Ambrose cleared his throat and glanced at Emrys. “We first wanted to be sure that we’d both be welcomed and not judged for our illegal activities. There always seems to be a few who stick to the rules so strongly that they have a hard time letting things go, even after changes have been made.”
I thought about Latimer and how he had seemed so bent on keeping things as they were before Ambrose even left. But I couldn’t imagine he’d be against Ambrose and Phoebe returning, and there wasn’t anyone else at Ravenswynd who would dare go against something Emrys wanted.
“There will only be one problem with your returning,” Emrys stated, clasping his hands together.
I jerked my head around and stared at him, confused and wondering what on earth he could mean. Ambrose raised his eyebrows and Phoebe wrung her hands.
Emrys chuckled and said, “It is nothing we cannot remedy. The suite you once occupied has been completely remodeled to suit my needs and I would like to keep it…we would prefer to keep it…it has become our home.”
He then reached for my hand and thoughts of our hot tub flew through my mind. Thankful once again that we vampires could not blush, I grinned at my husband and gave him a mental image that could potentially make him squirm too.
“Your mother and I will be happy in any wing of Ravenswynd - it is home. We’ve spent so many years on the run, moving from place to place, you have no idea how much we have missed our family and friends.”
Emrys stood up letting go of my hand, and turning to his mother, said, “Well then, the sooner the better. I suggest you get everything packed up and check out of this place.” He hugged Phoebe and then faced Ambrose. “Father, I believe that Elizabeth and I should go home and prepare the family for your return. I shall take your car, and then send Royal back to collect you and your things in a few hours.”
“That’s a great idea,” I added. “That will give us enough time to talk to Amrita too.”
“My sentiments, exactly,” Emrys said, putting an arm around me.
After another round of hugs, we quickly made our way to the car and raced home.
I couldn’t wait to talk to Amrita. What an awesome day we were having!
* * *
When Larkin showed us to the living room, it occurred to me that this was my first time in their suite. Situated on the opposite side of the estate, it was basically a carbon copy of ours, except everything was backwards. I wondered if they had a hot tub installed too, but never asked. Just as we all sat down, Amrita strolled out of their bedroom all dressed in black, slid the dividing door shut, and gave us a quizzical smile as she sat next to Larkin.
“What brings you here, big brother?” she asked, frowning. “I cannot remember the last time you came for a visit.” And then her frown grew larger and she looked downright nervous. “Does this have anything to do with Ambrose?”
“My darling wife,” Larkin started, “I told you to stop your worrying. No matter what changes come with the return of Emrys’ father, there is no way anyone will ever send you away.”
With a loud sigh, Emrys shook his head. “Please tell me you believe your husband, Amrita. I do not care how cynical you feel, and I do not care how much you hate my father, he has no authority here anymore. I am still the Regent.”
Amrita closed her eyes and gave a slow nod. “I know, I know. But I still worry about how you will react to the way I treat him. I find it difficult to even look him in the eye, and I have zero respect for him, even though he is your father.”
“Yes, my sister. But after we tell you why we are here, I do believe your opinion of him shall change dramatically.” Emrys leaned back on the sofa, turned his face to me, and winked.
It was apparent he was in a playful mood now, and I wondered what game he had up his sleeve. I smiled, leaned back and snuggled up next to him, putting my arm around his shoulder and glanced at Amrita. She now sat on the edge of her seat, a most puzzled expression on her face.
“I highly doubt that, Emrys,” she said in her most earnest tone. “I cannot think of one thing to make me change my mind about that piece of sh…”
Larkin grabbed her by the arm. “Be nice, Amrita. You’re still talking about Emrys’ father, and the least you can do is have respect for your brother.”
I had never seen Larkin stand up to her before, and I thought it was quite bold on his part, seeing as he worried so much about the possibility of her losing affection for him. His quick defense said a lot about Larkin’s respect for his Regent, and I was truly impressed.
Amrita nodded, and then rolling her eyes, muttered, “Sorry, Brub.”
Always compassionate and forgiving, Emrys smiled and then asked, “So are you telling me that there is not even one thing on this planet that Ambrose could do to make you change your mind?”
“Exactly.” Amrita gazed down at the floor, rethinking her answer. “Well, perhaps one thing, but there is no way it could ever happen.”
“Tell me, Sister, what is that one thing?” Emrys said, baiting her.
“Enough playing around, Emrys!” I blurted. “Tell her!”
“Tell me what, Emrys?” Amrita gave him a squint-eyed glare.
“Oh, dearest sister, what if I told you that the one thing you think is impossible, is in fact, quite possible?” Emrys folded his arms across his chest, grinning.
“Seriously, Emrys, if you don’t tell her, I will. This is ridiculous; you’re stalling and torturing her like this.”
Amrita gawked at my boldness for a second, but then I saw awareness light up behind her eyes. She sprang up and shot right over to Emrys. Standing in front of us, wide-eyed, face pale with shock, she crumpled to her knees. Larkin flew to her side and held her before she fell any farther.
“What is it?” Larkin asked, bewildered.
“Mother? Mother…is…alive…?” Amrita’s answer was half-skeptical, searching Emrys’ eyes for confirmation.
His nod was slight, but he reached out and grabbed his sister’s hands. “Yes, Amrita.”
Her eyes grew even wider, but then they squinted again, unbelieving – teetering between anger and hope.
“It’s true, Amrita,” I offered. “We just saw her.”
“She’s here?” Amrita’s voice squeaked and her eyes filled with tears. “Larkin! My mother is here! All this time…I thought… oh my God…all this time I thought she was dead!” She let go of Emrys’ hands and Larkin helped her to her feet. “Larkin!” She melted into his arms, sobbing.
“It is a stunning piece of news,” Emrys said as he stood.
Pulling away from Larkin, she turned to Emrys, and between sobs, asked, “When did you find out? How did this come to be?”
“Only a few hours ago, Sister. We came to tell you as soon as we could.”
“Amrita, your mother is so beautiful! And guess what else?” I asked, excited. “She is a night-shifter! And from what I’ve seen, I have a feeling that she’s been watching you all this time.”
Amrita nodded slowly, pondering my words. “She’s the white owl, isn’t she? I always wondered why everywhere I went, that beautiful creature seemed to be around.”
“Yes! I saw her flying too. It was awesome!” I added, “Amrita, she’s quite excited, and looking forward to seeing you. She loves you so much!”
I gave her a hug, and kissed her wet cheek. “I am so happy for you and Emrys.”
She looked up at Emrys and said, “You might be correct about one thing, brother. Right about now, Ambrose doesn’t look like such a bad guy anymore.”
The siblings embraced, and when Emrys pulled back he said, “I have sent Royal to town to collect them. I imagine you would like to prepare yourself. We can discuss the rest of the details later, if you wish.”
Amrita wiped her tears, nodding. “Yes, later. But please tell me that only you and Elizabeth will be there when I meet her.” She stared at him, still in a daze. “I need to shower… and change,” she said thoughtfully, glancing down at her outfit. “I must change.”
> Amrita gawked at me for a moment, gave me a quick smile, and said, “Don’t go yet, Lizzy, I’ve got something you need to see,” she said, shaking her head. This is amazing. Absolutely amazing.” She ran off to the other room, returning a few minutes later. Clutched in her hand was the antique, yellowed envelope that I’d found in her mother’s vanity table, and had given back to her.
“Perhaps I shouldn’t have been so skeptical about Sibelle all these years.” She thrust the envelope into my hand and said, “Read the rest of my mother’s prophecy. It will blow your mind.”
And then she slipped into the bedroom without saying another word. I opened the envelope slowly, while sitting back down on the sofa. Emrys joined me and I held the paper so he could read along:
True fortune told and quite profound-
Your fate shall force you underground.
Though on that eve ‘tis not your fault,
You’ll bear the blame for this assault.
Half insane, with shrieking breath -
Ferocious battle to the death.
One is conquered and beheaded,
And one mind is all but shredded.
No longer living as a wife -
A babe is born within the strife,
Just three short months to be a mother,
A daughter raised by elder brother.
Heavy hearts with this foretelling -
When you are banished from your dwelling.
Grievous wailing, silent tears,
You must be strong for many years.
“I’ve heard all of this before, when Amrita read it out loud to me.” I shook my head, wondering what on earth she had meant. Glancing at Emrys, I gave him a puzzled look.
“There is another page, Elizabeth.”
I licked my fingers to pull the clinging pages apart, and started reading the rest of the prophecy, gasping at the very first stanza.
A winged watcher waits above,
Yearning with a mother’s love.
For decades hiding - out of sight-
Enshrouded ‘til the time is right.
A chosen bride, tho it seems strange,
Shall prompt her mate to make a change.
But ‘til the rules are readjusted,
There’s only one that should be trusted.
Once your secret is revealed-
Broken hearts shall then be healed.
Revived – Restored – And Sealed
I re-read the last three stanzas again, overwhelmed with wonder. “Sibelle knew all about me before I was even born!” I whispered. “This is blowing my mind!”
Emrys leaned back into the sofa, crossed his arms over his chest and said, “She is a true oracle. I have often been awed by her incredible powers.”
Larkin chuckled behind us; apparently he’d been reading over our shoulders. “I wondered what this was all about. Amrita mentioned this prophecy to me, but at the time she didn’t seem to be too interested in trying to decipher it. It certainly makes sense now with 20-20 hindsight, doesn’t it?”
Emrys and I both turned our heads, surprised by his stealth. Larkin slipped around to the front, resuming his previous location – across from us on an over-stuffed chair.
“Indeed it does,” Emrys said, smiling. “But I always knew that Elizabeth was chosen for more reasons than solely my benefit. I believe good fortune has fallen on our entire family ever since her arrival.” He took my hand in his and kissed my palm. “We are all so very fortunate to have her here. Ravenswynd will never be the same again.”
If I could have blushed, I would have. “Thank-you, my husband,” I said shrugging. “But I don’t feel like I did anything special. I just try to do the right thing by everyone, to be fair-minded.”
“Your persistence has made life better for many. And my parents shall be returning home!”
Larkin nodded, agreeing with Emrys. “Amrita will be indebted to you forever. I know my wife. You have opened a door that has been closed for such a long time. Thank-you, Elizabeth.”
All this appreciation made me feel self-conscious and uneasy, and I held up a hand saying, “Alrighty, then. Enough you two! I only did what was in my heart. Save your praise for Sibelle.” I stood up facing the sofa and said, “Emrys, shouldn’t we get ready to greet your parents? I believe we have more family members to meet with before they arrive.”
“Of course, my love.” He stood and took my hand, then turned to his brother-in-law. “I shall call you when they arrive, Larkin. And we will be sure that everyone else waits for Amrita to meet with Mother first - as per her wishes.”
Larkin couldn’t stop grinning, and said, “What a wonderful day for the Bertrand family.”
Nodding and rubbing my hands together in anticipation, I felt the excitement building again - I couldn’t wait to see this reunion.
We left their suite, Emrys called Gavin, and a short time later, everyone gathered together in the main living room.
Priscilla was in full-blown tears when Emrys explained what was about to take place. “Oh my goodness! I cannot believe my dear friend is really back! Mr. Feldspar swore me to secrecy when he told me, but a part of me didn’t believe it was even true!” She pulled some tissues out of her pocket and wiped her eyes. No wonder she had been acting so weird lately! Not only did she know; she had to keep it a secret until the right time.
Latimer removed his round glasses and started cleaning them. “Am I to assume that Mr. Feldspar was privy to this information?” He looked envious, but maintained his cool.
Emrys sighed. “I believe that in the beginning only Sibelle knew my mother was rejoined to my father. Under the circumstances, that would have been the only way to be sure they were safe. But with the rules changing, my father got ahold of Mr. Feldspar for advice.
Latimer nodded. “I see…of course, that makes sense.”
“Is there a problem, Latimer?” Emrys asked, searching the old-timer’s eyes.
Shaking his head, he said, “Not at all, sir. I am happy to hear your mother is alive and well. Quite happy indeed.” He put an arm around Constance.
“I’m very happy for you too, Master Emrys,” Kelsey said. “I remember your mother was always kind to the help, and she and Mum were so close. It will be great to get to know her, and especially smashing for Amrita.”
“Thank-you, Kelsey.” Emrys glanced at the clock on the mantle, and then gave Gavin a look and a nod, and went to the window.
“Might I have everyone’s attention,” Gavin announced in a loud voice. Surveying the room, he said, “Let us all take leave now, go about our business, and give Amrita the space she deserves before they get here.”
I took a quick look around the room but didn’t see Amrita yet, and assumed Emrys must have given Gavin orders before he called the meeting. As the room emptied, Lindy approached me, looking hurried.
“Hey, Lizzy! There’s been so much going on lately; we haven’t had much time to chat, but I wanted to ask you if you could watch the kids next week Friday. Gavin wants to take me out to dinner, give me a bit of a break.”
“I’ll have to let you know, Lindy. It seems like there’s something going on that day,” I said, trying to remember. “Oh, I think that’s the day we’re supposed to leave for Italy! I’ll have to check with Emrys, I can’t recall if it’s Friday or Saturday. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.” I gave her a quick hug, seeing that Gavin had successfully emptied the room and was now at her side, waiting.
“Thanks, Sis. I’d ask Gertie, but she’s only good to babysit for short spurts like this. She tends to feel overwhelmed when all three of them are awake at once.”
Melinda and Gavin left, and as I spied Emrys making his way toward me, I wondered if I could get Kelsey to give me a hand watching the babies. I totally understood Gertie’s feeling, and still had no idea how Melinda did this mothering thing all by herself. When Emrys reached me, I noticed an offended look on his face.
“What?” I asked.
“I could give you a h
and,” he said.
“Well, my dear sweet husband. That goes without saying. Did you think I wasn’t going to ask you to help me too?” I laughed. “Although the point is moot if that’s the day we leave…”
Emrys’ phone rang; he held up a finger - putting me on hold. He answered it, and became completely preoccupied with the call.
I kept an eye on him as he paced, still talking. Each time he walked past the window, he’d glance out again, watching for his parents. His head caught the light from the setting sun with each turn, illuminating his hair – bluish-black and shiny. He absentmindedly adjusted his medallion, and the raven’s red eye appeared to be on fire each time the light touched it through the window. I enjoyed following his movements. He was wearing a shirt with a deep V-neck, and just seeing the tiny bit of dark chest hair peeking through gave me a quick pleasurable tingle as I imagined more.
His head turned abruptly in my direction, his eyes lit up, and he said into the phone, “Thank-you, Royal. Just sound the horn when you arrive, and I will see them in.” He gave me a suggestive leer as he placed his phone back into his pocket.
“And just what exactly do you have in mind, my sweet, sexy wife?” He stepped closer and before he even touched me, goose bumps ran down my spine. His fingers brushed over my cheek and the warm, familiar trace of electricity flowed all through me. “A kiss perhaps?”
“I will never say no to a kiss, my sweet, sexy husband.”
He put his hand on the back of my neck and as he pulled me forward, he said, “Plagiarist.”
Sweet cherry kisses followed, making my legs turn to jello. He reached behind and put both hands on my thighs, just below my rear, saying, “I like jello. Perhaps later, we could partake in a delicious helping?”
Gazing up at him, I laughed. “I think I would enjoy that.” I threw my arms around him, pressing myself against his body as our kissing intensified. He responded by running his hands up higher, drawing me closer, tighter. I became very much aware of his arousal, which only stirred me more.
The Ravenswynd Series - Boxed Set Page 89