"...This year, you will turn nineteen," I said.
It was perfect. Not too young, not too old.
Both he and Anna shared a knowing look.
""" Finally. """
Indeed. I accepted their slight teasing about my 'turtle pace' when it came to anything concerning him.
Soon, I walked back inside and sat down at my old seat. The ladies still surrounded Veila. She had gotten into a groove and was reading Miri Emil now. Stuart was in a tight embrace with his wife, who looked very happy. Whatever she heard must have been good news.
Zephyr played with Anna, then...
"Ouch," she winced, letting out a sound of distress when he tickled her side.
"...Show me," he said, stone-faced.
He didn't look happy, and Ilianna knew better than to defy him. She turned around, and we took a look inside her dress. Her side had an ugly bruise coloring part of her ribs.
"Dad..."
He cut her off and shouted, "Vistellia!"
Granny came over from the cluster of women. "Oh my... what happened here, princess?" she asked, frowning.
Anna looked dejected. "Training... the fly kick," she answered.
We both shared a look and stared through the door toward the missing Master Lucian, the inventor of the dangerous kick, who had left just minutes ago.
Granny was amused by our reaction. "She'll be fine. Just needs to rest."
"I can not believe I let her run around without protection," I lamented my oversight.
"It was my fault for being too occupied with nonsense lately," Zephyr said, shaking his head.
(Slap... Slap.)
"Shut it, the both of you!" Granny was ready to teach us a lesson. "Kids get hurt. All kids. Besides, you're busy and have certain responsibilities and obligations. Let her be a child."
Even the Monroes, who sat closely, nodded along.
"Thanks, Granny, but I hope you know we're very disappointed for not telling us... or anyone," I said, turning to Anna.
She nodded timidly and waited for the one reaction she truly cared about.
"Next time, tell us, especially when you're in pain, princess," he carefully placed her on his knees. "I know you're tough and well trained, but that can make you reckless. I tell you what. We cancel our bet... ah ah ah..."
He didn't let her interrupt. "...You will still get your gift. You get a pair of real daggers, and I'll join you. Your missing uncle Carlos gave me one; might as well use it. In exchange, you can never lie to me."
"Hmm... I promise," she burrowed into his chest like a little gopher. "...Just you."
"Did you just allow our only daughter to lie to me?" I asked, tapping his shoulder.
"Bribe her yourself. It's already done," he said, shrugging.
My six-year-old gave me a near-identical smile as my husband when he got something on me.
"We talk later," I said.
"Later," Anna replied.
The ladies rejoined us, most with satisfied smiles. Veila looked a lot more exhausted but was definitely richer.
Ceron shared some looks with his family before turning to Zephyr.
"Lord Zephyr, I wish to speak with you in private tomorrow if you have the time."
"Sure. I just need to drop off Carlos tomorrow morning, and I can come see you before work," Zephyr said.
"Thank you." Ceron smiled.
Carlos had to go make an appearance back at home in front of his 'Lord,' reporting to him. He was on a supposed diplomatic mission but wouldn't mention the Pope's bid for peace, making sure it looked as if he had very little to do with it until the plan was a success. By the time they would smarten up, Juan was safe, and Carlos was free. He excused himself with Mother tonight. They wouldn't be seeing each other for about a week, maybe.
Soon after, Granny left the tavern. We wanted her to take a better look at Anna's bruises, and Metill went to fetch her medicine. We let her do her craft while having some tea before bed.
"...Are you thinking about the same thing?" I asked Zephyr, cutting through the silence.
He looked up from his cup. "...Carlos and your mother doing it?" he asked.
"Yep. No! Idiot. I'm thinking Ceron wants to talk about discussing their stay."
"Maybe. How were the readings?" he asked, dismissing my thought.
"Well, I only heard Demelza and Miranda's."
I told him what Veila saw. After hearing Demelza's future bits: "I can see her do both of those... especially the second one," he said, smiling.
I was a little surprised, not about the archery. "You mean the town near the sea?"
"Hmm. Catalina's old hometown, Metla. I obviously haven't seen it yet, but from her description, it's similar. That's all I'm saying," he said.
It did have similar settings.
"Anyway, it may happen, it may not. Same with the archery, especially if you compete," he added with a confident smile.
I smiled back a little. "I'm not even sure if I'll participate in them. After all, we're as rich now as some old noble houses and..." I let my hand creep up on his leg. "...you already know my wishes."
"Ahem!"
I quickly withdrew my hand, startled by Granny, who was playing morality police assassin/healer, frightening me.
"So tell us, Vistellia, still looks good?" Zephyr asked Granny after a little chuckle.
"She'll be fine. Just make sure to keep an eye on her for a few days. Don't let her run about and such," she said, looking back at Anna.
""" Hmm... """
We said our goodbyes and took Anna up to our own room, deciding to sleep together during her recovery.
"Heard big Granny, right? All your friends have to come over," said Zephyr after settling down in bed.
"They are already doing that anyway. Some of my toys have grown legs lately," she said with narrowed eyes.
We were all under the blanket, listening to some strange disappearance... and shared some guilty looks. We had taken some of her toys for roleplaying and such, and we obviously couldn't tell her or give them back. Our wardrobe hid them; we could still use them in the future.
"I'm telling you, princess, too many friends," said Zephyr.
"I agree with your father, sweetheart. Some of those kids come from long lines of thieves," I added shamelessly.
"Hmm... I see."
She was smart, but luckily, not that smart. Did we feel bad blaming some innocent kids for our debauchery? So, so.
"Anyway, I'll pick some up for you on my way back. Just hide them better."
"Thanks, Dad," she sounded sleepy.
We were careful not to touch her injured side.
"Goodnight, princess... goodnight, wife."
"Goodnight, my loves," I said, giving a gentle kiss to both of them with some difficulty.
They slept before me. I was privileged to hear Demelza and Alexander doing their best to ignore the Daughter of Ehlite's eyes and her ability.
I bet if she read my future, it would've been this moment—listening to the sounds of sex and nothing else.