The three of us left the castle and climbed into the waiting carriage, with Allyson and Jolene following close behind. As soon as the coachman shut the door, the carriage rolled away toward the Tower Garden.

  “Jolene,” I said, smiling, “we’ve got about half an hour of staring at each other. What questions do you have?”

  Across from me sat Jolene and Allyson. Seraphina and Theresa flanked me on either side, warm and close.

  “Well, my lord, if it’s not too forward… I’d like to know my place.”

  “Hm.” I leaned back. “When Theresa starts school, your priority is her. Keep her on schedule, help her stay organized, and, please, make sure she eats properly.”

  “You’re trying to make me fat, sweetie?” Theresa said, giving me a pointed side glance.

  “I said better, not more.” I patted her thigh.

  Jolene nodded thoughtfully. “And my duties in the residence? Cleaning? Laundry?”

  “Only when Theresa is at classes,” Seraphina said. “Otherwise, no. You’ll understand once you see the place.”

  “Allyson,” I asked, “is everything loaded?”

  “Yes, Master. Ava is already at the residence with Melissa. The new combat golems are on board the airship. The Vaelthorn units will remain here to support Melissa. All food stores and personal items are packed.”

  “Good. Efficient as always. Tell everyone well done.”

  Allyson’s eyes brightened. “I will. They all said thank you.”

  Jolene watched her with open curiosity, trying to understand what she was seeing.

  “Is… is this why the oath was required?” she asked.

  “Yes,” I said. “Partly. Whatever you see or hear, don’t be alarmed. And if you ever have questions, ask.”

  The carriage stopped, and we stepped out into the Tower Garden. I checked my HUD to see if there were any threats nearby. Like earlier, a few red dots appeared on the edge of the garden, but nothing close. A moment later, we entered the residence. Everyone was already inside, some reading, others leaning over a chess match in deep concentration.

  “Jolene, welcome to our home,” I said. “This is the sitting area. You’ll meet everyone before the day is over. Theresa, could you show her around? Introduce her to everyone?”

  “Alright.” Theresa turned to Seraphina. “How long until dinner?”

  “Three hours,” Seraphina said. “I still have a few things to prepare.” She glanced over at Veronica. “That should put us right about the time your family arrives, yes?”

  “Yes, sweetie,” Veronica said, lifting her eyes from her book. I recognized the cover, one of Aria’s.

  “Good,” I said. “That gives us time.”

  Seraphina took my hand, fingers lacing through mine, and tugged gently.

  “Come on,” she said, already pulling me toward the bedroom.

  Seraphina lay curled against me on top of the covers, her leg draped over mine, her body warm and soft as she slept. I held her close, gently brushing a few loose strands of hair behind her ear. Her breathing was slow and steady, and that tiny, squeaky snore she made every so often was enough to bring a smile to my face, no matter how tired I was.

  The door eased open. A slim figure slipped inside and shut it again just as quietly. Bare feet padded across the floor until they stopped beside the bed. Allira knelt, her voice low.

  “I’m sorry to interrupt, sweetie. Veronica’s family is here early.”

  I didn’t want to move. Waking Seraphina always felt like disturbing something peaceful and perfect.

  “Tell them to go away…” Seraphina mumbled, shifting her leg. The slight movement sent a pleasant ripple through me.

  I laughed under my breath. “What choices do we have?”

  “Allira, get naked and join us. That’s my choice…” Seraphina murmured, tracing slow circles on my chest with one finger. “I don’t get much time with you, David.”

  Allira chuckled softly. “Tempting.”

  I kissed the top of Seraphina’s head. “I feel the same way. But we should go meet them.”

  She sighed dramatically, but didn’t argue when I slipped out from underneath her. I dressed quickly, gave one last look at her resting on the bed, and then followed Allira out to greet Veronica’s family.

  I walked out with Allira into the living area, where Veronica was introducing her family to everyone. When the moment came, I stepped forward.

  “Good evening, Deana, Randy, and Annag. How are you three today?”

  Randy hesitated for just a second before taking my hand. His grip was firm, his eyes not quite sure where to look.

  “We’re fine, my lord,” he said carefully.

  “Randy,” I said, lowering my voice just a bit, “in my house, I’m just David. Your son-in-law. No Earl. No Prince. Just… David.”

  “Prince…” Deana echoed, stumbling over the word.

  “Yeah,” I said with a shrug. “They apparently hand out titles when you marry a princess. Who knew? Please, have a seat.”

  I gestured to the open sofas. They chose one of the larger ones, though I could see how stiff their shoulders were. Nerves, curiosity, truly understandable.

  “Would you like some refreshments?” I asked. “Rachael?”

  She appeared almost instantly. “Yes, master.”

  “What do we have for Veronica’s family? Normally we’d have a platter ready, but with the move to Vaelthorn…”

  “Tea works for us… David,” Randy said, still stiff.

  “Just tea?” I grinned. “I’ve got stuff in storage strong enough to take the rest of your hair off, if you want something stronger.”

  “Good stuff?” Annag said immediately. “Yes, please.”

  “That’s one,” I said, counting faces. Within seconds, I realized everyone except Jake wanted to try the strong drink.

  I followed Rachael into the kitchen so I could pull the bottles from storage without startling the family. Mynia was working at the far counter, giving me a polite nod as I passed.

  Bottles in hand, I returned to the seating area with Rachael behind me, carrying a platter of cookies and other sweets.

  “Let’s see,” I said, reading the labels. “One is a brandy aged three hundred years. And this one… Oh, it’s another brandy and it’s five hundred years old.”

  Randy and Deana looked stunned. Annag just looked delighted.

  “Do you usually offer something so rare?” Deana asked.

  “Only when family visits for the first time,” I said, smiling as I opened the three-hundred-year-old bottle. The soft pop drew a few raised brows.

  I poured a finger’s worth into a glass and passed it to Annag. She took a sip and gasped.

  “Wow. That’s smooth.”

  I was pouring a few more servings when Seraphina emerged from the bedroom, sleepy-eyed but radiant. She slipped her arm around my waist.

  “Sorry, I’m late,” she murmured. “I fell asleep. I’ll make sure dinner stays on track.”

  She brushed past me, patting my backside before heading into the kitchen. I glanced after her in surprise, catching her devilish grin as she disappeared through the doorway.

  Randy picked up one of the cookies from the platter, examined it, then leaned toward his wife to whisper something. A moment later, Deana chose one too. She took a bite, and the pleased look on her face said everything.

  If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

  “You like the cookies?” I asked, taking a sip of the tea one of the maids had brought me.

  Jake, meanwhile, was scarfing them down while Marlena and Allira debated their next chess move.

  “Yes,” Deana said, turning the cookie over in her hand. “What are they? They have a wonderful texture.”

  “Snickerdoodles,” I said. “A recipe from my mother. I gave it to Seraphina a while ago. They’re one of my favorites, almost as good as ginger snaps.”

  “What would it take to get that recipe?” Randy asked, finally trying his.

  “Well,” I said, thinking aloud, “would you mind spending an afternoon teaching Seraphina a few baking techniques? She has the talent, but learning from someone experienced would help a lot.”

  “Show your wife some tips? That’s all?” Deana asked.

  “Yes. And I’ve got more than one recipe: sugar cookies, biscotti, wedding cookies… quite a few, actually.” I took another sip of tea and reached for a couple more snickerdoodles.

  “All that, just for some time in the kitchen?” Randy asked. “Why offer so much?”

  “Because she was thrilled when she found out you were the baker behind her favorite treats.” I smiled. “And ever since she started baking, I’ve wanted to support her as much as I can. I do the same for all my wives.”

  I had just picked up a cookie when a shadow fell over me, and it vanished from my fingers.

  “Hello, Theresa,” I said without looking up. At her name, Deana and Randy started to rise, but I motioned for them to stay seated.

  “So my dear, sweet husband is trying to eat cookies without me?” Theresa said, already biting into the stolen treat. She settled on the arm of my chair and plucked the other cookie out of my hand.

  “Dinner is served…” Seraphina called from the entrance to the dining room.

  Before standing, Randy eyed the platter again. “David, you have a deal. When should I expect Lady Seraphina?”

  “In the spring,” I said. “We are going back to Vaelthorn for a time, and we’ll be back then for a short time. And I’ll get the recipes to you soon.”

  “You’re giving us the recipes before she spends time in the bakery?” Deana asked.

  “Of course,” I said, rising and setting my teacup down. I took Theresa’s free hand; the other held several more cookies. “When we are back in the city, I know that if you need help with these recipes, Seraphina would love to help out.” I looked past Randy and Deana to Veronica, who was smiling and happy to hear about this deal.

  “Deana… Randy… have you two ever thought about relocating your bakery to a more heavily traveled district?” I asked, lifting my tea again. At this rate, I’d be awake until sunrise.

  Deana blinked. “Leave the neighborhood? Open somewhere else?”

  “Actually, yes,” I said, raising my hands slightly. “Not as an insult, your work is excellent. I’m just wondering if you’ve ever considered it.”

  Randy straightened, the first real spark of steel I’d seen in him tonight.

  “That’s where we grew up. It’s home. The bakery’s been in my family for six generations. I don’t know if you understand how important tradition can be.”

  “Oh, I understand perfectly.” I smiled. “Believe it or not, I’m a blacksmith at heart. Five generations of pounding steel is my family’s legacy.” Their surprise was immediate.

  “My children, whatever classes they awaken with, I want to introduce them to the forge too,” I continued. “Not to make them smiths, unless they choose that. But so they understand where they come from.”

  “Is smithing as competitive as the bakers?” Randy muttered.

  “David is a master smith, Papa,” Veronica said proudly. “One of only four.”

  Randy nearly dropped his cookie. “A human master smith? Kendrick was the only one I ever heard of, but he’s a legend.”

  “Yes,” I said. “I’m the one from Vaelthorn. Someday I’d like to take my family to the Dwarven lands to meet the others. If time ever cooperates.” I chuckled. “It never does.”

  “Well,” Deana said gently, “we actually looked into relocating once. But buying a new shop, outfitting it, was far too expensive.”

  “Hey, the cookie recipes might help with that,” I said.

  “You gave them the recipes?” Seraphina asked, stepping in from the kitchen.

  “Not yet,” I said. “I have to write them out first.”

  Theresa leaned forward, absolutely unhelpful. “Didn’t you make, like… forty million today? If they need money, just give it to them.” The entire table gasped. Even the air paused.

  “Princess,” Aria said, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Dear. One does not announce sums like that during a family dinner.”

  “Oh.” Theresa froze, then slowly flushed. “Father does…” And she realized. I couldn’t help but smile.

  “It’s alright, sweetheart,” I said. “Randy, Deana, I wasn’t planning to bring this up until summer, but… if relocation is something you’d ever want to discuss, I’d be open to helping then…”

  “Why us?” Randy started, shocked. “Surely there are…”

  “Well,” I interrupted softly, “I married your daughter without asking. That already puts a weight on my shoulders. And…” I looked around the table, counting. “I have six wives who adore your baking. If helping you means the treats keep flowing, I call that an investment.”

  Laughter rippled around the table. Then I paused.

  “Seraphina… where are Rebecca, Lydia, and Jolene?”

  “I offered them seats,” she said. “They refused, something about it not being proper.”

  I frowned. Seraphina smiled warmly. “I’ll tell them.”

  Dinner was a success. Seraphina’s meals always were. There was far more food than any of us could eat, and everyone left satisfied. We lingered at the table afterward, talking about food, markets, and places worth visiting. When the evening finally wound down, I handed Randy and Deana the second bottle of brandy. They tried to refuse, but Veronica would not let them say no.

  Veronica and I escorted her family to the tower’s front door and the waiting carriage. There were hugs, handshakes, and a few lingering smiles before they finally stepped inside and were carried off into the night.

  I took my fire mage’s hand as we turned back toward the tower. My HUD flickered, showing several more red dots at the far edge of the garden, watching. More than earlier today. Let them, I thought, stepping inside as the tower doors closed and locked behind us.

  Back in the residence, everyone was already making final preparations. The luggage had been loaded. Only the passengers were left.

  “Melissa,” I said, turning to my tower assistant. “I’m leaving Halden with you. Whatever he’s doing now, keep him doing it until we return. Maybe he’ll have come to his senses by then.”

  I glanced toward the kitchen. “But Mynia… have her board the Enterprise. She’s coming with us to Vaelthorn.”

  “Are you sure, dear?” Seraphina asked as she slipped her arm through mine.

  “Yes. I have a plan that Mynia would be a good choice for getting Aria’s sons back.”

  Rachael stepped out of the kitchen with Mynia behind her. Both stopped when they saw me.

  “Mynia,” I said gently, “you’re coming with us to Vaelthorn. There’s something there I think you can help with. If all goes well, I’ll be giving you some options for your future.”

  She was silent for a moment, then bowed her head. “Yes, master.”

  I nodded. “Alright. Anything else?”

  Everyone shook their heads, and we headed for the airship.

  I was the last to board. I stood at the base of the ramp, looking up at the Enterprise where it rested inside the hangar, sleek, powerful, and quietly alive with mana.

  When I turned back, Melissa stood with four maids behind her. I walked over with Allyson and Ava flanking me.

  “I want to thank you, Melissa,” I said.

  “There is no need, Master. This is what I was built for,” she replied.

  I smiled, then stepped forward and hugged her. For a heartbeat, she didn’t move. Then, slowly, almost hesitantly, her arms came up, and she returned the embrace.

  “We’ll be back in a few months,” I said as I released her. “If you ever need me before that, Allyson will relay it. And I will be back earlier.”

  “Yes, Master,” she said softly.

  On impulse, I leaned in and kissed her cheek.

  Melissa froze, her hand rising toward the spot as if she wasn’t sure what it meant.

  I turned and walked toward the ramp. Behind me, I heard Allyson and Ava hurry to catch up, both clearly stunned. When was the last time anyone kissed Melissa? The thought struck me unexpectedly hard. At the bottom of the ramp, I looked back and raised a hand.

  Melissa stood with her fingertips still pressed to the cheek I’d kissed… then she lifted her hand and waved. The maids, startled but delighted, waved as well.

  I stepped aboard the airship and headed for the bridge.

  I settled into the command seat with Allyson and Ava standing on either side of me. I really need to replace this chair with the captain’s seat from Kirk’s Enterprise, I thought, shifting.

  “Allyson,” I said, scanning the bridge, “when we get to Vaelthorn, let’s make some changes up here.”

  “Yes, Master. What changes did you have in mind? The best engineers designed this bridge,” Allyson said, slightly puzzled.

  “Yeah, I know… but something’s missing.”

  I rested my hands on the armrests. “Is everything ready to depart?”

  “Yes. All hatches sealed. Opening the main hangar bay door now.” Allyson’s eyes fixed forward. Outside the viewing windows, the massive doors of the tower slid apart, revealing the capital glowing beneath the night sky.

  Ava shifted slightly. “Master, I don’t mean to intrude… but why did you kiss Melissa?”

  “Hangar bay doors open,” Allyson said, still focused. “Ready for departure.”

  I looked between them. “Should I not have kissed her?”

  Then, back to Allyson: “Yes…take us out.” The Enterprise’s engines hummed as we rose and eased forward out of the hangar.

  “It is not… normal, Master, to show affection to us, constructs,” Ava said gently.

  “We have cleared the hangar. Doors closing,” Allyson reported.

  “Normal?” I asked, turning to Ava. “How often have you been kissed?”

  “Doors sealed. Locking onto Tower Six’s beacon,” Allyson continued.

  Ava hesitated, then answered quietly, “I have never been kissed.” A surprising ache tightened in my chest.

  “Beacon locked. Ready to depart, Master.”

  “Take us out. Let me know when we’re clear of the capital,” I said.

  I looked at Ava again. “Do you know why I kissed her?”

  She moved closer, her expression searching. “We are constructs. What you did with Melissa showed… You do not see us as objects. Is that correct, Master?”

  “Yes,” I said softly, taking her hand. Her skin was warm, almost human. “You’re right. I don’t see any of you as objects. Without Allyson, I’d be lost.”

  “We have cleared the capital,” Allyson said. “Increasing to normal flight attitude and speed.”

  I released Ava’s hand slowly. She watched the gesture closely.

  “I don’t understand you, Master,” she admitted. “You are unlike the Engineers of old. They used us purely as tools. But you… You protect us. Do you consider us…” She paused, searching for a word. “…family?”

  “Yes,” I answered without hesitation.

  On my other side, Allyson turned her head slightly, clearly processing the conversation. I only smiled, shrugged, and pulled out one of the books Veralt had given me. ‘Multilayer Shielding: Creation and Applications’.

  I had barely read a page when the bridge door opened.

  Allira stepped inside, wearing a robe, barefoot, hair slightly tousled. She walked straight up to me and stopped, giving me a look that said I was in trouble, though I had no idea why.

  “It’s after midnight,” she said, plucking the book out of my hands and setting it aside. “And you’re here, instead of in bed getting some sleep.” She grabbed my hand and tugged.

  “Where are we going?” I asked.

  “Bed,” she said firmly. “For the next three days, you’re resting. After how you were on the way here, none of us wants a repeat. So, up.” I stood, chuckling, and glanced at Ava.

  “Family,” I said to her with a small smile. Then I followed Allira off the bridge.

  The party moved through the forest silently, leaving no trace. Not a word, not a breath out of place. They glided between the trees like shadows until the woods opened up before them. At the edge of the sunlight, the five figures paused and looked across the empty field.

  “Princess,” one of them whispered, stopping her before she stepped out from behind the trees. “Are you sure he’s in that direction?”

  “I hope so, Alwin.” She looked back at them, and the thin rays of light caught her golden eyes, turning them cold and sharp. “The oracle said he was with them somewhere to the north, beyond that field.”

  Several of them stiffened at the thought of them. Even here, the word felt dirty.

  “Yes. Those creatures,” she said. “I pray the oracle did not mislead us. Our people are running out of time, and I am still willing to offer myself if that is what it takes to save us. Six months. That is all we have.”

  “I pray it never comes to that, Princess. We cannot lose you.”

  She placed a hand on his shoulder. Her touch was firm, but her silence revealed the truth he feared. She had already decided what to sacrifice. She turned back to the open ground ahead. Six months. One hope. And they are standing in the way. Filthy humans.