The Inured Villainess

Chapter 36

Estella

My feet meet Istyris soil after a month or so.

It feels a bit odd to be back. But there wasn't time to waste.

I had to see him.

The servants stand lined up in greeting as we are in front of the Sun Palace. Kyrell must have sent warning that I would be returning.

That's also why I bothered to put a gown on. I want to go back to pants.

As I walk towards the palace door, my eyes are scanning for—

"Alastair!" I rush forward, forgetting all about formalities and manners. There would be another time for those.

"Mother!" The young boy tackles me in a hug. "I missed you so much, mother." Small sobs sound through the air.

"Oh Tair, I didn't mean to make you worry." I crouch down as I hug him, holding him for dear life. "I missed you too."

I missed the warmth and everything about my sweet son.

I pull back to glance at his puffy face, rubbing away the tears. "Don't cry, Tair. I'm safe. Your father is my valiant savior." I glance at Kyrell who stood next to me.

"Father saved you?" Alastair lifts his head to also look at Kyrell. I could see a small smug look on his face.

"Yes, he was so strong and saved me from the bad people." I softly rub his cheek. "But let's talk more inside. You need to catch me up on everything."

I stand up and grab his small hand.

As we walk inside, Kyrell leans into my ear. "Valiant savior?"

"Do you not like it?" I flash a small smirk as I whisper back.

"I like any compliment you give me." He chuckles lightly.

We walk inside the palace feeling a peace I was longing to feel.

*****

Alastair and I sit in the drawing room. He is cuddled up on my side.

"Mother."

"Yes, Tair." I lower my tea cup from my mouth.

The small boy looks up at me with his red doe eyes, different than Kyrell's sharper ones.

"What happened in Osertia? Father said that you were kidnapped."

"I was but I'm safe now. I actually got to meet a cousin of mine." I smile softly, patting his head with my free hand.

"Your cousin?"

"Yes, a relative. But don't worry, Tair. I'm here to stay. I'm not leaving you again." I comfort him gently before turning my head to the table where I told the maids to place a chest containing my belongings from Osertia.

"I actually brought you something. Two things."

"Two gifts?" His eyes flare in excitement.

"Yes." I lean over, removing myself from his side embrace to open the chest. I remove the star globe my mother gave to me. 

"Lina, please close the drapes." I motion for my personal maid. She bows and hurries to close the curtains, filling the room with darkness.