3. Blooddebt | ✓

42. A True Family

"I don't really like it here," Indira mumbled, her gaze went back to everything that was upsetting her again. 

Mother laughed funnily when she tapped lightly on her lips, wanting to remove the slight pout. "Indira, you know, Mother have many brothers and sisters but I'm not close to any of them. In fact, my favourite brother is your Uncle Rowan and I used to be so envious whenever I see him always having fun together with your father and your Aunt Lyra." 

"That's how I'm feeling right now," Indira admitted, a sad expression pulled at her lips. "Arell forgets about me whenever he comes to Thethia." 

"I doubt so, my darling," Mother said gently. "Arell always thinks of you and he dotes on you the most." 

The child disagreed, "That's not true—" 

Her difference of opinion was quickly interrupted by a sudden light-hearted shout from far, "Indy!" 

Indira looked up to see her brother waving at her. Arell had Emery sitting on his shoulders and Evelyn clinging onto his leg stubbornly. Under the bright summer sun, Arell was laughing so brightly with warmth as he tried to catch her attention. Just then, Thunder had also appeared from behind her and he brushed his head against her arm. Indira turned around and looked at the panther while he signalled for her to follow. Looking up again to face her mother, a wider smile painted across her mother's face as she said endearingly, "Go ahead, my darling. Have fun!" 

Indira hopped off her seat and placed her hand on Thunder as she walked with him towards Arell. Emery grabbed a fistful of his dark hair and he groaned a little before trying to pull the child's arm away while he complained, "Emery, please don't pull my hair!" 

The twins tittered impishly and when Indira walked close to them, Arell stretched his arm out and presented her with an open palm. He grinned, "Let's go together, Indy." 

Happiness sparked vividly within her and she nodded, taking his hand unhesitatingly. The children made their way to the vast lake behind the garden with Thunder. That was their playground while the adults enjoyed their time in the vibrant garden filled with brilliant, impressive blossoms.

※

• Queen of Iftia, Elianna •

Seeing Naailah waving to the children as they ran into the shallow woods towards the crystal lake at the back of the gardens, Elianna walked towards Naailah and placed the tray of tea in her hands on the surface of the garden table. Concerned, she asked, "Naailah, how are you feeling?"

"I'm a lot better now, Elianna. Thank you," Naailah replied, she still looked slightly frail but her complexion was a lot better than the decade that she spent unconscious. She spent the past months recuperating before Elizabeth decided to invite everyone to Thethia for a relaxing retreat. 

Elianna raised the pot and poured tea into the cups before serving one to Naailah. The two ladies were just enjoying the breezy weather when Elizabeth joined them a moment later. Elianna looked towards her sister as she pulled on a chair and settled in, Elizabeth had let out an audible exhale before gathering her luscious brown hair up and securing them with a hair tie. She spoke with immense relief, "All thanks to Arell, I finally got the opportunity to take a break!" 

"My son is wonderful, isn't he?" Elianna chuckled proudly.

"Wordlessly amazing, what would I do without my good nephew?" Elizabeth grinned in return, continuing to ask, "Is everything alright here? Please do let me know if I could do anything more to make the stay more comfortable for everyone." 

"Everything's perfect, we really appreciate the hospitality that you're offering," Naailah smiled.

"Where are the men?" Elianna asked out of curiosity, suddenly remembering that she hadn't seen Rowan since noon.