“That’s good,” I whispered as I rocked with Cade on my arm, burping him. Darynda was a gem, and had known how to handle babies; Madisyn had joined me this morning and was holding Zander, who she couldn’t get enough of.
She lifted her eyes and met mine with a soft smile on her lips. “Your father has called the Blood warriors to arms, and Kier, he has brought the Shadow warriors here to assist the Elite Guards, for the blessing. It’s time; your daughter cannot wait much longer,” she said sadly as she kissed Zander’s soft forehead.
“Ryder, dress the children for the blessing, please,” I whispered as my heart thudded against my ribs.
“As you wish,” he said and I watched as Kahleena was dressed in a white dress of pure cotton, and then the boys changed into little robes that matched their sister’s dress.
“Just remember one thing today, Synthia. If the world doesn’t accept your little angel, you still need to become the leader to our people, one they would follow even if you lack a title. This world will still need you, just as Ryder and these boys do. Anyone can lead a garrison of warriors into battle, but only a few can lead them to be victorious, and the two of you, you can be the ones to lead this world to victory, but only if you gain the respect of the people.”
I looked at Madisyn and had to admit her speech was moving. “I want to be what this world needs, but how can I fight for a world that won’t accept my child?”
“You’re a warrior, Synthia. It’s in your blood, and you will have to fight and stand up for what is right. You’ll survive it, you may not want to, but you will,” she said softly; Darynda agreed.
“You’ll need to, for the lads. They need their mother, and, Goddess be willing, their sister. You came in here strong and you’ve only grown stronger. I know you can do this, and your mother is right. You may not want to, but you will, because you are stronger than you think,” Darynda said softly. “I don’t have very many friends, but you are among those I consider as such. I’d like to think it gone both ways.”
“It does, Darynda. I just can’t stomach the idea of losing something so precious.”
“We won’t lose her,” Ryder said.
I turned to ask Madisyn if she would assist us in carrying the babes to the Tree, but she was frozen in place, as was Darynda. I looked up to find Danu watching us.
“We’re out of time,” I said as I stood.
“I know, I felt her,” she said as she walked over to Ryder and caressed her granddaughter’s cheek. “She’s growing weak, even with the jumpstart from Destiny. There is something you both should know. Destiny was here for a reason. She’s a sly one. She didn’t make you an offer, did she?”
“No,” I said as I narrowed my eyes on Danu, who looked healthier than she had in a while. “She said my pain was almost over.”
“She knew I didn’t want her help, and yet she still somehow managed to learn about you,” she whispered as she bent down and kissed Kahleena. “Has the Demon been feeding her?”
“Why would Ristan feed a Goddess?” I asked, and watched as a guilty flush stole across her cheeks.
“I meant your daughter. Ristan has different power than average Fae,” she whispered. “Kahleena has been given strength.”
I remembered Ristan’s kiss, and I also remembered the raw power that I received from it. Then it hit me. “Uh, please tell me he didn’t kiss my daughter like that!”