A Court of Stars and Memories

17. A Resigned Admission

"I'm glad to finally meet you outside of a formal setting," Venelia said, setting her young charge beside his brother so she could stand and shake Mitsi's hand. Her emerald eyes glittered with warmth and her lips tilted into a stunning smile, instantly easing Mitsi's nerves. "Eira has told me a lot about you."

Mitsi returned her smile. "She's told me a lot about you too. So has Wynter. He holds you in very high regards."

Venelia's smile grew. "I share the sentiment." She looked down at the Twins. "Boys, would you like to introduce yourselves to Eira's friend?"

One of them piped up immediately. "I'm Emrys," he said. He studied Mitsi through curious hazel eyes, and his dark curly hair stuck out at odd angles.

Venelia turned to the second boy. He answered more quietly than the first. "My name is Lir." He folded his wings over his shoulders, almost as though attempting to hide himself.

"It's nice to meet you both," Mitsi said. She crouched before them with a smile. "I've never met winged children before. Can you fly yet?"

They shook their heads. "Daddy says we can't for a few more years," Emrys replied. "Our wings aren't strong enough to hold us up."

"That hasn't stopped you from trying though, has it?" Eira teased.

Emrys' cheeks flushed and he averted his eyes. Lir grinned. "I bet I'll get to fly before you do."

Emrys gasped. "No you won't!"

"Yes I will!"

"No you won't!"

"All right, you two," Venelia interrupted. "Run along and play. And no arguing or you can both sit in the corner again."

Emrys and Lir quieted immediately and ran from the room. As soon as they were out the door, Mitsi heard hushed whispers continuing to argue back and forth. Venelia rolled her eyes with a sigh. "Those two are either best friends or mortal enemies."

"That's how my siblings and I are too," Mitsi chuckled as she rose. "Mina and Micah especially."

"I gather they still aren't happy about being here?"

Mitsi shook her head and sat beside Eira on the sofa. Venelia resumed her vacated seat. "Honestly, none of us have quite adjusted yet."

"Is there anything I can do to help?" Eira asked.

Mitsi smiled at her. "Just keep being friendly. That has helped me more than I can say." Eira grinned.

"What do you think of Windhaven?" Venelia queried. "I know you've only been there a few times, but you must have some thoughts on it."

Mitsi brushed her thumb over her locket as she thought. "It was very daunting at first and honestly still is. I like going and spending time with Eira and Orion, but I don't think I'd like to go by myself or start training there."

"Are you interested in training?"

Mitsi's mouth curled sideways. "I don't know. I haven't thought about it. I just know that the first time Corbin and Lysander offered, I didn't want to at all. Especially not in Windhaven."

"I know the feeling," Venelia reassured her. "It took a while before I decided I wanted to learn to fight, and even longer before I let Nyx talk me into going to Windhaven with him. Not Eira though."

She shot a mischievous look at her daughter. "She was begging to begin the first day we took her to the camp. She was so convinced she'd never be allowed to train."