Page 8 of Regal Rising

They explained the plumbing and electrical systems that were needed. She smiled. She could work with that. She just had to call her uncle. She grinned. That’s what djinn were for.

* * * *

Reggie smiled sleepily. “I don’t know how you did it, but thank you. Little Amiraith is very thankful that you could make this happen. I don’t know how you got this done, but thank you.”

“It is fine for a few days, but then we need to get you back to a fully formed home.” Kay fluffed the pillows around Reggie. “This place is safe and sound, but the guys are trying to work on tippy-toe with whispers.”

Rex was sitting next to the door, and Luna was watching out the window. Amiraith was snuffling in her mother’s arms, and all the women were tense. Kay finished fussing and murmured to Reggie, “Play with your twist, Regis.”

“Why?”

“It will help you heal.”

“How?”

“It will make your mate pull his own weight.” Kay chuckled. “Have you given any thought to the idea of a shop?”

“Really?”

“Sure. You can have your baby in the office and go to her when it’s needed. Limit your hours until you can do more. I have recipes and a list of restaurants that need high-grade desserts. You can apply to them and see who sticks. Then, you just have to bake for orders and go home unless you want to maintain a storefront.”

“How do you know that?” Reggie chuckled.

“I have been around. Now, slide the baby into the bassinet, and get some sleep. You are protected.”

Rex said softly, “You are protected.”

Luna turned with her eyes lit with cold fire. “You are protected.”

Reggie smiled. Kay eased the baby into the bedside bassinet and smoothed Reggie’s hair. “Rest easy, little Mom.”

Kay looked to Rex. “I will be right back.”

She walked down the stairs and out the door, where the contractor asked her, “Is the baby here?”

“She’s here. Healthy and bright.”

The whispers filled the job site, and Kay walked to the edge of the property. She softly sang a lullaby, and the words wrapped around the edge of the property and created defenses for mother and daughter, just as she had for the shop she had gifted to Reggie.

“You just can’t stop dancing, can you?”

She glanced at him and ended her song but continued the slow dance. “No, I can’t stop. So, Uncle, I have another favour to ask of you.”

“Well, you have not abused it yet, but what do you need?”

“Protection for Reggie and Amiriath. Prosperity for everyone here, and I want you to help any beta who gets trapped in the dark mage dimension.”

“Is that an order, Mistress?”

“No, Uncle, it is a request. I fear someone will soon be trapped in the darkness.”

“What are you doing?”

“I am letting myself fade so that I can become a companion to another.”

“Won’t this hurt?”

“I am a good memory for them, and they will feel I am familiar to them. It’s enough. It’s more than I would have had if I hadn’t...”

---