Athena

I sat watching Calla run around chasing a butterfly. I was trying so hard to not just hold her tight to me. It was irrational. Brayton wasn’t here, he was across a sea. He couldn’t hurt her, and she was blissfully unaware of who he was, and what if any threat he was to her.

“Do you want to go?” Aaron asked, sitting next to me. I looked at him and I shook my head. “Are you sure?”

“Yes,” I whispered. “It’s not my fight.” He nodded. “She gets to be so free.” I rested my head on his shoulder.

“When are Tristan and Rina leaving?” He asked.

“Soon,” I sighed, “tomorrow, I think. Raymond and Evan are going with them too.”

“Quite the party,” he mumbled. I laughed. “Thena,” he whispered. “What if it is your fight?”

“I’m supposed to be here,” I said. “I know it. I can’t explain why, but,” he nodded.

“Mama,” Calla ran over to me, “what’s wrong?” I smiled at her.

“Nothing Duck,” I said and gathered her too me. “I’m going to miss Uncle Tristan is all.” She nestled her face next to mine.

“Oh, I’ll miss him too,” she said. “I miss Aunt Caro, most I think.”

“Oh sweetheart,” I said softly. Caro was such a deep part of her life, of course she missed her. “I’m sure she misses you terribly.” She sighed.

“How is my little brother?” She asked looking up at me.

“Would you like to say hello to him?” Aaron asked. She nodded and stood up and leaned over my belly.

“Hello Baby John,” she whispered. “I love you very much, even while you’re still inside Mama.” I smiled at her.

“Come here, sweet girl,” Aaron said and hugged her. “Do you know what your job will be with your baby brother?” She scrunched her nose at him.

“I have very many jobs now Papa,” she said. I laughed.

“Yes, but this one is easy,” he assured her. “You must love him but make sure he doesn’t think he’s too important. Only a sibling can do that.” I shook my head and laughed. “He’ll do the same for you of course.”

“That doesn’t sound fun,” she pouted.

“It is though,” I assured her. She burrowed deeper into Aaron’s arms. “What did you learn with Lady Brea, yesterday?” She looked at me and sighed.

“I learned which flowers will help people sleep,” she said, “the blue ones, mixed with the yellow.” I nodded. “She said that we should plant a garden with them at home.”

“I’ll bet,” Aaron said, “that Mastero Anselm will know the perfect place.” She nodded. Tristan walked over his sack over his shoulder. “Is it time?” Aaron asked gently.

“It is,” he said, “I think Marina is going to explode.” I stood up and hugged him.

“Please don’t do anything foolish,” I said softly. He smiled.

“Me? Never.” He said. I laughed. “I’ll see you at home, Thena.” I nodded. “Calla, may I have a hug or are you too serious for that now.” She stood up a clapped him around the knees. He lifted her up and snuggled her. “I love you, Little One.”

“I love you too,” she said. “Will you tell Aunt Caro that I love her?” He smiled gently.

“Of course, Duck,” he whispered. “First thing when I see her.” I smiled at him.

“Good,” she said as he put her down and she ran back into the field. I looked at him.

“What’s the plan in Dorin?” Aaron asked.

“Evan, Raymond and Marina are going to stay with Duchess Norvine,” Tristan sighed, “I’ll be at the manor, shall I send your best Grandfather?”

“And let him choke on it,” I grinned. He smiled. “If he has anything to say about Calla,” I drifted off.

“Not a word,” Tristan shook his head. I smiled and hugged him again. “I love you.” I nodded. “Aaron,” he said.

“Be safe,” Aaron nodded. Tristan smiled and walked away. “Are you alright?”

“I hate that I’m used to it,” I sighed. “I hate that we’re apart more than we’re together now.”

“I know, Love,” he whispered and held me close. “Hopefully this is the end of that.”

Hopefully.