by Elin Peer
Khan leaned back in his chair and stretched his feet out. “Actually, it’s not a bad idea. We could make it an annual celebration and have a whole week of fun and games.”
“Yes!” I was so relieved that Khan was warming up to the idea that my hand flew out and pointed at him. “Exactly.”
“The tournament is in three weeks. How do you propose we get all that done in so little time?” My dad shook his head. “Everything is changing. I don’t like it!”
“Change is inevitable and it doesn’t have to be a bad thing. You’ll still have your fighting and Khan will get to perform weddings. We’ll make it even better than it was in the old days.”
My mom came over and brushed my hair back over my shoulder. “Are you sure you want to back out of the tournament? Having a large strong warrior as your husband is not a bad thing.”
“Mom, I’ve made up my mind.”
“Because of Jonah?”
I sighed, but didn’t answer her because my dad was snorting out loud.
“We’ll have to give him credit for offering to fight for her,” my mom told Magni.
“As if he stood a chance.” Magni rolled his eyes. “Stupid kid. What was he thinking?”
“I don’t know.” My lips tugged upward and butterflies made my stomach tingle. “But it’s kind of flattering that he declared his love for me like that.”
Khan and Magni exchanged a glance and then Khan cleared his throat. “He overestimates his skills as a fighter, but your father and I are impressed with his willingness to risk his life for you.”
My smile grew. “That was surprising to me too.”
Playing with a lock of my hair, my mom mused, “It shows a level of respect for our culture that we appreciate.”
“Do you know when Jonah is coming? It sounded like he’s coming straight here.”
“Yes, he texted that he’ll be here around eleven and that he’s bringing his sister.”
Khan nodded. “Yes, Hunter and Emanuela are moving up here. It will be good to welcome them with a cold beer.”
“No, he’s bringing Anne. The swimsuit model.”
That made both Khan and Magni sit up straight and frown.
“What’s wrong?” Pearl asked. “Why do you look like that?”
Magni crossed his arms and nodded to Khan. “You tell her.”
Khan moved in his seat. “It’s nothing. Just make sure she and Jonah don’t go to the sleeping quarters of the guards.”
“Why would they go near there? I’ve never been.”
Magni groaned. “Good… It’s better if you don’t go. None of you.”
Leaning over the table, Laura pinned Magni with her eyes. “I’m gonna march right over unless you tell us what it is you’re not saying.”
Magni scratched his neck. “I inspected the place yesterday and they’ve added a lot of pictures on the walls since I’ve been away.”
My forehead rose up. “Of Anne?”
“Yes, and others.”
“I’m surprised you let them keep them.” My dad had always been a strict authoritarian with his men.
“Solo had allowed it. Khan and I discussed it and we decided not to overrule him.”
“So, you think it’s fine for the soldiers to objectify women like that?” Pearl gave Khan a sharp look, but Laura defended the men.
“Isn’t she a model? I would think they’re honoring her work by having her pictures up. I can’t imagine models minding. That would be like an actor recording a movie and then getting upset about people watching it and praising their talents.”
Pearl rubbed the bridge of her nose and then she held up both palms. “I’m going to pick my battles, and as long as the soldiers can behave professionally around her, it’s not up to me to judge.”
“Honey, let me know when Jonah and his sister are arriving at the border and I’ll make sure they are picked up.”
I walked over and gave my dad a kiss on the cheek. “Thank you. And please don’t be hard on Jonah. He’s going through enough as it is with the Council.”
Magni raised an eyebrow. “I’ve always been hard on him. It’s like a tradition.”
“I know, Dad, but not all traditions are good ones.”
My dad crossed his arms. “It goes both ways, you know. The last time he was here he mocked me and told me he was the strongest man in the world.”
Khan laughed. “Jonah said that? Then he truly is delusional.”
“He meant mentally strong,” I clarified.
With a scoff, Magni continued his rant, “And then he accused me of hiding in my room feeling sorry for myself. As if I’m some kind of wimp.”
Pearl spoke in a sympathetic tone. “Grief takes time and you said it yourself, you don’t like change.”
Magni looked offended. “What’s that supposed to mean? You make it sound like I’m inflexible.”
The rest of us exchanged glances and then we laughed.
“What’s so funny? I’m fucking adaptable.”
Khan was still laughing. “Sure you are.”
Magni pointed to Laura. “Babe, tell them how well I coped with you changing from meek to strong-minded. And what about Pearl turning up here and coming between me and Khan? I’ve adapted, haven’t I?”
My mom pushed up from her chair and walked over to him. “Yes, you have. It always takes you a while, but eventually you make it work.”
He pulled her into his arms and shot Khan and Pearl a told-you-so look.
Khan held up two palms signaling that he surrendered. “Maybe in time you can adapt a little faster and skip the shouting and throwing things around part?”
My dimples came out as I smiled at my dad. “I second what Khan said, but I’ve got to go now.”
“Tell Jonah I want to see him in my office as soon as he arrives,” my dad called out behind me.
“It will be late. You can talk to him tomorrow.”
“Why isn’t she listening to me anymore?” he complained to the others, but there was no need for me to stop and answer him when Pearl did it perfectly for me.
“Because Mila is finally her own woman now.”
CHAPTER 21
Forever
Jonah
“Stop tapping your foot on the floor. It won’t make the drone fly any faster,” Anne complained.
Sitting strapped in for hours was a nightmare when my body was pumped with nervous energy.
I hadn’t called Mila because I was terrified that she’d tell me not to come. All I had done was write her a text informing her when we’d be at the border.
She had given me a short answer confirming that she’d arrange for a pick-up. Why were there no hearts, kisses, or puppies in the text? Mila always used to include a bunch of those things. I kept looking down at my wristband hoping for the words, “I can’t wait to see you,” but they didn’t come.
When we finally arrived at the Northlands, I recognized the two guards who stood waiting for us. They had been at the obstacle course back when Mason had challenged me to a race. It was a little past eleven at night and projectors from the border were lighting up the path to where they were parked.
They elbowed each other with excitement when Anne and I came close.
“May peace surround you,” I said and smiled at them.
They stared from me to Anne and then at each other like summer had come early.
“We’ve met before, do you remember?”
They both nodded.
“Were your names Kal-Rai and Neptune?”
“Kal-El,” one of them corrected me.
“Sorry. Anyway, this is my sister, Anne.”
Anne looked beautiful as she walked up to the two young men with a big smile on her face and reached for the hands of Kal-El.
He jerked his hands away.
“My apologies. Jonah warned me you might not want to touch me, but I was just so excited to meet Nmen that I forgot.”
“I don’t mind touching you.” Neptune had a charming grin on his face
when he offered his hands to her. "As long as you’re okay with it.”
Anne lit up in a smile. “May peace surround you and your shy friend.”
“I’m not shy,” Kal-El defended himself. “We’re just not allowed to touch women.” He gave a minor scowl to Neptune.
“Oh, but it’s completely fine with me.” Anne batted her eyelashes and when Kal-El picked up her luggage, she rewarded him with a thankful smile.
“I don’t mind touching you either,” he assured her. “I just don’t want to get in trouble for it.”
“Do you want me to take your luggage?” Neptune asked me, but I waved a hand, gesturing that I had it.
All the way from the border to the Gray Manor, Anne and the guards talked. Neptune entertained her with stories about life as a guard and made her laugh several times.
“Do you mind if I touch your beard?” she asked Kal-El, whose beard went to his collarbone. “It’s just that I’ve never seen a beard that long.”
With pride he leaned forward and let her feel it.
“How long did it take you to grow it that long?”
“Four years.”
“I can grow mine long too, I just prefer it shorter.” Neptune was clearly jealous over the attention his colleague was getting.
With a twinkle in her eye, Anne shifted her attention to Neptune and like it was the most natural thing in the world she leaned forward and cupped his face. “Your beard is perfect the way it is.”
His eyes blinked like he had no idea how he’d just got so lucky as to be touched by an angel.
“Thank… thank you.”
When we landed at the Gray Manor, it was close to eleven thirty at night. Normally, Mila always came running out the door to greet me, but this time the door was closed.
My heart sank and fear grew that I was too late.
“Ooh, it’s cold up here.” Anne shivered a bit while Neptune and Kal-El were bumping shoulders to get to Anne’s luggage first.
Walking up the steps, I was relieved when the door swung open and Pearl’s friendly face showed. “Come in, come in.”
“Thank you.” I hugged her tight before introducing my sister. “This is Anne, whom I’ve told you about.”
“Yes.” Pearl gave Anne a polite smile. “What a surprise that you decided to visit us.”
Anne looked as star-struck as I’d been the first time that I met Pearl. “It’s such an honor. I’ve learned about you in school and Jonah has told me so much good about you.”
“I’m sure he’s exaggerating.” Pearl leaned to the side and gave instructions to the guards. “Will you take their luggage to the guest suites… ehh.” She wrinkled her forehead. “Oh, dear, I forgot what suites Mila picked out for you.”
Just then, Mila came running down the staircase looking like something from my personal fairytale. Her long blond hair was loose and she was wearing a sweater in a warm purple color that complimented her large blue eyes. Without words, Mila ran straight into my arms and linked her arms around my waist.
My whole body relaxed as I wrapped my arms around her and took in the delicious scent of Mila.
Neither of us wanted to let go, and it made Pearl and Anne laugh.
“I guess they’ve missed each other.”
“Oh, you should have seen Jonah all the way up here. He looked tortured having to sit still.” Anne placed a hand on my shoulder. “It’s good to see you this happy, brother.”
I still didn’t let go of Mila but turned my head and smiled at Anne and Pearl.
“Mila, if you’re capable of loosening your grip on Jonah, maybe you could show our guests to their rooms. It’s late and we have much to discuss tomorrow."
“Did you see the vote?” I asked Pearl.
“The whole world saw the vote, Jonah. I’ve already called my mom to thank her for evening out the votes. Tomorrow, we’ll discuss how to flip the votes in your favor for Monday.”
“You think we can?”
Pearl arched an eyebrow. “We have to!” She left us with a soft “Good night. I’ll see you all tomorrow.”
Mila eased back and looked up at me. “I’m so glad you came.”
My smile beamed back at her. “So am I.”
“Hi, Mila, my name is Anne.”
Mila became flustered. “I’m so sorry, you must think me rude for forgetting my manners like this.” Shaking her head, she took both of Anne’s hands. “Welcome. We are delighted to have you here in the Northlands and we hope you’ll find peace surrounding you.”
“Thank you. May peace surround you too. I’m excited to be here. It’s so exotic.”
Turning to Neptune and Kal-El, Mila grinned. “Did you hear that?”
They laughed. “Doesn’t feel exotic to us.”
“Neptune and Kal-El, will you follow us with the luggage?”
“Oh, no, you don’t have to do that. I’m happy to carry my own bag. It’s not heavy.” I reached for my blue bag and Kal-El handed it over.
“I can take my bag too,” Anne offered Neptune but the blond guard pulled it back. “Please, it would be my honor.”
Mila and I walked up the stairs shoulder to shoulder, followed by Anne and Neptune. We didn’t talk much but just kept smiling at each other.
“Anne, this is the room I picked out for you. It has a view of the garden and is the largest of the guest suites on this floor.” Opening the door, Mila stepped aside and let Anne look into one of the roomy guestrooms that I’d stayed in before.
“That’s very kind of you. Thank you.”
“My room is seven doors down.” Mila pointed to the left. “You’ll see a big happy dog face on the door that says ‘This room is filled with kisses, wagging tails, wet noses, and love.’ Please just knock if you need anything.”
Neptune went inside the room to place Anne’s bag on the bed.
“I’m sure I’ll be fine, but thank you, Mila. Good night, you two.”
When Neptune came back out from the room, he gave Anne another charming smile. “I hope you’ll have a nice stay here. If there’s anything I can help with let me know, please.”
“You’re so sweet, Neptune.” Anne lifted up on her toes and hugged him. I stood behind her and saw the surprise on Neptune’s face and how his ears grew red.
Clearing her throat, Mila spoke in a soft voice, “Anne, a small piece of advice. Don’t hug the guards in front of my dad or uncle.”
“Oh, I’m sorry, but Neptune said he doesn’t mind touching me and I’m a natural hugger.”
“Yeah, me too. But the soldiers are working and my dad says it’s a distraction.”
I swallowed a grin because the stunned look on Neptune’s face confirmed that he was heavily distracted.
“I’m sorry, Neptune, I won’t do it again.” Anne left us in the hallway and closed the door to her room.
“None of the others are going to believe that she hugged me.” His hands were trembling and he looked more like a teenage boy than a grown soldier.
“It doesn’t matter what they believe. It happened.” Mila gave a light chuckle. “Thank you for picking up my friends. I was going to wish you pleasant dreams tonight, but I don’t think that will be necessary.”
They smiled at each other and then he jogged down the corridor away from us.
“Do you know the name of every guard in the castle?”
“It’s not a castle, and yes, I know them all by name.”
Mila began walking and nodded her head for me to follow.
Holding my breath and crossing the fingers on my right hand, I gave her a sideways glance. “Please tell me, I’m staying in your room tonight.”
“Officially, you’re staying here.” She pointed to the door next to Anne’s.
“And unofficially?”
“You’re staying with me.”
My fist went up in the air as I exclaimed a big “YES!”
That made Mila laugh. “I can’t wait to hear more about your plans to fight for me.”
“I was afraid
I was going to have to beg for you to let me back into your life.”
“Why? I never wanted you out of it to begin with.” Opening the door to her room, Mila let go of my hand and gave ear rubs to the dogs who’d run up to her.
“You have another one?”
“She’s a rescue. One of the guards found her starving so I had to take her in. I already found a family for her so she’s only staying one more night.”
A skinny dog with an underbite and fearful eyes kept its distance when I tried to pet it.
“It’s okay, she’ll warm up to you.” Mila walked over to her bed and sat down. “I’ve missed you, Jonah.”
I sat down my bag and joined her on the bed. “Not as much as I’ve missed you. I’ve been such a fool, Mila. I should have told you how madly in love with you I am. This whole thing with Anne and the council. It distracted me and I screwed up."
She waited for me to elaborate.
“Last night I was with Hunter and he spoke about your tournament. It made me physically ill to think about you marrying someone else.” I took her hands and looked deep into her eyes. “Mila, what we have together is special.”
“I know.”
“There’s no one like you and last night it became painfully clear that I’d rather lose my seat on the Council than lose you.”
She tilted her head. “You mean that?”
“Yes. That’s why I had to come up here and convince you not to go through with the tournament.”
Her eyes widened. “But I thought… wait, but you said that you were going to fight for me.”
The moment she said it I understood how my words could be misinterpreted. My eyes shut tight together and I cursed on the inside. “I didn’t mean that I’d physically fight for you in the tournament. I wouldn’t be much use to you dead. I meant that I was going to plead and beg for you to give me another chance.”
Mila’s face softened. “Ahh, that makes more sense, because we all thought you had lost your mind,”
“They all think I’m planning to fight in the tournament?”
“Yes. My dad and Khan were very impressed.”
I fell back on the bed with my hands to my head. “Oh geez, I must look like an idiot to them.”
“They did call you delusional, but if I were you, I wouldn’t correct their misconception. The fact that you were willing to fight for me means a lot to them.”
