Thistle sat alone at the huge long dining table, watching Quinn’s family and friends dancing to the music. She wished her father and mother were there to see her happy day, but then she quickly reminded herself that the man she called father had no real concept of how to care for his daughters. It was Alistair Tempest’s own doing that caused the Battle of New Hope and now he had caused the second one, The Battle of the Bloodthirsty. One could only assume that he didn’t care about the safety of his twin daughters or that of their new family since both Satin and Thistle had married into the Quinn family.
But even more than that, he had stolen the Planet Trexotera’s most precious commodity—their dragons. Making their dragons from Sapphron and Azure was not only a violation of the treaty between Zelora and Trexotera, but a crime.
And even though her rational mind was angry and she treasured her new family, she missed her brothers, Rython and Thunder. They both would have enjoyed the merriment of this day, and she couldn’t help but wonder what their lives were like now without the girls to buffet the storms initiated by their father. Alistair treated the boys in a harsher way than his girls, but the man had never been anyone that would be labeled as soft or caring.
That description would characterize their mother. Seren Tempest was the opposite of her husband, and many days Thistle wondered how the two of them stayed married. It couldn’t be easy to witness the brutal way he treated his family, but with perseverance and reliability, Seren would comfort and praise all her children, fostering a deep sense of pride and accomplishment for milestones achieved.
Thistle did not doubt that her mother missed the twins.
I wonder if my mother knows I’ve married today? Has she seen pictures of Artemis and me? Would she like my new husband?
“What are you thinking about all alone at this grand table on your wedding day, little girl?” Artemis towered over her, his gorgeous hulking form filling out the suit perfectly, his firm, tight abs evident under the tailored shirt, leading down to his trim hips. She took in his beautiful form, breathing deeply his cologne and manly scent.
Daddy.
“Nothing.”
“Uh-uh, we’ve discussed this before. Tell Daddy what’s on your mind.” He sat down next to her, easily turning her chair to face him, giving her his undivided attention.
He cared so much for her; it always amazed her how much he cared. The attentiveness and protectiveness, things she didn’t have as a child. Her independence and intelligence were fostered, but any emotional reaction or outbursts were dealt with harshly, the rebuke stinging. It made opening herself up to him that much more difficult.
“I just…” She looked around the room, taking in the flowers, decorations, and twinkling light. “…I wonder…I wish my family were here too.”
He blurred in her watery gaze, and even though she fought it, her lip quivered and the welled up tears fell in huge droplets down her cheeks. She swiped away at them quickly.
“Oh, babygirl.” Artemis’s huge thumb brushed her tears away on the other cheek before enveloping her within his embrace. He swayed with her, while she sobbed quietly into his chest.” Shhhhh. We’ll send them videos and pictures.” Tilting her chin up, he kissed her nose.” Does that make this a little bit better?”
“Yes, Daddy. It’s just…Thunder and Rython are still there, and I know they’d have so much fun, and be much happier here. Especially today.” The tears kept falling.
“My poor girl. I’m sure they would be happier here. You never know what the future holds, I never envisioned six months ago that I’d meet you and be married.”
“What’s going on here? Did someone upset her?”
Pulling away to wipe her face with her hands, Thistle looked up into the angry face of King Zorander with his hands fisted at his hips.
Lightly stroking her face, Artemis replied, “No, sir. She’s just…missing her family, right sweetling?”
“Yes, Daddy. Er…I mean, yes, Sir.” Thistle’s face blushed with embarrassment.
How could I slip up so badly? Will the King be upset with Artemis?
“It’s quite all right for you to call him Daddy. My Gossamer has been known to call me that since we met many years ago. I’m sorry you’re so hurt by the lack of your family today, Thistle. Family troubles are the worst, and both you and Satin have more than your fair share of turmoil. We’ll do our best here to make it easier for you, but in situations like this, it’s almost unavoidable.” His salt and pepper hair and beard were strikingly attractive, and his gentle spirit had made Thistle fall in love with him from their first meeting. Zorander had gone out of his way to make her feel accepted at the castle and part of the family.
“I know, and thank you, sir. Artemis has said we’ll send videos and pictures to my mother. It’ll make it easier for all of us.”
“That it will.” Clapping his hands loudly, he shouted to the reception hall.” Everyone, we’re going to have the bride and groom cut the wedding cake, please come back to your tables.”
Thistle shot straight up, her back facing the crowd, she swiped at her face and whispered, “Do I look okay? Oh my gosh, I’ve been crying. I must look a fright.”
“You look fine. No one will have a clue.” Wrapping his huge arm around her shoulders, he walked her toward the five-tiered cake with cupcakes by the hundreds around it all ornately decorated in pinks and purples with shimmering edible glitter that resembled diamonds.
It had been a remarkable day—even with the absence of her family—and she looked out on her new family and appreciated all of them individually.
“Are you ready babygirl?”
“Yes, Daddy.”