Page 17 of Emergence of Fire

“Celestia my P—I mean, Cor-del-ia.” She says my name slowly, as if it hurt to pronounce each syllable. I almost laugh but this must be something she is not used to. Celestia. Aunt Twyla. Got it. I wonder where she is?

“Silva, you’re doing great. You will get the hang of it.” I try to reassure her. “I am no one’s princess, and it just sounds awkward. You don’t need to attend to me. I’ve been taking care of myself for a long time now.” Again, she looks taken aback by what I’m saying. She tries to step back but with nowhere else to go she fists her robes and stands a little taller like she was having none of what I was saying. Well, at least she’s brave. A little bravery is all you need.

“Miss. Cordelia. At least, please, let me call you that.” She pleads, her voice is pure desperation, her hands are clasped in front of her, like she’s ready to get on her knees to pray or beg. I can do nothing but throw my hands up in surrender before that happens. “It is my duty as a servant to this family to take care of you. If I’m not doing my job then I am of no use to anyone. I will have to leave the palace and return home to my family. This is all I can do. I was born with no magic; it was either this or become someone’s baby factory.” I cross my arms over my chest and tilt my head to the side, lips pursed in disbelief and anger. Baby Factory. What the hell? She is so shy and meek but I see the fire in her eyes. She wants to make her own way and I can do nothing but respect that.

“Ok, Silva, for as long as I am here you can help me. Just please, call me Cordelia.” She looks at me with the biggest smile, she claps her hands and starts to bounce up and down. “Thank you. Thank you. I promise I will do my best for you. Whatever you need, you only have to ask.” She was so happy I couldn’t do anything but smile.

I need to find my men and my aunt. I’ve only been awake for a few minutes and I am not sure how I feel about Celestia if Silva is anything to go by.

“What I need first is a shower. Second, do you know where Torin, Gale, and Adrian are?” I turn around in the room and notice my duffle bag on a desk with a note attached to it. I gather up my long robe and cross the room as quickly as my feet will carry me. Shifting my bag over I look at the note. The paper is thick quality with beautiful cursive script, so controlled and delicate, I almost can’t believe it was written by one of my men. It still feels strange to even think of them as mine. Mine. Definitely, going to take some getting used to.

“The shower is in the adjoining room and it has everything you need.” I hear Silva answer my earlier question behind me. I don’t reply as I stare at the note. Running my fingers over the letter, I know it’s not romantic but this is new for me. No one has ever written me a letter before. Torin has held me together literally through it all, Adrian has grounded me, and Gale has continued to make me smile. These men are pulling at my heartstrings in a way I never thought anyone could. Folding the letter and placing it in the bottom of my bag I pull out some of my clothes and walk toward the bathroom.

“As for your mates, I think they are out flying,” Silva says as I pass her. I stop and can feel my Dragon perk up inside of me at the mention of flying. She’s settled, for now. Will I shift? What happens next? I need to find the guys.

“So, you mean to tell me if I find my way outside, I might see Dragons flying through the air?” It dawns on me then what Torin said in the letter, that they were going to stretch their legs and wings. How did I miss that? I turn around and looked at Silva and she nods her head yes. The excitement on my face makes her all bouncy again. She crosses to the four-poster bed and begins to tidy it.

“Silva, next time lead with that,” I jokingly say as I run into the bathroom. I can hear her humming her little tune again as I close the door. I guess all is right in her world. If she is pleased, then so was I.

I look around, it’s like a day spa in here. “Well, I now have bathroom envy,” I say out loud as I walk into the largest room I’ve ever been in. A large pool is in the middle of the room with steps that lead down into it. White marble with traces of gold line the sinks and the walk-in shower. The floors are polished wood. The walls have what looks like giant palm trees growing out of them. Huge green leaves seem to move on their own, swaying to an unnatural breeze. I can’t ignore the fact that they are moving but I’m not surprised, considering I watched my breakfast levitate in front of me the day before. It’s a bizarre choice but it works with the natural aesthetics of the room. The smell of mint and eucalyptus fill the air, reminding me of one of my refreshing bath bombs that I used to make. I try not to let the loss of my business bring me down as I admire the glass doors to the shower. Slightly frosted and etched with a delicate palm tree design for privacy, big enough for more than one person. “Five shower heads. A girl could get ideas with all of this room.” I laugh to myself, feeling light in spirit. “Focus, Cordelia.”

I don’t pay much attention to anything else in the room as I make quick work of showering, then get dressed. I can’t wait to see my guys in their Dragon forms. I walk out of the bathroom; Silva is nowhere to be seen. I can only assume she is done with her tidying and that is the last I will see of her today. The idea of being waited on doesn’t sit well with me. I loved the privacy of living alone. Having Silva spring up all the time is going to take some getting used to. I throw my hair up in a ponytail and find my trusty boots as someone knocks on the door. I don’t even think about it, my brain is on autopilot as I shout come in.

“Delia, honey. You are going to have to be a little more cautious about who you say that to.” I turn at the sound of Aunt Twyla’s voice and stop dead in my tracks. My foot is literally dangling above my boot as I stumble clumsily at the sight of her. Is she taller? Her long brown hair glistens in the day light, not a grey hair in sight. Her blue eyes shine with youthfulness and her skin looks radiant, she is practically glowing.

“Ah, Aunt Twyla?” I quirk my eyebrow making a sweeping gesture with my hands at her appearance. Is there a fountain of youth here in Celestia? Because she looks amazing. I mean she aged well for a woman over fifty but damn she looks twenty-five again. Her boobs are spilling out of her navy blue floor-length gown that fits like a glove over her curvaceous body. Tears well up in my eyes at the sight of her beauty.

“I have you to thank for this, my wonderful girl. It’s my magic. On Earth I aged the way a mortal would with the progression of time. Here in my realm with my magic flowing through my veins it’s revitalized my appearance. Don’t you feel it? Your own magic should be flowing freely without restriction now." She tilts her head when I don’t reply.

I’m still trying to process the new woman in front of me. She crosses over to me and I can’t help but run into her arms, hugging her hard. She’s taller than me again and the memories of my childhood, being enveloped in her embrace hits me and brings a smile to my face. She is the only Mother I’ve ever known, regardless of the truth she will always be home for me. No matter where we are. She holds me tight, resting her chin on my head and everything that has happened just breaks something inside of me and I cry once more. Aunt Twyla rocks me gently as she strokes my hair, whispering comforting words to me, her voice is soft and soothing. We stand there for a few moments until I finally start to relax. Internally I berate myself for crying yet again but I can’t help it. I cry for Ms. Banks. All I want to do is go to her and apologize. But I can’t. I don’t know if I will ever get the opportunity. I cry for the life I made for myself. I also cry for the loss of my home and business. The heartache is overwhelming with its intensity, and for a moment I wonder if I will suffocate under the weight of my grief.

“You’ve lost a lot, my sweet girl. We are going to make this right. I promise you. I made your mother a promise, and I will see it through.” She steps back and holds me at arm’s length as I wipe away stray tears.

“Now, I’ve ruined your dress.” I laugh to ease the tension I’m feeling. “You really look amazing by the way. You’re hot, Aunt Twyla.” She laughs out loud as I make my eyebrows wriggle suggestively.

“I feel under dressed. What’s the occasion?” I ask her as I hobble over to my abandoned boot and put it on.

“I’m surprised you are. Your helper hasn’t brought you new clothes? I know it has been arranged.” I hear her say, pulling hard on my laces.

“You know I don’t really do dresses, Aunt Twyla. I hope that’s not the required attire.” I cringe. The last thing I want is to be dressed up like a doll.

“Cordelia, you can wear what you like, I just thought you would like some other things to wear besides jeans.” I laugh at our familiar conversation. She’s been saying the same thing to me for years. Another reason why I own my own business, I don’t have a dress code, I don’t have to go into an office, and everything is on my own terms. I feel a fresh pang of sadness but I quickly squash it.

“I don’t want to lose another thing in my life.” I meant to say that in my head but the words fall from my lips. I guess subconsciously I need to get it out. Claim it with conviction and it will be true.

“I don’t plan on you losing anything else, Delia. I am sorry we had to leave it all behind but somehow Thaddeus knew exactly where we were. The house is gone. Everything we had, all our memories, gone.” I hang my head at her words. Not my childhood home. I really don’t have anything left. I refuse to let another tear fall as I place my hands on my hips and turn to face her. No more tears. I’ve cried enough.

“It’s not all gone. We still have it all here.” I point to my head and heart. “What we need to know is who is helping Thaddeus? From what you all are saying he doesn’t have power of his own, so your speculations are true, Aunt Twyla. I think it’s time to get the facts about the Fae and maybe meet my surrogate grandfather.” I shy away from the last bit but the smile on her face lifts my spirits. I know she is not my real mother, but I always wanted a grandparent.

“He can’t wait to meet you. I just wanted to give you time with your mates before things got more complicated.” She winks at me and I don’t know how I feel about my aunt suggesting I “get to know” my mates.

“Oh, please, Cordelia, I know you have sex. I know you didn’t go without sexual partners even though you had no real long-term relationships. I’m not a prude sweetheart, I too partake in an App search from time to time.” I stare at her in shock.

“App search? Aunt Twyla please tell me you haven’t been using T—” My words are cut off by a knock at the door and instead of just shouting for them to come in I walk over to the door to answer properly. My aunt winks at me again, laughing as I pass her. I look through the peephole and see Silva, so I open the door for her to enter.

“Miss Cordelia, I brought you breakfast. I thought you might be hungry.” I watch as she rolls in a trolley with more food than I could ever hope to eat. Baskets of toast, fruit salad, eggs, sausages, beans, mushrooms, potatoes, and tomatoes. My stomach grumbles loudly, my mouth is watering and I honestly can’t remember the last time I ate. Silva stops mid push and drops to her knees.

“My sincere apologies, milady, I didn’t know you were here,” she whispers from the floor. I look at my aunt and her eyes widen in surprise at how fast Silva hit the ground. She frowns and looks up at me.

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