“Kevighn.” Ciarán’s voice went stern.
Kevighn saw the look on Aodhan’s face and sighed. “I … I’m sorry. Yes, your mother died because of her magic. But she wanted you to live. Quinn, too.” That was the one thing that redeemed Quinn in his mind.
“Is Quinn dead? Was he the same Quinn that tutored Elise?” Aodhan asked.
“Yes,” Kevighn said.
The boy didn’t seem too concerned about Quinn’s death. Good. He’d save the details of that event for another day. But then, he didn’t actually kill Quinn … the man would have died anyway. He’d just put him out of his misery.
“I know you’ll protect me until I can protect myself.” Aodhan smiled. “But … ” The smile faded. “What about Elise?”
“Elise will be fine. Magnolia will protect her,” Kevighn assured him.
“They have a hound. May I have a hound?” Aodhan shot them a pleading look, changing the subject in the way only a child could.
“We’ll see. You’ve heard a lot of things. Do you have any questions for me?” Ciarán joined them around the table, game abandoned.
“Are you really a king? How can you be the king of darkness? You can’t make things dark.” Aodhan cocked his head as if pondering this. “You will have good relations with Noli’s court, won’t you, so that Elise and I can remain friends?”
“I am king, yes,” Ciarán said slowly. “I never told you this because I wanted protect you.”
Aodhan nodded. “Like Elise didn’t know she was a princess, to protect her. I … I understand.”
“You do? I’m glad.” Ciarán smiled.
Sadness stabbed Kevighn in the chest. Yes, this was Creideamh’s child. She, too, quietly understood such things, while he would have raged and yelled. Perhaps thrown a chair.
“As for what I’m king of … you understand how courts have opposites, don’t you?” Ciarán asked. Aodhan nodded. “The dark court is the opposite of the high court. I don’t control darkness any more than Queen Tiana controls light. While she was born to the position, I, being her opposite, had to take it. The high queen is always a woman; the dark king is always a man.”
Aodhan thought for moment, then nodded. “Oh, good, so I don’t have to be a king then. I’m not sure I want to. There are a lot of meetings. They make Noli cranky.”
Kevighn couldn’t help but laugh. Yes, Magnolia didn’t like to sit still.
“We’re still your family, Aodhan.” Ciarán reached out and squeezed his shoulder.
“I know. I’m glad I’m home. I missed you.” Aodhan gave them a smile that lit up his entire face. “Uncle Kevighn, can we go hunting tomorrow?”
“Of course we can. Perhaps we’ll bring your father … he was the one who taught me how to hunt.” Kevighn looked over at Ciarán. “He taught me a lot of things. Much more than I give him credit for.”
Like how to live again.
Kevighn’s hand went to his sigil. Yes, this was where he belonged. With his family. With Aodhan and Ciarán, leading the dark court and the Otherworld into a new era. Ready or not.
“Aodhan, I … I have a present for you,” Kevighn added. Yes, it was time to pass it on.
“You do?” Aodhan bounced up and down. “What is it?”
“It’s very special. It belonged to your mother. But you must take good care of it.”
“I will, I promise. What is it?”
“We need to go there.” Kevighn stood and looked at Ciarán. “Can we go there now?”
Ciarán rose. “I think that’s a great idea. I’ll have Luce make us a picnic.”
“What’s this cabin, Uncle Kevighn?” Aodhan asked as they entered his lands.
“My house.” He should get a few more things while they were here.
The boy frowned. “Won’t you be staying with us?”
“He will. He and your mother lived here and sometimes he uses it as a base and a workshop,” Ciarán assured him.
They walked past the cabin and entered the gardens, overgrown and wild, having no one to care for them.
“Your gardens need work, Uncle.” Aodhan ran over to the roses. “Did you know Noli likes roses?”
“Yes, she does.” Kevighn kept walking so he wouldn’t think about Magnolia. That was the past, and he needed to live in the present because there was so much for him to live for. They walked through the gardens to Creideamh’s grove.
“This was your mother’s grove,” Kevighn told him. “It’s now yours. But you need to care for it.” This grove held so many memories.
“Of course I will. But … how do I care for it?” Aodhan looked at the grove curiously.
“Let me show you.” Kevighn took his hand and they crossed through the ring of trees. There sat her tree house, ringed by the star blooms Magnolia had planted.
Aodhan looked up at the tree house and gasped. “This …
this is mine? All mine? Oh, Uncle Kevighn it’s the best present ever!”
Tiny wood faeries appeared, looking at them curiously. A blue one sat on Aodhan’s shoulder.
“This is Aodhan, Creideamh’s son. This is his tree house now,” Kevighn told the wood fairies who swarmed them, lighting up the grove.
A yellow one flew over and landed on Aodhan’s nose. He went cross-eyed and laughed. “Hello. I’ll take good care of it. I promise.” Aodhan looked up. “May I go in?”
Kevighn gestured to it. “Go ahead.”
He and Ciarán watched as Aodhan scrambled into the house and explored, the wood faeries giving him the tour.
“You’re smiling.” Ciarán stood close, their arms brushing.
Joy at hearing laughter once again coming from that tree house filled him with happiness. “I’m happy. I … I haven’t been truly happy in a long time.”
He hadn’t realized that until this very moment.
Aodhan popped his head out the window and waved. “Hi!”
“Look at him.” Ciarán put an arm around his waist. “Things aren’t perfect—they never are. But you have a lot to be happy about. And contrary to whatever you might believe, you do deserve to be happy.”
“I do, don’t I?” For too long, he’d relied on vices to forget; too long had he shirked his duties, too long had he hurt the people he loved—and who loved him. Too long had he felt that being happy would be an affront to the memory of his sister; that he didn’t deserve to be happy because he hadn’t been able to protect her.
“You do,” Ciarán said.
Kevighn turned and faced him. “Thank you,” he said softly. “For showing me the error of my ways, for being patient, for welcoming me back after I left. I … ”
Ciarán shook his head. “You owe me no debt. I have all I need. I hope that you’ve realized you have all you need, too.”
Kevighn gazed at Ciarán, then looked over to the tree house and nodded. “Yes. It took me a while, but yes, I do.”
He was ready to start his new life. After all these years of just existing, it was finally time for him to live.
Noli clutched V’s hand as they all rode in a motorcab to Grandfather Montgomery’s house. Ned and Etta had been returned to their homes.
Her father looked out the window and frowned. “This doesn’t look like Los Angeles.”
“No, Papa. We took the airship from Los Angeles to Boston because Mama’s here,” Noli reminded him. Ciarán had told her that her father would be a little disoriented from the forget-spell. As much as she hated lying to him, it was for the best.
“Oh, I see.” He frowned, and rubbed his chin, which badly needed a shave. “The doctor said it would take a few days for my head to clear after being stuck in the aether, didn’t he? I’m having trouble keeping everything straight.”
“Yes, Papa.” There’d been no doctor any more than there’d been an airship.
“I can’t wait to see y
our mother.” His eyes glowed, then he frowned. “It’s nearly Christmas, isn’t it? I don’t have a present for her.”
She patted his shoulder. “You’re the best present she could ask for.”
The car pulled up the drive at Grandfather Montgomery’s, a grand house with columns and a large porch with a swing on it.
Papa frowned. “What about our home in Los Angeles?”
“It’s Jeff’s home now,” she replied, giving his hand a squeeze.
He gave a little sigh. “I did love that house. I don’t think the firm will have my job anymore. Your mother always did love Boston more; perhaps we’ll just stay here.”
“I think she’d like that.” She squeezed her father’s hand. If her parents stayed in Boston, that could make things a little easier for her and V. Maybe.
They climbed out of the motorcab, all in mortal dress. The driver got their bags. The motorcab drove off and they walked up the drive.
Taking a deep breath she knocked on the door. Here goes nothing.
The door cracked open and Jameson, Grandfather’s ancient butler, peered out. He blinked. “Ah, Miss Noli. Please, come in.”
Her insides bubbled with excitement. “Is Mama here?”
“Noli, you’re here.” The door flew all the way open, and Mama came out onto the porch in a pretty navy afternoon dress, a big smile on her face. She looked much more rested and more like the mother she remembered than when they’d lived in Los Angeles.
Yes, Jeff had been right. Letting Mama go had been the right choice.
And now … now she had Papa to keep her company.
“Are you all better now, Noli? You look pale still. I was so worried. But why did you return to Los Angeles to rest? You’re welcome here.” Mama hugged Noli to her.
“Well, Mama … you see … I had to get a special present and bring it here for you.” Noli’s heart thumped in her ears. “I got an aethergraph from San Francisco and so V and I went up and now … ” She gestured to her father. “Merry Christmas, Mama.”
Her mother’s pale jaw dropped, blue eyes going wide as a pale hand flew to her delicate mouth. She began to tremble. “Henry?”
“I told you he’d come back, Mama. I told you.” Noli wanted to jump up and down in happiness. She’d been right.
“Eady.” Papa crossed the porch, gathered his wife in his arms, and spun her around while she squealed like a little girl. He pulled her to him and buried his face in her dark hair. “Oh, Eady, I missed you so much. You’re as beautiful as ever.”
“Henry.” Mama cupped his face with her hand. “You …
you look just as I remember.”
“What’s going on? Why are you all outside?” Jeff walked through the still-open front door out onto the porch and stopped short. “Father?” His voice shook a little.
“I told you he’d come back to us.” Noli grinned at her brother. Even though she should be beyond such things, it felt good to say I told you so.
Jeff patted her on the shoulder. “Yes, you did. Father, I’m so glad to see you.”
They embraced, and their father gave him a hearty clap on the back. “My, what a fine gentleman you’ve become, Jeff. I hear you have yourself a fiancée? I can’t wait to meet her.”
“I’d love for you to meet her,” Jeff replied.
“Steven, it’s nice to see you again, please, pardon my manners. I … I’m a bit in shock here.” Mrs. Braddock’s eyes glistened, her smile wide. She looked around the porch. “Where’s Elise and James? Is your father away on business?”
“It’s understandable.” V smiled back. “Elise and James are on their way, as for my father.” His expression went grim. “My … my father passed right after Thanksgiving.”
“He did?” Her hand went to her mouth in ladylike horror. “Oh dear, I’m so sorry to hear that. I respected Mr. Darrow immensely. Dear sweet Elise must be devastated.”
“We all are,” V said softly, shoulders slumping a little.
“But what will become of you three, you’re so young.” Her mother shook her head.
“Mother, why don’t we all go inside,” Jeff prompted. As usual he needed a shave.
“Oh, yes, yes,” Mama blustered. “I … ” Her gaze fell to Papa and she blushed.
Papa took Mama’s hand and kissed it. “Yes, let’s go inside.”
Mama gave a girlish giggle and the two of them went inside.
Jeff rolled his eyes, then glanced at the doorway and lowered his voice. “How did you find him? Where was he?”
“The official story is that he and his team were stuck in the aether—but they were in the Otherworld. Kevighn found him, actually,” Noli whispered, trying not to shiver from the cold. Yes, she was ready to go inside.
“Silver?” Jeff made a face. “That must be quite the story.”
Noli nodded. “We have quite a lot to tell you and Vix. Is she here?”
“Yes, she is.”
Her mother reappeared in the doorway. “Noli, come inside before you catch your death. Ellen’s bringing tea to the parlor. Jameson will get your bags.”
“Yes, Mama.” Noli looked at V and her brother, who were still standing on the porch.
“We’ll be right there.” V smiled, but it was strained.
Noli gave Jeff a pointed look. “Don’t hurt him. Papa already said yes.”
She went inside and shut the door, gazing at the grand entryway. A kissing ball hung in the archway. Christmas greenery decorated every available surface, from the banister to the doorways. How long had it been since she’d been to Grandfather Montgomery’s? Although she’d been here at Thanksgiving, she’d been ill because of Brogan and didn’t actually remember it.
Voices came from the parlor. Noli peeked inside and saw her mother and father sitting close together on the settee, speaking softly and holding hands. Her heart pattered happily. They were back together. A fire roared in the fireplace, a giant Christmas tree stood in the corner near the piano.
“Noli, why are you hovering in the doorway?” Grandfather Montgomery’s voice dripped with disapproval from behind her.
“Hello, Grandfather. I … I brought Mama a present, and, well, it feels like intruding.” She moved so her grandfather could see.
His hand went to his heart. “Is that … .”
“They found him. Isn’t that grand?” Noli grinned so hard her face hurt. He was back!
“I … I should tell your grandmamma, and send word to Winston Braddock. He’ll find the news that his son is alive to be a wonderful present.” Her grandfather squeezed her shoulder.
“Oh yes, he would.” Sometimes she forgot about Grandpa Braddock, her father’s father, who also lived in Boston.
“Noli, come warm yourself by the fire. I don’t want you to catch cold,” Mama called.
“Yes, Mama.” She went into the parlor and warmed herself, stealing glances at her parents as they held hands, giddiness bubbling inside her.
Ellen brought tea and set it on the tea table. Grandfather Montgomery and Grandmamma joined them. So did Jeff, Vix, and V.
“Father.” Jeff took Vix’s hand and squeezed it. “This is Vix … Victoria Adler, my fiancée.”
“It’s nice to meet you, sir.” Vix’s Southern drawl sounded more pronounced than usual. Today she wore a simple but elegant day dress. Noli had never seen the captain in a dress before. Probably her mother’s work.
“Welcome to the family.” Papa smiled at Vix. “Where did you two meet?”
“I’m a pilot on an airship, like I’d always wanted,” Jeff said slowly. “Vix is the captain.”
“Oh, what kind of ship?” His eyes lit up.
“Oh, Henry,” Mama clucked. “You can talk about airships later.”
“I … I … have something I’d like to say.” V stood, looking paler than usual. “Noli and I have been ac
cepted at a university in France, starting next semester. It’s a very rigorous program and will keep us quite busy. We’ll be leaving right after Christmas.”
“That’s an unusual program—have you even finished your schooling?” Grandfather frowned.
“It’s … it’s very special.” V gulped. “It’s no secret that we wanted to attend university together and well … before we leave … there’s something I wanted to ask. I … I think this is something that should happen before we go to France. Um … ” Shaking, he got down on one knee, pulling a box out of his pocket.
He opened the box, which held a beautiful ring. There were seven stones: a ruby, an emerald, a garnet, an amethyst, another ruby, a diamond, and a sapphire—which spelled regards. These rings were all the rage for engagements, but this one was like none that Noli had ever seen—the stones formed a flower.
Both her mother and Grandmamma gasped.
Noli’s heart raced. She’d known this was coming, but it did nothing to lessen the excitement.
“Magnolia Montgomery Braddock? Will you … will you be my wife?” V’s voice trembled as his eyes met hers.
Everyone watched them expectantly. Mama dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief.
Noli held out her hand as V slid the ring onto her finger. “Yes,” she whispered. “The answer is yes.”
Twenty-Nine
Boston
Steven knocked softly on the door to the room Noli was staying in. He’d gotten used to sharing a room with her, but he could hardly expect that here.
“Come in,” Noli called.
He entered. This wasn’t the nursery where he’d found her so ill and pale from Uncle Brogan’s magic. No, this was a cheery room, with a four-poster bed and a window seat.
Noli sat curled in the window seat, reading a novel. She looked over and smiled. “Hello.”
“What are you reading?” He joined her.
She flashed him the cover. “Dickens.”
Fragile Destiny (The Aether Chronicles) Page 30
