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Chapter 20

Tahlia

T ahlia hadn’t slept much after all the pirate killing and Marius relaying what his sister had told him. It was just a lot to process. At the shoreline, she and Lija splashed about in a series of tide pools to clean their faces and hands. There had been more eel messages, which would never not be creepy, and even a visit from several locals, who had sailed over to offer them baskets of fresh bread, fish pies, berry tarts, and ale galore. The locals didn’t really want to hear that an Unseelie had been the hero of the day, and Marius gave up trying to explain after a half hour of arguing. The order had sat down to a proper meal on the beach, and now they awaited Fara and Teague’s arrival.

The skiff slid with the tide onto the sand and Fara leapt out and ran to Tahlia. Tahlia grabbed her into a vicious hug.

“I am truly glad you aren’t decorating a kraken’s digestive system right now, my friend,” Tahlia said into Fara’s messy hair.

“You and me both, Lady Tahlia.”

They shook their heads and laughed at one another before falling into another hug that turned into a dance.

Teague, Marius, Titus, Claudia, and Enora were discussing the details of what was to come while Maiwenn, Justus, Ewan, and everyone else finished up the food and talked with the locals.

Tahlia and Fara collapsed on the sand and watched the knights, humans, dragons, and the one Unseelie enjoying themselves. Lija butted her head against Tahlia’s back, then trotted off to join the others. The morning sun glinted off the Seabreak’s scales, making her look like she’d been covered in magic. She shook out her four wings and let out a trill as she used her tail to toss some sand at Ragewing.

Fara laughed and Tahlia leaned her head against her friend’s shoulder.

“It’s so good having you here,” Tahlia said.

“It’s fantastic to be alive.”

“Teague, huh? For life?”

The Unseelie was shaking hands with Titus and laughing.

“I’m afraid so.”

“You won’t leave forever, right?”

“We are going back to the Realm of Night for the ceremony, then we will come back to Dragon Tail Peak to live.”

“And he promised you this? Leaving his kin for this realm?”

“He did. He said his home is wherever I am.”

“Impressive.”

“Well, I had to talk him into it. He wanted to take me back to his home for good. I assured him that his life would be far more pleasurable if he compromised and simply visited his realm regularly.”

Tahlia grinned. “I need details on how you talked him into that.”

Fara’s purple cheeks flushed darkly. “Mind your own business.”

“As if you don’t stick your nose into mine?”

Chuckling, Fara poked an elbow at Tahlia. “You know me. I love a good double standard when it helps me.”

Tahlia laughed loudly at that and slung an arm around Fara. “Just swear to me that if he ends up not being what you truly want, you’ll tell me and let me help you kick his arse.”

“I swear it.”

“No one will ever deserve you in my eyes, my friend,” Tahlia said to Fara. “No one.”

Fara’s eyes shone with tears. “I still think Marius could be nicer.”

Tahlia grinned and hugged Fara tightly. “I’m happy for you.”

“I’m happy for me, too!” Fara said.

Tahlia helped her up and they joined the group. Marius glanced her way, love shining in his stormy gaze. He’d received his closure concerning Bellona, and Tahlia was grateful. He had opened up before they went to sleep last night, his words flowing in a way they rarely did. She was so glad he felt secure enough to share everything he was feeling with her.

Yes, she was blessed beyond words. She would wake up every day and attempt to deserve her wondrous, exciting, beautiful life.