayr pressed his hand to Tash's back in warning, followed by a firm tug on his robes. "You're still family," Tash continued, obeying Mayr's silent command with one step backwards. "I want you there. My parents, Ally, Bremary, Cove—they're all here, asking to see you. They want to help. Please."
"Oh, sure, because this is exactly how I want them to see me." Nimae raised his hands, rattling the chain. "Nothing says family like patronizing the outcast."
"It's not like that," Tash argued. "They just want to talk."
"No, they don
't, and you're fooling yourself." Nimae nodded towards the back of the estate. "Get the baby to her party. Don't keep them waiting."
Crestfallen, Tash glanced at Aliss. "Would you at least offer her your blessing?"
Silence fell in the hall, colder than Nimae's sinister glare. The air almost snapped from the brutal tension, unspoken words more threatening than violence.
"No." Nimae turned to his guards. "Take me back to my cell. Drag me out when the meeting's on."
At Mayr's nod, the guards led Nimae away. Tash stared after him and clutched Aliss tighter, his eyes glistening with tears.
"Hey." Mayr wrapped his arms around Tash. "This is Aliss's day. She's here, we're here. That's all we need." He nuzzled Tash's neck and brushed a kiss over his jaw. "I love you."
Arieve hugged Tash from the other side. "We love you, and it'll be all right. Maybe he'll come around one day. You've both been through a lifetime of hurt. He needs to heal in his own time." Caressing Tash's cheek, she turned his face to hers. "Nimae stopped running and came here. There's still hope."
Coye slipped around Arieve to tuck folds of blanket beneath Aliss's chin. "For now, we need to enjoy this little bundle of sunshine. We should go and be happy for a bit."
"For Aliss," Tash whispered.
"For Aliss," Arieve echoed, pulling him by the hand.
They glided through the halls to one of the back entrances, followed by Ress, Adren, and their escorts. The moment they stepped into the yard, they were greeted by cheers and whistles from excited guests. The yard was bright and shiny, overlooking the long length of grassy hill and expansive valley of harvested fields and autumn-coloured forest. Ribbons in at least a dozen colours were strung from tree to tree, twisted and braided and draped, trailing and catching on the cool breeze. Glass and metallic baubles hung from the branches, striking brilliant hues of gold, blue, and silver among the blood red and bright orange leaves. Wood and wicker chairs sat against the back of the house, arranged in groups near tables with glass bowls of mulled ciders and warm biscuits. Strands of silver and crystal laced through the vines that clung to the back of the house, while chains of gleaming beads dangled from wood and wicker lattices.
An altar sat in the centre of the yard, readied with candles, white ribbons, flowery incense, a single glass goblet, and bowls of earth, water, and feathers. Next to the altar was a smaller table with a white wicker basket on top. Prepared by Kee and the priestesses with her, the altar area was modest, formed from simple tables covered by the best white tablecloths the estate had.
Kee had accepted it all with gracious thanks, similar to how she took to living at the estate with the dozen priests Aeley and Lira had taken in. Most days, Kee worked in the makeshift office Lira had arranged and spent time in the village.
To Mayr's relief, Armamae had recovered enough to work by Kee's side. Although he could not move or speak as well as he had before the explosion, the healers were optimistic about Armamae's ability to partake in several activities. Fortunately, the blessing was one of those activities, even if he had to take it easy and rest more than wander. At least he was not alone: Mayr's mother was keeping him company. Both of them sat on a bench near the altar, wrapped in thick, colourful quilts.
Mayr glanced from face to face while he maneuvered through the crowd with Arieve, Tash, and Coye. Their families were the first to bombard them with hugs and playful nudges, followed by the onslaught of celebration from their friends.
Beyond the smiles and coos over Aliss, Mayr focused on the dozens of guards that patrolled the yard and guests who were not close acquaintances. Of them all, he was most anxious about those who were there for business: Councilmen Severn, Cota, and Lower; Tract Stewart Kayte Oaren of the Alosaa tract, his wife, Rosayra, and their guards; and the bounty hunters Rathen and Kirra, who looked out of place, their white clothes a contrast to their usual sleek, black attire. While they all were cordial and extended blessings to Aliss, most of them knew nothing about why they were there at all. Aeley had intentionally left the reason out of their invitations. To get around the spies of the Shar-denn, they kept the intent secret.
At Kee's request, Mayr joined Tash, Arieve, and Coye at the altar. The crowd formed circles around them except for the three priestesses standing behind Kee.
Kee beamed as she took Aliss. She crooned a blessing prayer before finally turning to the assembly. "Beloved family, friends, and servants of the divine, welcome to this joyful day," Kee greeted loudly. When Aliss poked at Kee's lips, she laughed and captured Aliss's fingers. Kee kissed Aliss's knuckles then clasped them to her chest. "Today we gather in spirit and love to bless this child with the best life has to offer. We come together as one, honoured with experience, wisdom, and the gifts that have been bestowed upon us. It is with the sacred graces of the Four that I present to you Aliss Varen, firstborn of Arieve, Coye, Halataldris, and Mayr. Blessed be the child."
As the assembly echoed her last words, Mayr watched Tash. For the first time in months, he looked happy, his cheeks coloured by a faint blush. A hint of sorrow teased his gaze, but joy pushed it back, allowing his pride to shine through.
Rightfully so, considering Aliss is named after Emeraliss. He can't give her that name without feeling good about it.
Mayr smirked. He turned his attention back to Kee as she invoked the names of legendary consorts and their sacred children, recounting lively tales of gifting and whimsical childhood adventures. Overwhelmed as he was to know the Goddesses were real, he was thankful someone was looking out for their family. Tash and he could have died just as easily as Arieve and Aliss. With a reverence he had rarely felt, Mayr supported Tash's suggestion for Aliss's name. Love would see them through anything, a belief that would cost Mayr his heart in the best of ways.
All the ways that matter. After everything, who knew we'd be here, doing this?
He would trade it for nothing.
But I'll do anything to keep it. This is me taking a knee to the Four and offering my soul up for whoever puts it to work.
Voices floated on the air around Aliss's tiny voice, singing the Merry Chant of Children while Kee laid Aliss in the basket of white silk pillows. Among the pillows was a garland of gold, auburn, and orange flowers with bell-shaped petals that hung over the edge of the basket. Kee grasped Arieve's hand and led her around the table, motioning for Mayr, Tash, and Coye to stand around the table with them.
Once the chant finished, Kee guided Arieve's flattened hand over Aliss. "In the presence of everyone here, the four of you may declare your commitment to Aliss Varen, a precious spirit that needs to be tended with great care. Hand on hand, may your promises be bound."
Mayr took Arieve's hand and squeezed, returning her smile with a grin he felt all the way to his gut. Coye's hand slipped beneath Arieve's, while Tash rested his around them all.
Kee draped four long white ribbons across their hands. After she looped the ribbons around their wrists, Kee coiled and crossed the ribbons, tying their hands together. The beaded ends of the ribbons hung free, their strands of silver and white beads swaying above the basket. Aliss gurgled as she hit the beads back and forth.
Laughing softly, Mayr recited the vows of commitment with Tash, Arieve, and Coye. In that moment, they were more than lovers or spouses: they were parents safeguarding the power of a future.
I'll do right by you, he promised Aliss silently. This is the dream I can't wake from. This is fate.
Mayr glanced at Arieve and Tash, ecstatic at how they both seemed to glow with delight. The impossible had become possible. They were good together, not only as two or three but as four, with Coye tying the loose ends in Arieve's heart. Tash grounded Mayr, but Arieve anchored them all. Should they lose their balance, they could find a way to right each other.
Thank you for all of this, Emeraliss. Mayr caught Tash's gaze, only to fall once more for their stunning blue depths. Never had he felt so complete. There was nothing missing, nor was there space for anything to be missing.
; I'll never leave you behind or give you up. You are my light, my heart, my world. Wherever you fly, I'll follow, because you're the star guiding me home. Soulbound by fire and thread… Feels like eternity to me.
Epilogue
The blessing feast was over, but change was about to begin.
Mayr leaned against one of the tables in the centre of the well-lit room, surveying the doorway while guests entered. With Arieve and Aliss napping until dinner, his primary concern was the meeting with Aeley, Lira, and the people they trusted. Their plan required so much secrecy, they were meeting in a stuffy room in a back corridor two floors below the estate's main level, past the cells where prisoners were kept, in a suite of rooms usually reserved for when the estate was under attack.
The room's lack of windows concealed the oncoming darkness as evening descended. The hallway to the single entrance was heavily guarded, not only by Dahe guards, but by the guards with Tract Steward Oaren and the Councilmen. Given the thick wood door as wide as Mayr's hand, few would hear what was said inside the room. Even fewer would get close enough to hear a muffled voice: Mayr and Pellon had chosen guards specifically for their discretion and the ability to keep unapproved parties at a distance.
The musty chamber filled quickly. Large enough to accommodate sixty people, the room was simple and unadorned. Two tables sat in the middle, pushed together and accompanied by twenty wooden chairs. A dozen candles offered a bright glow in addition to the torches in the cradles on the walls. Goblets and decanters filled with various bitter alcohols waited on silver trays, surrounded by sliced rounds of nut bread, spiced cheese, and rolls of savoury meats.
Near the wall to Mayr's right stood a wood target painted with red, white, yellow, and black concentric circles. Set up by Ress, the wall behind the target was partially hidden by three stripped mattresses. A barrier of thick wood planks on weighted blocks stood between the target and the mattresses.
Curiosity toyed with Mayr, but he suspected the target had to do with the locked metal case in front of Ress. Waiting silently next to Adren, Ress sat on the other side of the table from Mayr, away from the door. The metal case never left Ress's reach; Adren's hand never left the knife strapped to cir thigh. Their critical gazes flitted from one face to another.
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