Page 24

Essie reached out and let one of the floating sparkles land on her hand. It fizzled out with a faint tingle. Not a painful tingle. More a ticklish sensation. She laughed and reached for another one. She wasn’t sure how to describe it. This was pure magic floating in the air.

A few of the sparkles landed on Bertie’s head. He brushed at his hair, giggling. He jumped, smacking one of the magic sparkles between his hands. Laughing, he jumped for another.

His smile broader than it had been since before the trolls attacked on the trail from Lethorel, Farrendel sent up another burst of magic that had both nephews on their feet, swatting at sparkles and giggling with the fun.

Essie joined in, catching Farrendel’s magic sparkles and the nephews in turn.

By the time they were done, she had Finn on her lap, and Bertie had collapsed onto Farrendel’s lap.

Essie leaned her head against Farrendel’s shoulder. “I didn’t know your magic could do that.” She said it so that no one but Farrendel could understand. Well, Farrendel and Edmund, but Edmund seemed to be deep in discussion with Mother.

“I used to do this for my niece and nephew. Before I became Laesornysh.” By the tone in his voice, she could tell he’d forgotten how his magic could be beautiful and fun.

She took his hand in both of hers. “You’re tired, aren’t you?”

Farrendel leaned his head on top of hers. “Yes.”

“Sorry. You’re usually in bed by now. We can leave, if you’d like.”

Farrendel straightened and squeezed her hand. “Stay with your family. I know you missed them.”

“Are you sure? I don’t mind going with you. Our guards only occasionally patrol this hall, but it might not be such a good idea if you were caught wandering the palace at night. They might be jumpy to come across an elf, even if they know you’re supposed to be here.” Essie hugged Finn.

“Do you want to leave?” Farrendel searched her face.

How could he possibly know her this well after only a few months? “Not really. But it’s all right. I’ll have other times to talk with my family.”

“Then stay.” Farrendel pushed a strand of her hair behind her ear.

Why was she even arguing against this? Even if she was tired, she wasn’t ready to end the night yet.

“All right. I’ll walk you to our room, then come back. It’s only a few yards down the hall and back.” Essie struggled to climb to her feet while holding Finn. The boy stirred but didn’t wake.

Farrendel rose to his feet gracefully, even while hefting Bertie.

Essie turned to the rest of her family. “Farrendel’s tired. I’m going to walk him to our room so the guards don’t get nervous about him wandering by himself, then I’m going to come back.”

Paige pushed off the settee. “Essie, you stay here. Looks like I need to put the boys to bed anyway.” She gave Essie a conspiratorial smile.

Apparently, Paige was looking for a chance to chat with Farrendel. Her own, subtle way of making sure Farrendel was good enough for Essie.

Essie rolled her eyes at Paige and handed Finn over to her sister-in-law. “Be nice to him.”

“Of course.” Paige turned to Farrendel. “If you would be so kind as to carry Bertie for me, I’d appreciate it.”

Farrendel nodded, adjusting his grip on Bertie. Essie’s stomach did a tight, tingly flip at seeing Farrendel cradling a child.

Averett popped to his feet, eying Farrendel as if he wasn’t sure about letting Farrendel go off alone with his wife and children. But he leaned forward and kissed Finn on the cheek, murmuring a goodnight the boy wouldn’t hear while he slept. Then Averett whispered something to Paige and gave her a short kiss.

Farrendel’s eyes widened. Essie covered her mouth to hide her grin. It was probably the first time Farrendel had ever seen a couple kiss in public. Terribly shocking to an elf, even if it had been nothing but a peck on the lips.

Essie rested her hand on Farrendel’s arm, getting his attention. “Goodnight.” Before Farrendel could react, Essie stood on her tiptoes and gave him a brief kiss.

Farrendel froze stock still, staring at her.

She smirked and said in elvish, “You’re in Escarland. A quick kiss goodnight is perfectly proper for a married couple.”

Farrendel’s mouth tipped in the hint of a frown. “Humans are strange.”