Taken by Magic (The Baine Chronicles #8)(35)

Iannis said something, but I didn’t hear it, because my ears were roaring and I was seeing red. Ignoring my stiff legs, I jumped down the rest of the steps, then burst into the sitting room.

“I’ve had enough of you,” I spat as Ta’sradala and Ennartha stared at me, startled. “Iannis and I are getting married whether you like it or not, and there is absolutely nothing you can do about it.”

“Sunaya!” As he spun toward me, the anger melted from Iannis’s face, replaced with relief. I leapt into his arms, and he crushed me tightly against him. Joy swept through me as I kissed him fiercely, clutching at his broad shoulders as I inhaled his familiar scent. The stress and misery that had plagued me evaporated, leaving me feeling safe and warm in his arms.

“Are you all right?” Iannis asked in mindspeak, his mouth still pressed against mine. Tears stung my eyes at the concern in his voice, but I blinked them back—I would sooner die than dissolve into tears in front of his grandmother.

“I’m fine,” I assured him, not wanting to rile him up with everything that had happened just yet. “I’m just glad you’re finally here.”

“I’m sorry it took so long for me to arrive,” Iannis said ruefully. “I did not have a gulaya keyed to Manuc, and it took me some time to figure out exactly where you were, never mind the travel time to get here. Not to mention a hurricane blew the ship off course.”

“How long has it been since I disappeared?”

“Twelve days.”

“Please tell me that it isn’t going to take that long to get back.” That was cutting it way too close to the wedding date.

“Of course not. I’ve brought a gulaya. We’ll be returning home shortly.”

“Make sure not to use it in front of your grandmother. I tried that, and she disarmed mine before I could activate it.”

“If you two are quite finished with this disgustingly sentimental display,” Ta’sradala said coldly, “I don’t believe we are done with this conversation.”

“We most certainly are,” Iannis said as we reluctantly broke apart. “Sunaya and I are going home now.”

“Iannis,” Deryna said soothingly, having come in at some point while we were embracing. “I understand that you are angry, and rightfully so. But it has been an age since you have come to visit. Please, at least sit down for a meal with us before you go, like a real family.”

“A real family?” Iannis said, his voice tight with barely leashed rage. “Is this the sort of behavior a ‘real family’ engages in?”

Ta’sradala snorted contemptuously and vanished from sight. Was she truly gone, or simply invisible? Everyone else seemed to relax, so hopefully the former. She’d be back soon enough, I guessed, as leaving the rest of us in peace was hardly on her agenda. Or was she finally conceding defeat and allowing us to return to Canalo?

“I am truly sorry for what your bride has endured,” Deryna said to Iannis. “Please know I had no part in it—you know how we cannot stand up to your grandmother, no matter how outrageous she becomes. But there is a family member you have not yet met.” She pulled her skirts to the left, revealing Drawe, who had been hiding behind her. “This is Drawe, your nephew.”

Iannis’s eyes widened in surprise. “Nephew?” he asked, peering down at Drawe curiously. The boy, still clutching at Deryna’s skirts, refused to meet his eyes, but at least he hadn’t run off. “He is Cousin Sharla’s son? I didn’t realize they’d had a child.”

“Yes. I took him in when he was a wee babe.” Deryna stroked his mop of dark red hair. “Come, Drawe. Say hello to your Uncle Iannis.”

Drawe finally lifted his head. He stared as Iannis crouched down to meet him at eye level. “You’re a very handsome young man,” he said gently. “I can see your mother in you. She was a lovely woman.”

Drawe lowered his gaze again. “Thank you,” he mumbled. “I didn’t know her, though.”

“I’m sure you’ve heard stories about her,” Iannis said solemnly. “I have quite a few from when we were children that I’d love to share with you when you have the time. Would you like that?”

The boy nodded. Iannis straightened, then offered him a hand. Drawe hesitated for a moment before he took it, and my heart melted as I watched the two of them head into the dining room. Iannis would be a great father when the time came.

Ennartha was regarding me doubtfully, as though still wondering what her son could see in me, but I couldn’t be bothered to resent her just now. I was just so happy Iannis had come for me before his bitch of a grandmother sent me off on yet another life-threatening challenge. With any luck, we’d be out of here before dessert, and I’d finally get to sleep in my own bed.

I’m never taking my life for granted again, I decided as we sat down for dinner. Yes, it could be tedious and stressful at times, but at least back home I wasn’t powerless and insignificant.

Despite Deryna’s attempts at peacemaking, tension crackled in the air as we ate the meal that had been set out—pork roast, asparagus, and mashed potatoes. Glancing at Drawe, who was sitting next to Iannis, I refrained from recounting my ordeal and simply enjoyed the food.

“This is very good,” Iannis said to Deryna in an attempt to lighten things up. “I’d forgotten how good your cook is. I’ll have to come and visit more often.”