Princess of Faerl
14. Dad’s Got a Girlfriend!

*Elentari*

We left the room arm in arm, followed by Tanz. The pixie went across the hall and knocked on the doors of Dad and Scottie. I was shocked to see dad in a lilac polo shirt. It was almost poetic. He wore black slacks and black dress shoes. His hair was neatly combed, and I could tell he felt something was up. Scottie had a cream-colored polo and the same type of pants and shoes.

“Damn...” I mutter, “I stick out like a sore thumb in this family.” Shaking my head. The three of them laugh and we retrace our steps following Tanz. She directs us down the stairs and through a series of hallways. I felt like I’d need a map to get through this place. We reach the dining hall. Belle and Alaric are already there, standing at the head of the table, casually dressed. I was suddenly very happy I didn’t change. The seats to the left of Alaric were empty, while standing next to Belle was the woman I saw in my dream. Wearing the outfit I saw her wearing. The only difference was her hair was pulled back into a beautiful loose braid. Her eyes were a striking brown with a green rim. I looked at the line between her and my dad. My smile couldn’t be contained. Scottie and Stacie looked at me funny and then the realization hit Stacie and she gasped happily. Dad walked towards the woman cautiously as if he knew something that only she knew.

“Hi...” He said quietly, suddenly so shy. I’d never seen him shy. It was so cute.

“Hi...” She responded just as shyly. Her nervousness radiated off her. “Mate.” She stated firmly.

“Mate.” He confirmed. He then leaned over and gave her a gentle kiss. It was so romantic. Scottie was confused as all get out.

“Will someone please tell me what is going on?” He asked us all.

Stacie whispered to him, “Dad just found his soulmate. That woman is meant for Dad.”

“Way to go Dad!” Scottie said happily. “Now you can be happy!”

The woman took a step back and gawked at us. “You have kids?” She genuinely seemed surprised.

Belle spoke up, “Remember the man I told you about that I grew up with?” The woman nodded, “Well this is the man that has been taking care of Elentari all these years. Lyssandra found them and hooked her fangs into him. Not literally.” she added seeing the concern in the woman’s eyes who quickly looked at his neck, for what I don’t know.

“May I know your name?” Dad asked her, his voice gentle and full of love.

“Alisee Amarosi, and yours?” Her voice was very small.

“Scott MaComb.” He now seemed scared, “Is it going to be a problem for you that I have children? Would you still want me?” He asked, his quietness matching hers.

“I’ve waited for you for a hundred years. I’m not turning away from you.” Her voice held confidence, even if her volume didn’t match it.

“Well, I think we can all sit to eat now,” Alaric announces, a happy glow over him as he lets go of Belle’s hand and pulls her chair out for her. Dad did the same for Alisee. Scott decides to follow suit and pulls out chairs for me and Stacie. We thank him for his polite gesture. Another thing I never would have expected to happen in a million years. All of this is so new.

I was waiting for the other shoe to drop. The downside. There was always a downside, but for now, it was time to dig into the delicious-smelling feast before us. “Bon appetite” I giggle out and smile at the whole table.

*Belle*

Through dinner, the new couple kept stealing glances at one another. This was one of the most special moments in my life, and I’m so glad they get to experience this. I look over to my own fated and appreciate his presence in my life. We’ve come so far and through so many trials it’s been insane. I clear my throat, turning my attention to the guests at the table.

“I am so happy you all are here. I have been waiting for this day since my little girl was born. Tonight, we get to celebrate Elentari turning 18. We get to celebrate all of you being free from negative influences. Added bonus, we get to celebrate Scott and Alisee replaceing each other. I want to cherish these moments before we have to get down to business and face what’s coming.” I truly want this moment to last forever.

“Oh! Today is your 18th birthday?” Alisee squeals, “I didn’t realize. I thought yesterday would have been your birthday and it would have taken at least a day to get you here. It can be hard to convince people to leave their homes for a strange place that most humans describe as an acid trip in vivid color.” She laughed a bit. Her laugh was almost musical. I could tell the kids were happy with her first impression. “I didn’t bring a gift for you, Princess. I hope you’ll excuse your silly godmother.”

Elentari’s face changes to a very conflicted happy. “You’re my godmother?” she asks, eyes wide. Alisee nods her head, “So my dad, essentially, is marrying my godmother.”

It was my turn to laugh a little, “Well actually, we officially named him your godfather since he was going to be the one to raise you, so no matter what, he’s family by official means.”

“That… that makes me really happy. I’ve been so worried about how to balance everything and what all this meant for the ties I had already made. Now I see it won’t change much at all.” She turned to Alaric, slightly worried it seemed, “Are you okay with me still calling him dad? I don’t know if I’ll be able to break that habit.”

Alaric seemed to be in deep thought for a moment and then shook his head no. “I do not mind. He is your dad in every sense of the word. He raised you and has been there for all your moments. Even though I could not be there, I’m glad he was.”

This exchange filled my heart with joy. I couldn’t ask for a better outcome.

“Uhm, Belle?” She started out cautiously, “Do I have to change my wardrobe? I don’t know that I’m comfortable with the idea of dressing all… royal and what not.”

The corners of my lips yet again rose. I could see I wasn’t the only one. Scott Jr. snickered from his seat as he ate. “No, you do not need to change who you are. We will need to get you some dresses, but those don’t have to be anything outside of your style. Probably something gothic Victorian would suit you.”

We were near the end of dinner when the staff came out and took away the plates, returning with dessert.

The rest of dinner went off without an issue. I took a lot of mental notes trying to remember Elentari’s preferences, her mannerisms, things she liked, and things she disliked. I had too much to learn about this sweet child of mine. I hadn’t been able to bring myself to have more children since I could not raise her. Maybe now Alaric and I would try for more children. We always wanted a house full of little feet. Not to mention depending on how long Elentari is needed to fulfill the duties of Lunar Guardian she may not be able to inherit the crown and take care of Faerl.

Once we had run out of things to talk about for the moment, everyone left for their own rooms. It had been a very long day and we were all tired. Alaric and I ascended the stairs, my arm wrapped in his. “You know, since we have Elentari back we could possibly fulfill our wishes of having a house full of children.”

A devilish smile flashed across his face, “My dear fated, are you trying to tempt me?” His words sent a spark through me. Before I could answer his lips caught me in a kiss. “We have time. What will be will be, and I don’t think we need to avoid it anymore. Who knows what the Goddess has in store for us. Besides, we may end up with grandpups eventually. It all depends on when Elentari meets her fated. That doesn’t mean I would mind trying for more though. You know what they say, practice makes perfect. They also say perfection is impossible to achieve. So if we want perfection, we will forever have to practice.”