“I think that's a wonderful compromise,” Cian said.
“But what do you think, Isleen?” I asked her. “Would you be okay with this? We would take the boys with us so you wouldn't have to worry about them.”
“You're taking the Princes with you?” Isleen asked in shock.
“The time has caught up between the realms,” I explained. “That's why everyone was able to visit. That also makes it a perfect opportunity for my fey family to visit the God Realm. I think the boys would love to live with the Intare for awhile.”
“I'm sure they would,” Isleen whispered. “But I'll miss them terribly. How long do you think you'd be gone?”
“That depends on how fast we can find Disani,” Odin said.
Odin's face was still etched with worry for Asgard. Brevyn's vision had hit him hard, of course. His sons sat to either side of him, and they looked nearly as worried as he did. But it was Thor who seemed particularly upset. He was the Protector of Asgard, after all, and Brevyn's vision had portended his failure.
“Vervain, I recall rescuing you from Disani in that false future,” Re reminded me.
“Yes; you were with Azrael and the Horsemen,” I said. “It was quite impressive.”
“Thank you, but that's not why I brought it up.” Re waved off the praise; a very un-Re thing to do. “They had holed up in the mountains outside of Kabul, correct?”
“The stronghold,” I whispered. “Yeah; that's where it was.”
“Perhaps they are using the same place.” Thor nodded at Re. “Good thinking, Sun God.”
“If we find them in Kabul, this could be over with quickly,” I said to Isleen. “But I can't promise you that.”
“But I can promise that I will return if you need me,” Arach said. “I'm only a trace away. If this hunt draws out, I can come back with the boys.”
Isleen looked relieved. “All right, I'll watch over the Kingdom for you, King Arach.”
“Thank you, Duchess Isleen.” Arach smiled softly at her. “And thank you, High Prince.”
“I'm happy to do it,” Lugh said. “Excited even.”
“And we're happy to give our blessing,” King Cian added.
“Then that leaves only us to be irritated by the Lizard King moving in,” Trevor grumbled.
Shit; the Alpha wasn't happy.
“If you don't want them with us, I can put them in my house in Hawaii,” I said to Trevor. “That's why you're here and we're talking about this. You all have a say.”
Arach tensed beside me and met Trevor's stare. But Trevor glanced away and gave my other husbands, and even Toby, a considering look. They seemed to have a silent conversation, and then Trevor finally nodded.
“All right, Dragon, you can stay with us. It's not as if you haven't already been hospitable,” Trevor relented. “We'll have to make a suite for you and the boys, though; there isn't any room in ours.”
“That's acceptable,” Arach agreed.
“Holy hand grenades,” I muttered. “Arach living in Pride Palace. I never thought I'd see the day.”
“It's about time he learned what it's like to truly share you.” Azrael smirked. “Welcome to our world, Fire King.”
Arach frowned in sudden realization. No; I don't think he'd really considered exactly what this trip would entail. He looked over at me warily, but I only grinned. Hadn't I just been thinking about the way Arach got the best part of the V-deal? Az was right; it was about time he learned to share. Arach had spent one night with me and my other husbands once—just to let the lioness magic bind him to us—but he hadn't stayed over again since then. He was about to be thrown in the deep end. I just hoped he didn't drown us all.
Chapter Fifty-Two
Brevyn and Rian were beyond excited to be told that we were visiting the God Realm. They immediately ran to their rooms to pack their bags. And by bags I mean; leather satchels that would doubtless contain more toys than clothing if they were left unsupervised.
What I hadn't considered were Dexter and Deidre; I couldn't take them with me. First off, it would be a risk to take them through the Aether, and second, Nick would throw a hissy fit or a hissing fit, rather. So, while the boys were packing under Arach's watchful eye, I explained to Dexter that we were going to be gone awhile, but Isleen would take care of him and his daughter.
“Do not run away,” I said sternly to Dex. “We'll come home as soon as we can.”
Dexter sighed and laid his sleek, fox-like face on his paws. His Winter guise was still upon him and his pale blue eyes gleamed from their border of white fur. He puffed steam at me in displeasure but he understood; I could see that. And that was the most important thing.
“Look after Deidre and Blossom.” I waved at the flower I'd taken from Alfheim.
Blossom bowed her vibrant head at me, looking like a lady in her stately pot by the boarded-up window. She always spent Winters inside the castle so she could continue to bloom. And bloom she had; Blossom's stalk had lengthened, sprouting more blade-shaped leaves to fan around her delicate, round, yellow petals. I leaned over and blew some fire energy on her, and her petals turned orange, her lacy stamens shivering a second before she began to glow. Blossom may have come from Alfheim, but she'd been born of my magic, and it had made her a fire flower.
I turned around and lifted a brow at Dexter. He sighed and got to his feet so I could hug him. I did so tightly and kissed his cheek for good measure. Then Deidre hesitantly came forward, and I blinked at her in surprise.
“Do I get a hug from you too?” I asked her.
Deidre just stood still
