almost - post war storm au

Chapter Two - Cal

It's been too long since I've seen Mare or the kids. On video calls, yes, but not face to face. My knee bounces as we sit waiting for Mare to arrive. Etiquette be damned. I'm not a prince. I'm not a king. I can act and do as I wish.

I fidget with my hands on my lap, spinning my wedding ring around my finger. Shade huffs, barely moving his short hair.

"Damn, transports are slow," Shade mumbles, looking uncomfortable. I realize it's because of the heat. My heat. Consoling my myself, I draw my ability back, letting the air around me cool so no one starts to sweat. Of course I don't mind the heat or the cold but too much is too much for Shade and Diana.

"It would be slower if she walked," Diana crosses her arms, studying the crowd.

"Have you seen her run?" I ask an Shade nods.

"She'll be happy to see me, I'm her brother." The mention of sibling makes my face fall. Maven. My heat rises at the thought of my brother's cruel words. Seems no matter what, Elara has scared my little brother's mind.

Diana snorts, cackling with laughter. "Mare doesn't care about your sorry ass."

Shade's eyebrows shoot up, a smile tugs at the corner of my lips. I draw back my temper, controlling myself. "Really? I'm family!"

"So are the rest of us, you doofus," Diana rolls her eyes while Shade goes hysterical. It's all for our amusement.

"What?! Last time I checked I was her brother and Dee, you're married to me, so you're her sister-in-law. Last time I checked Mare was Mare Barr- oh it's Calore isn't it? She married Maven, didn't she?"

I laugh, "Shade, Mare is my wife."

Shade would be a great actor. "Since when?! I didn't approve."

"Your dad did," Diana grins, enjoying his humor.

"No way." I nod and so does Diana. "I'm only joking, I'm not that stupid." That gets another snort out of Diana.

A transport pulls up at a stop and we all quiet, straining to see Mare's short form. I spot her first but Diana waves her over. Mare pushes through the crowd, eager to see all of us. My stomach plummets at the sight of my younger brother, trailing awkwardly behind her. We lock eyes blue burning in bronze, but the moment is broke when Mare slams into me.

She looks me over any injuries, kicking and pulling at my limbs to make sure they're not broken. "Mare, honey, I'm fine." I say, kissing her forehead.

"You sure?" Mare jumps on her toes, grabbing for my head. She pulls my head down and I let her, laughing as I look at our feet.

"I forgot how short you were," I chuckle and Mare slaps my cheek, grinning. "Em passed you up yet?"

She frowns, content that I'm unscathed. "Sadly. Welcome back." She plants and a quick kiss on my mouth that I return.

"Um, hello?" Shade pokes her, exasperated. "No hi, hello, how are you for your brother?"

Mare hugs him, laughing. "Hi, Shade."

Shade smirk. "Thank you."

Shade straightens to stand next to me and Diana and Mare greet each other, launching into babble about Clara, Emery and Hayden. I almost forget Maven's here, he's being so quiet. Shade nudges me, and I look to my brother. Maven's shed the awkward mask, adopting one that he would've used at court. I cast him an awkward smile, not as talented as he is. He blinks, lip twitching, wanting to smile.

Shade rubs the bridge of his nose, sighing. He must be used to this, having tow older brothers himself. "Do I need to lead the conversation? Hello, Maven." Shade gestures to me to do the same.