Growing family

Author’s Note: Sorry for the long hiatus! I swear we’re going back to regular chapters now. Writer’s block cleared!

It’s late by the time Kael and Petra return to Kael’s quarters, but unsurprisingly they find aria awaiting them when they enter. The red haired warrior woman is cleaning and polishing her already immaculate armor in preparation for the coronation, and she smiles slyly as Kael and Petra enter together. Ria raises an eyebrow when her sharp eyes spot Petra’s hand in Kael’s; Petra hasn’t released her grip since leaving the forest. Setting aside the armor, Ria leans back on the couch, amusement in her eyes.

“Our late tonight, aren’t you, big guy?”

Kael chuckles, nodding. “Petra had something to share with me. Where are Evie and Gabby? They should be here for this.”

Ria gestures towards a closed bedroom door. “Evie is trying on her coronation dress, and Gabby is helping. They’ll be out soon.”

As if summoned by the mention, the door swings open, and Evie emerges. She’s wearing a beautiful dress, green like her hair. Though modestly cut, with a high neckline and long sleeves, the fabric clings to her slim body down to her hips, where it flares slightly into a flowing, ankle length skirt. The sleeves and neckline are studded with small emeralds, sparkling as she walks into the living room. Evie is always beautiful, but the dress gives her a breathtaking air of elegance to go along with it. Kale simply stares for a moment, awestruck, and Evie blushes under his gaze.

“Do you like it, master?”

Kael smiles, and finally releases Petra’s hand to go to the blushing elf. Tilting her chin up with his hand, he gently kisses her. “You look stunning, even more than usual.”

Evie smiles, her eyes sparkling with happiness and love. The moment breaks as Gabby walks in, a big grin on her face. Kael is surprised and thankful to see that the big holstaur is wearing clothes for once. Though the overalls don’t leave much to the imagination, at least she’s mostly covered. Gabby immediately notices Petra, and glances at Kael.

“So…what’s the deal?”

Ria nods. “Yeah, big guy, we’re all here now, so spill it!”

Kael laughs, releasing Evie and returning to Petra. “Well…hmm, how to phrase this. Petra and I have had a chat, and she had a confession to make to me. I’m sure you can all guess what she had to say, but I couldn’t give her an answer without speaking to you three first.”

Evie startles Kael by interrupting. “Master, I can’t speak for them, but…yes. I knew this was coming, after…what happened.”

She looks at Petra. “You are one of us, and you are welcome here.”

Ria nods. “You know I’m on board, big guy. Hell, I’ve been pushing for it! So, yes.”

Gabby grins, crossing her arms. “I still ain’t used to being consulted on this stuff. But the more the merrier! Yeah, count me in.”

Kael smiles at the enthusiasm. He turns to Petra, taking both of her hands in his. “There you have it. Welcome to our strange little family, Petra.”

Petra’s hands tremble slightly as she looks into Kael’s eyes, and a tear rolls down her cheek. “Petra is…happy. My king…my mate. “

She looks at the others. “Petra has…secret. King knows. Queen knows. But family should know.”

Kael squeezes her hands. “Evie and I know, but you don’t need to…”

Petra shakes her head. “Petra not keep secret from family. Important.”

She takes a deep breath, looking at Ria and Gabby. “Petra is…dragon. Real dragon. Showed king earlier. Only family can know. Dangerous.”

Ria stands, and walks over to put a hand on Petra’s shoulder. “You mean…big scaly monster type of dragon? Legendary creature? That’s you?”

Petra nods, looking nervous. After a moment, both Ria and Gabby laugh. Petra is startled by the response, and squeaks in surprise when Ria hugs her. Still laughing, Ria releases her, and looks at Kael.

“You’re gonna be a dragon rider, big guy!”

Kael rolls his eyes. “Ria…”

Petra’s eyes go wide, and then after a moment, she giggles. “Actually, Petra prefer to do the riding…”

All three girls burst into laughter, and Kael groans, though he’s smiling as well. Gabby claps her hands in appreciation. “You’re gonna fit right in with us!”