Aliya's Shoes-Chapter 573: Visitors

"We beg you to come back for the throne, your Highness!"

Shelby had barely exchanged any words with her now favourite Fae when more appeared, to Ian’s annoyance. He took in the small crowd and couldn’t help but sigh. They sure were very persistent. To think that they would follow him to the human world that they detested so much. Weren’t they the very people who did not want to be near humans? Though Ian thought this, he could also understand where they were coming from because of that experience back in the Fae-and.

Ian turned to leave with Shelby when the whole group of about five fell to their knees. All the while, Currey, Murray, Suzie, and Samantha had looked on quietly, with just their faces revealing their emotions.

It was more fascinating for Suzie and Samantha, but not the rest.

Shelby laid a hand on Ian’s. Samantha’s newfound power, which Shelby was leveraging, was an interesting one. She noticed that she could see and understand all the internal dialogues going on. It was to the extent that she knew which memory or thought was being intentionally hidden. She smirked, thinking that life was going to be extra interesting going forward. They had a plan for coming to the estate, but Shelby could see that they genuinely believed in their cause.

"We’d like an audience, your Highness!"

They shouted their plea; it was clear that they felt as if they were walking on eggshells.

Ian looked straight at them, not appreciating the interruption.

The lot of them, a mismatched group dressed in garments that clung too tightly or sagged too loosely, borrowed skins of humanity that never quite fit. Some were far too small, with wide, sea-bright eyes darting about; others stooped as though their borrowed coats might rip apart with every step. They looked painfully awkward, like children playing at a masquerade, trying to pass among men. Shelby sent a silent command to Suzie to rectify the wardrobe malfunction before anyone else saw them.

"I-"

"Your majesty-"

"ENOUGH!!!"

They all cowered, but one stood up slowly, an elder that Ian remembered very well,

"You will always be our de facto king, but we came uninvited today, of which we apologise .... ’Líathen varu’kel...’ We come in peace."

Ian nodded, but still grim,

"We came bearing good news.... Though in a sad context."

Ian watched them, not saying anything, knowing that would give the news anyway. He just wanted his Elfin to rest, and that was partly why he felt annoyed, though he was unprepared for their following statement.

"We found Prince Roman’s remains."

For a moment, Ian, who prided himself on being calm in any situation, was startled.

"Yo-"

"Yes, Your Highness! We apologize for our negligence in taking so long on this, but we are ready for you to give your final farewell before we place him to rest."

Ian assumed a thoughtful stance before they added a few words that changed his thoughts.

"We have a little problem, though."

"What problem?"

Another stood up, bowing, and then dropped to one knee,

"We cannot approach the body, Your Highness. There is a sorveth khael [magical binding] upon it. It’s an ancient binding that even our mages failed to unravel. We have tried and failed; even the royals, kin though they are by blood, were turned aside, as if the air itself dhirel varun [denies] them." 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

He lifted his gaze, eyes troubled.

"We believe... only direct family may break it. Until then, the body remains untouchable, sealed by the spell’s will. Varu’kel thalen... it listens to none but them."

A tense silence fell ....

***

"Are you okay?" Ian asked, later that night, when they had all retired for the night.

"Of course, why wouldn’t I be?"

He kissed her hair, pulling her closer to him, so that her back was to his chest, while he ran his hands over her belly, feeling the light flutter kicks of their baby. At this time, even he could feel the said power that Isolde had talked about. It made him feel very proud of the father he would become.

"It’s just an information overload..."

Ian chuckled at that response, for he agreed. Though he had met Mr Monroe and knew of what he possibly was, all the proceedings of the evening just now blatantly revealed details to them.

"I always knew that my Elfin was the best of the best in everything. My Queen will never lack for anything in life." It was unclear if by referring to Shelby like that, he had accepted their request.

"How was he like?"

"Who?"

"Dad?"

Ian’s hand stilled. He had already told Shelby of his encounter with Mr Monroe when he was in the hospital.

The room was quiet except for the soft hum of the night outside. She turned to face him, scooting back to accommodate the belly. Her eyes were heavy but curious as she asked the question that had been lingering in her mind. Isolde’s words had made her long for her dead father the more.

A gentle smile tugged at his lips. "Your father... he looked like any ordinary father," he said, voice low, almost reverent for the apparition of the man he had met briefly. "A man who would fight to the end for his daughter."

A soft chuckle followed, rich and warm in the stillness. "He nearly had my head, for all that you’ve gone through. I could see it in his eyes... feel it in his presence, how much he loves you, how fiercely he always has. I’m glad I met him, even if it was only to pay my respects. Though... he is long gone now."

Her hand found his, fingers intertwining, and the weight of his words hung between them, an echo of loss, love, and the fierce protection that had shaped her life. I mean, which father would make a deal with the oldest of the witches with enough hold to make the witch suspend her life to protect Shelby? That said a lot about Mr Monroe. He had left early, but his life superseded all that Clara ever thought of.

Ian drew her closer, the soft press of his lips against her temple, the warmth of his chest beneath her ear. "Come here," he murmured. She leaned into him, letting the quiet strength of his embrace seep into her. They stayed like that, wrapped in each other, letting the night stretch around them, in the safety of shared heartbeat and soft breath.

Her head rested on his shoulder, and for a long moment, neither spoke. Words felt unnecessary; the intimacy of presence, the gentle rise and fall of the chest, and the warmth of the skin spoke louder than anything could.

"What of him?" Ian asked this time. He was not one to long for such fatherly love, for Alex had been faithful to his words and loved Ian to the fullest.

"I think Roman was full of regrets, but preferred to let bygones be", she said, looking into the shadowed curve of his face. "The regrets that he never got to see you or fulfil the promise to Geneva. But I could sense the love in him. He kept me company until that little Fae arrived... and he ensured my safety in more ways than I can count. Roman was a man of his word, and it’s a pity that his good and trusting nature is what got him killed..."

Shelby’s eyes started drooping, and soon, she was off.

Ian made her comfortable while thinking of the day’s proceedings. It was interesting that they had started the day with Brad’s wedding, then Rocky’s marriage announcement, and all the flurry of activities. He found another sigh escaping him as he also closed his eyes for the night. The day ahead was to be a long one, so he would get as much rest as he could, not that he needed it. It was mainly to keep his Elfin company.

***

The sun was barely out when the dining room resumed its usual bustle.

"Gabriel! Come back here!" Ingrid snapped, looking at the little witch. Isolde rolled her eyes, as if she had not seen them and said brightly,

"Good morning, little Ingrid, we meet again!"

"I told you to stay away from him!"

".... But .... I see they have not had time to tell you yet? I am-"

"It’s okay, Ingrid, Isolde means no harm...."

"Isolde?"

Shelby nodded as she stepped into the breakfast room.

"Sit, we have an announcement to make."

Ingrid narrowed her eyes at the girl they referred to as Isolde, then sent a bright smile towards Shelby. With Smanatha in the room, Shelby was able to exchange some pleasantries with Ingrid silently before Ingrid took her seat, still dragging Gabriel with her.

Isolde shook her head, "We need to work on your trust issues, Ingrid."

Isolde rubbed the tree tattoo on the back of her hand. The discomfort was still there, but had eased a lot. That was when Geneva and Alex also came out. Taking in the lot of people there, they raised an eyebrow. The few Faes, who had come in the night before had already left after a lengthy discussion with Ian in the middle of the night. The only remaining ones were Brian, Fad, the head guard, and one elder, who were also seated at the table.

Also at the table were Ava, Rocky, his two friends, Matt, and Nicholas, as well as Mr Carmicheals.

"Mum, these are friends from the other place...."

Ian said. For those who understood, it was enough.

"Oh!" Alex said simply while taking the head of the table on the opposite end, as he usually did. The old couple were not sure of how to take the news, but the next piece of news had them raising eyebrows yet again.

"... and whose child is this?"

"Mum...." Shelby opted to answer,

"This is Isolde. We have adopted her as of today."

Geneva liked children, but even she felt that something about this child was a little off.

"Isolde Thornston, these will be your new family members."

*********

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