Five years and two sons later….

It has been five years since the birth of Torin and Tiernan, the golden twins as they are known. Two years later we had Brom, which was born looking like a miniature of his father. A year later Kegan, known as the dark prince was born, with black hair and eyes a deep purple. Still we waited and tried for the daughter.

In those five years nothing of great has occurred. The children (Neil, Isabella, Hawkins, Torin, Tiernan, Brom and Kegan) ages sixteen, thirteen, seven, five, five, two and one keep the entire staff busy! We added another wing for the nursery and staff! We added another wing for the nursery and staff. Raven and I spent alot of time at Draco Hall! It was there the messenger came to tell us that Echo’s wife, Margaret had arrived at the castle.

We had not been expecting her or what she announced. When we entered the castle she stood gazing at the painting of her and Echo. She was a bit thinner than I remembered, but she looked well, as had the slight roundness of the belly of someone not long into pregnancy.  She turned toward us as she heard us enter, her eyes bright with unshed tears.

“Margaret my dear, how great to see you” I said cheerfully. “Majesties” she replied, trying to hurriedly wipe her eyes and hide the evidence of the tears. “No need to stand on ceremony, come sit” I said walking to her and taking her by the hand. “Is your husband with you, sister?” Raven asked as he strolled over to kiss her on the cheek. “Um, no, he does not know I’ve come” she replied. Raven lifted one finely arched brow at her. “Well, you see, it is of him I’ve come to speak” she said with tears again filling her. “Rave, Luv, can you fetch us some tea with a bit of whiskey” I ask. Raven knowing it was a ploy to get him gone quickly made his way out the door.

“No dear sister, please speak freely, has Echo hurt you? I asked rubbing her hand as she sat next to me. “Well, no he has not beat me, if that tis what your askin, but he keeps another woman now I’m with child” she shifted uncomfortably in her seat. “But thats not why I came, yes, it tis a part of it all I would guess” she said her shoulders sagging lower with every word. “Please” was all I said

“It all started some while ago you see, when those strangers were brought to the old keep ya know. It started somethin a brewing in him as he tried to piece it all together. When you brought them here, the stories reached us of how they came from the Dying Lands and all. Echo, took an interest. He has taken the witch as his mistress. I over heard them talking of plans to go to the dying lands to bring back technologies, that would give him the ability to be King and her his Queen” she said crying softly. I wrapped my arms around her shoulders and held her to me as she sobbed. It was about then when Raven returned. I fixed her a cup of tea with a goodly amount of whiskey.

“Margaret, I must speak to Raven a moment about the things you have told me, please sip your tea and try to relax for the sake of the bairn” I said giving her a final squeeze. I ushered Raven into the hall way, where I told him of our brother’s plans.