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The day turned out brilliantly, the sun shining so brightly that it held off the early autumn chill, and between the wine, the love of my friends, and the weather, I was warm, content,happydown to my very bones.
By the time the servants returned to clear away our food and drink, the sun was nearly at its apex in the sky, and I was blissfully tipsy. My friends started to disperse, hugging me goodbye and wishing me a happy birthday again, until only Drazen, Liliana, Zuriel, Ruslan, and I remained.
Ruslan stepped away to coordinate the delivery of my gifts to our suite in the citadel, and then Zuriel cleared his throat, jerking his head like he wanted me to follow him. We stepped a little further away, allowing Drazen and Liliana to continue their own conversation undisturbed.
“I have something for you,” Zuriel told me, producing a small cylinder from behind his back. “I didn’t want to give it to you in front of everyone else.”
My brows dipped together as I studied my cousin. A sadness clung to his eyes despite his attempts to maintain a stoic facade. “What is it?” I asked.
“This belonged to Ithuriel. It is nothing fancy, like the amethyst necklace from Liessa. But he treasured this, and after he died, I treasured it for my memories of him. I think it is time it was yours,” he explained slowly, unscrewing the lid. He tipped it to the side, the contents dumping into his hand.
“In Keleti, around the capital, most Angels live in homes built into tall trees. You would love the network of bridges that connect them, so you are forever suspended among the leaves. Unfortunately, many were lost during the great war, including the one where Ithuriel lived with our grandmother. This sliver of wood was all he managed to collect from it.” Zuriel uncurled his fingers, revealing a smooth piece of red wood, one end slightly charred.
“He said it was his good luck charm, and that whenever he needed a dose of it, he would roll it between his fingers,” Zuriel said, taking my frozen hand and opening it. He placed it there, then covered his palm with mine. “I held it whenever I needed to feel close to him, to remind myself of what he would have said during hard times.”
A sob lodged in my throat. “I can’t take this from you. He was like a father to you, too.”
But Zuriel shook his head. “I have my memories of him. You do not. I will not need it in the future.”
“Are you certain?” I pressed. As incredible as it was to be holding something that my true father had once touched, I couldn’t take this comfort from my cousin. The pain he hid so well was etched on his face as he nodded. Zuriel hurt, just like Idid, just like everyone did, and yet, he bore it all with such grace. I hoped one day I could be like him. With all the sessions we had been doing, I knew it was possible.
“Thank you, Zuriel,” I said, throwing my arms around him and squeezing as hard as I could. “You are my only family, and I don’t know what I would do without you.”
A wave of sorrow swept over me, so profound that it stole my breath. But as quickly as it came, it disappeared. “You are so strong, Izidora. Ithuriel would be so proud of the female you are becoming. I know I am.”
And then, I did cry. Ruslan came to my side, and Zuriel relayed what he’d given me since I was unable to speak. Ruslan pulled me in, rocking me gently from side to side. My ear pressed against his chest, his heart beating steadily in my ear, while his arms muffled everything else around us. In Ruslan’s arms, I was always safe, always protected.
“Thank you for everything you do for Izidora, Zuriel,” I heard Ruslan say softly. “She loves you very deeply.”
“I know,” Zuriel replied. “Thank you for taking care of her too, Ruslan. She will need you.”
“Never as much as I need her,” Ruslan replied, and I felt the depth of his love down our bond. Finally, I was able to drag in a deep breath and rein in my tears. It had been a long day, filled with every possible emotion, and I was exhausted.
Ruslan seemed to sense I was ready to face everyone again, and he relaxed his embrace. I looked up at him, resting the tip of my chin on his chest. “I think I need a nap now. You woke me up too early.”
He huffed a laugh, then planted a kiss on my forehead. “Then a nap you shall receive.”
Stepping away, I embraced Zuriel one more time. “Thank you. If you ever need to use this again, you know where to find me.”
He offered me a soft smile, then secured the wood in its container. “That I do. Sleep well, cousin.”
I tucked the precious present against my chest as Ruslan whispered the words to return us to Roc Palace, where I placed my two most treasured items together in the back of our closet. My mother and father were still united, even after death, in their possessions that lived on. I took one long look at the amethyst resting atop the wood, and then I returned to bed, where Ruslan held me until I drifted off into a peaceful slumber.
18
Aknock sounded on the door to my office, and one of my sentries alerted us to someone requesting an audience. “Enter,” I yelled, scratching the last of a set of instructions to the Iron Realm’s finance advisor before straightening in my chair. Izidora snapped her book shut and set it on the leather couch beside her.
Liliana swept into the room, steps faltering momentarily when she noticed Izidora. I clocked the movement, curiosity raising one dark brow. She stopped in front of my desk, twisting a paper between her fingers. She opened her mouth to speak, then closed it, repeating the process several times while she struggled to form words. Eventually, she shifted from foot to foot, looking between us, though it was clear she was here to speak with me.
Was it something with Drazen?
“Do you want something to drink?” Izidora asked, probably sensing Liliana’s nervousness through her empath abilities. Hopefully, some alcohol would loosen her tongue, though it struck me as odd that the only time she needed that was now.
“Yes, please,” she said with a slight shake in her voice as she took a seat in front of me.
On the far side of my desk, a tray with neatly arranged crystal glasses and a hefty etched bottle of amber liquor waited for moments such as these. Grabbing three glasses and the alcohol, I poured a measure in each before handing one to her. Izidora floated her glass to her using tendrils of her white magic.
Liliana threw the drink back with a hiss, not even waiting for the traditional saying of the Iron Realm to pass from my lips. I merely sipped from mine and then rested it against the desk, swirling it as I studied her. Liliana seared her eyes into the paper in her hands, unable to meet either of our gazes. She smoothed the scroll over her leg. “I got this a while ago, but I haven’t figured out the right time to say anything.”
