Page 132 of Kingdom of Chains

Blackmane blinked. ‘Right. So the big news is the nest?’

‘Are you not excited?’ Isabel asked, taking hold of both his hands.

‘That depends. Does the nest mean Margery will no longer be sleeping in our bed?’

Isabel’s face fell. ‘I had not thought about that part.’ Her expression turned stoic. ‘No, it is definitely time. I raised her to be independent, taught her to fly and to hunt.’ She squeezed Blackmane’s hands. ‘And nowwetaught her how to find love.’

Reaching up, he brushed his thumb down her cheek. He could not have loved her more if he tried. ‘Let’s hope her journey there was a little less turbulent than ours.’ His hand fell away. ‘Come inside and eat.’

Isabel looked at Margery. ‘Are you hungry?’

The eagle flew off towards the house, entering via the kitchen window. Blackmane took Isabel’s hand, and they slowly walked that way.

‘Can you hear that?’ Isabel asked, eyes bright and teeth on display.

He knew exactly what she was referring to. It was the sound of everyday life. ‘I hear it.’

Tolly emerged from the house then. They had not even heard him arrive.

‘Full house, I see,’ he said.

Blackmane nodded. ‘A bit more crowded than usual.’

‘Have you eaten?’ Isabel asked. ‘We have enough eggs to feed a… well, an army.’

‘Ita’s fetching me a plate as we speak.’ He leaned against the doorframe. ‘I hear we’re going to have some extra help to get our army in order.’

‘Certainly looks that way,’ Blackmane replied.

Laughter erupted from the open window, making them all look in that direction. Tolly straightened and headed back inside.

‘Now the whole family is here,’ Isabel said quietly.

Blackmane ignored the tightening in his throat and gestured for her to go ahead of him. When he reached the door, he paused and looked back, gaze sweeping the tree line.

‘You coming?’ Isabel called.

He remained there a few seconds longer, then followed her inside.