“That’s correct,” Graely affirmed. “Also, Charles insists on taking some gear along in case of… complications. Some of that gear can’t be transported.”
Kaevin’s grip intensified as Alora’s headache swelled, demanding her total attention, and she lost the thread of the conversation. Squeezing her eyes shut, she longed to fall into blessed sleep.
“Alora? Kaevin? What’s wrong?” Graely’s voice brought her back.
She pried one eye open. “It’s nothing,”
“Are you guys having headaches again?” Wesley cocked his head, squinting at them as if he could somehow see the cause of their pain.
Karen was stooping in front of Alora in an instant, pressing the back of her hand to Alora’s forehead, and then to Kaevin’s. “You don’t seem to have fevers. But I have just the thing for a headache. I’ll be right back.” As Karen disappeared into the kitchen, Alora squirmed in her chair, more uncomfortable with the concentrated attention than the pain in her head.
“Headaches?” Graely’s eyebrows knit together. “Is the soulmate bond no longer sated by holding hands or kissing? Why did you not mention this before?”
“We thought we understood the cause of the pain.” Kaevin spoke between strained lips. “Last time, the pain vanished when we returned to Laegenshire.”
“Go ahead and kiss if you need to.” Uncle Charles’ nose wrinkled as if a skunk was in the room.
“Kissing doesn’t seem to help, Uncle Charles, but thank you.” Alora was quick to express her gratitude, still reeling from his sudden shift in attitude toward her and Kaevin over the past week. Not only had he turned a blind eye to their handholding, but he also seemed to encourage the occasional kiss. And he’d even arranged the homeschooling at Beth’s house without complaining about the cost. She’d gladly agreed to his demand for extra chores as penalty for her insolent actions and speech, happy to be relieved of her guilt.
“It doesn’t feel as if it will take our lives,” Kaevin said. “Right, Alora? It’s simply pain, not weakness.” Kaevin was holding both her hands now.
He must be picking up on how distressed I am with everyone focusing on us, so he’s trying to downplay the pain. Alora tried to send grateful vibes his way.
“That’s right. It’s no big deal, really. Just a little headache.” She forced a smile on her face and made her eyes open wide.
“No, this isn’t normal,” Graely said. “At least I believe it’s not normal; we know so little about the soulmate bond.” Graely paced the room, oddly mimicking Morvaen’s usual action in his absence.
“Here you go.” Karen returned, handing two cold glasses to Kaevin and Alora. “It’s lemon-rosemary infused water. Great for headaches.”
Alora sniffed the pungent liquid before taking a small sip of the slightly bitter water. To her amazement, the pain in her head lessened immediately. “Thanks, Mrs. Franks… I mean, Karen. I think it’s helping already.”
When Kaevin murmured his agreement, Karen lifted her chin with an exultant smile. “You see, Brian. I told you my infused water really works. You should drink the raspberry-lemongrass-dill water I made you.”
Wesley groaned. “Now she’ll want all of us to drink that nasty stuff.”
Somehow sensing Kaevin’s thoughts were centered on his best friend, Alora reached out to touch Graely’s arm, speaking in a low tone. “When we take you back to Laegenshire, can we return with Jireo, since he’s going on the portal trip?”
“Yes, Father.” Kaevin took up her plea with an eager expression. “Since Jireo’s purpose on the trip is communicating with Darielle after Alora, Arista, and I go out the portal, he could utilize this time for practice.”
“Oh, I get it. Jireo and Darielle are going to be like cell phones,” Wesley remarked.
“So, Jireo and Darielle are telepaths?” Steven’s lips spread in a broad grin. Alora pictured him in a white lab coat tapping his finger thoughtfully on his tooth while watching a miniature Jireo and Darielle run through a rat’s maze.
“We intended to leave Jireo in Laegenshire until you begin your journey to the portal with Charles.” Graely cast a wary glance at Arista, who’d abandoned Alora’s cell phone to marvel at the mounted elk head keeping watch over the Frank’s family room. “Bringing Jireo to Montana now would give Charles yet another young person to supervise.”
“Jireo could help keep an eye on his sister.” Kaevin spoke through the corner of his mouth, not moving his lips, while Arista reached up to stroke the elk’s fur.
A fleeting smile twitched Graely’s mouth. “Perhaps that might be helpful.”
Though the headache was barely noticeable, Alora was still anxious to be on the way back to Laegenshire. For some reason, she felt an urgent need to fetch Jireo. She was about to verbalize her thoughts, when Kaevin spoke up.
“Father, if your discussion is complete, we could return to Laegenshire now.”
“Wait! I need everyone’s attention. I want to announce our great news.” Steven rose from his seat. “We got the results of the DNA tests.”
Wesley and his parents froze, eyes open wide. Clearing his throat, Steven smirked, obviously milking the moment for all it was worth. He paused, looking in turn from his brother to his parents.
“Spit it out, Steven.” Wesley looked as if he might tackle his brother to the floor.