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She rolled her eyes. “Oh, fine.” A moment later she was dragging him across the wood floor. He was about an inch taller than her and quite slender in comparison. His crimson tunic had a couple brown and white striped patches, as did his matching pants. His boots had holes as well. Tif once told her it was fashionable.

Valeen squatted down as they approached. His cheeks went bright red, and he took off his hat and fidgeted with it.

“Val, this is Tommy. We grew up in the same gnome colony. Mama always told me he was a ‘no good Dinglecopper’, but,” she turned and smiled at him, “he’s my friend anyway.”

“Hello, Tommy. How are you?”

“Quite well, thank you, your highness.” His voice came out squeaky and he immediately looked down.

“What’s a Dinglecopper?”

“That’s his last name. Mama had a feud with his mama a while back over the possession of some razzleberry patches. They grow between our two gnome homes, you see. Mama said they were more on our side and were ours. His mama said they were theirs. I thought we should all share. But gnomes are very particular about sharing food.”

“Well, I’m glad you could come, Tommy. Feel free to eat, drink, and dance.”

Tif started dragging him along again. “Let’s eat some of that poppy seed cake and then dance. You do know how to dance, don’t you?”

“N-n-no, I don’t know how to dance.”

“Eh, you’ll have to figure it out then, Tommy. It’s not that hard.”

Valeen laughed quietly. “He’s going to have his hands full with her.”

“Definitely,” Katana agreed.

Piper and Leif made their way over. Leif was the first to wrap his arms around her and lift her off her feet. “I’m happy for you, Fightbringer, because you’re happy. It’s still a bit strange not seeing you with my High King but anyone can see how much you and Hel love each other.”

“Thank you for being here. I hope you’ll always be my friend.”

“Always, Fightbringer. I wish you nothing but happiness in the future.”

The next embrace came from Piper. Tonight, she smelled like brandy and her eyes were a bit glassy. It was a rare sight to see Piper give in to drink. As one of Thane’s personal guards she liked to stay alert. It was good to see her relax. “I understand it better now, you and him. There is a past we weren’t there towitness, and I realize we also weren’t in Ryvengaard with you either. I’m sorry for judging you so harshly before. I hope you forgive me.”

“Forgiven.” The truth was she never even needed an apology from Piper.

Presco had given her his congratulations before she ever stepped away from Hel outside. It was rare but he’d even shed a tear and hugged her so tight she’d found it hard to breathe. He was currently locked into conversation near the bar with Fennan and Aunt Evalyn. The conversation was hard to hear over the music, but it had something to do with dragons and their appetites. She hadn’t seen or spoken to Fennan much since she’d returned with Hel from Ryvengaard. It was no doubt on purpose on his end, given that Thane was his best friend and he never took a liking to Hel. Actually, she was surprised Fennan stayed for the ceremony.

Leif motioned behind her. “I think they’re ready for you.”

Hel stood at the entrance door, this time with a bundle of black cloth in his hand. In a few quick strides he was standing behind her. “I need to put this on you.”

“A blindfold?”

Before she could say anything further, he was wrapping the silk around her eyes. When it was secure he leaned down to her ear, his warm breath whispering over her skin. “Can you see anything?”

The barest hint of light peeked through the bottom but that was it. “No.”

“Good.” He swept her into his arms, stealing a giggle from her. “I can’t have you falling down the front steps on our wedding day.” His boots clacked over the wood floor, her body bouncing lightly with his smooth gait. The whispers of the others put a permanent smile across her face. What could it be?

The smell of the outdoors along with the birds chirping told her they’d stepped onto the road. He gently set her on her feet and took hold of her hand, guiding her forward. “Hel, what is it? I don’t like surprises.”

“You’ll like this one.”

Her fingers suddenly bumped into something soft, not skin, not fluffy fur, but something almost as smooth as silk. Hel’s quick fingers brushed the back of her head, and the blindfold fell away. She gasped and tears immediately blurred her vision. “Hel, you found them,” she whispered.

Starborn and Night, her eternal winged horses, stood before her. Colossally tall, regal and muscular much like Phantom and Midnight. Their sleek black hair shined in the torchlight and the moonlight above. Starborn whinnied, fluttering his wings, and bumped his nose into her open palm. Night, whose full name was “Midnight” like her horse here in Palenor, nudged her shoulder with his muzzle. He inhaled, becoming familiar with her scent, remembering. The tears she’d tried to hold back slipped down her cheeks.

Her boys had returned home. Her boys she thought were gone forever.