Galena

A few days later, as their new lives settled around them, Jace called for Heath. He sat in an office his ancestors used and leaned back in the chair. He was still getting used to the fact that he was a King and pulled at the collar of his royal clothing.

“You called for me?” Heath asked, stepping into the office.

“Yes,” Jace said, jumping to his feet and going to his friend, “How would you feel being the leader of new Knights? The Knights of Valo.”

Heath’s eyes widened, “I’d be honored.”

“Great!” Jace said, shaking Heath by the forearm, “I already told the men.” Heath snickered and went to leave, but Jace held his arm. “You didn’t tell me that ring would be a vow,” he said, giving him a look with a smirk creeping into the corner of his lip. Jace let him sweat for a second before clapping him on his arm, “Welcome to the family, Jones. I couldn’t have picked anyone better for my sister.” They left the office and Jace asked him what his plans were for the night.

“Starting my first day of vacation with Maggie.”

“Ah that’s right. Your staycation.” He shook arms with Heath again, saying, “I need you both back no more than two weeks.”

“Two weeks seems too generous.”

“Maggie deserves it if she’s going to be helping Emma.”

Heath gave his friend a look then saw the look in Jace’s eyes. His eyebrows rose, and he pulled Jace into a hug, “Congrats! When are you asking her?”

“Tonight,” Jace said, standing back, “I’ve set up a nice dinner for us in Vorik.”

Heath congratulated him again. Jace’s portal to Vorik appeared, while Heath’s appeared for Picco. They both nodded to each other and stepped through.

***

“You’re late,” Maggie said, watching Heath come through the front door. She was leaning against the arm of the couch. Her head propped up by her arm. “I started this vacation without you.”

“Your brother requested me,” he answered, kicking off his shoes and going to her.

Maggie’s eyebrows scrunched down, “He knows we’re on vacation.”

“He asked for me to lead the Knights of Valo,” he kissed her jaw.

Maggie sat up straighter, her eyes dancing. “That’s a great honor. The last Knights of Valo served our grandfather.”

Heath hummed out a laugh, snuggling his face into her neck. His body pressed against hers as he laid beside her on the couch. “It’s amazing how easily you and Jace took over your roles.”

“Being near the tunnel of Valo would do that to you. It’s only been a few days and already we’ve become so knowledgeable about everything. Did you know that your grandfather was the one who taught my mother necro? And that Uncle Auron used to throw fits that he couldn’t have Kard at the age of five. Or that-”

“Maggie Creed,” Heath said, picking his head up and looking at her. “You wanted this vacation to relax and told me to not let you bring up Valo duty.”

“You started it,” she raised her eyebrow and saw the amusement in his eyes.

“We have two weeks of just us, lets enjoy this before you have to help Emma pick out her dress.”

“What-!” Maggie explained, going to sit up and jump to her feet, but Heath held her back and covered his mouth over hers. Maggie sunk into his warmth and when they pulled away, she bit her bottom lip, “Okay. Two weeks of just us.” She kissed him again, “I can do that.”

The End