The sweet smell of baby wafted to her at once, and the little one raised a chubby hand to cup Cara’s cheek. “Hello, precious. I’m your aunt.”
Astrid smiled, her chubby cheeks dimpling. Cara’s heart melted.
“I didn’t know love at first sight existed,” she said on a laugh.
Others began to move closer, patrons of the inn taking turns speaking with their monarchs and getting a glimpse of their princess. Cara cuddled the baby girl, pleased to be a part of the moment. Eventually their well-wishers thinned out, until they were left alone once more and most had retreated to their tables or settled at the bar.
“Should we eat? The innkeeper set aside a room and has prepared quite a feast in anticipation of your arrival.”
Her brother smiled, a familiar, mischievous gleam in his eyes. “In a moment. First, I have something to offer to you, Cara.”
“What more could you offer me?”
Sigurd turned to face their audience of well-wishers and onlookers. “I present to you the new ruler of Kaskadehavn, Jarl Kára.” As he raised his voice to be heard, a sly smile curved her brother’s mouth. “If she will accept the honor.”
“Jarl? Cam—Sigurd, I—jarl?” Her gaze darted to Brynhildr, but her sister-in-law only smiled back at her and nodded her head in approval.
“Please,” Bryn said. “It would honor me to know my sister is never far. I can think of no one else I would prefer to command half of our seafaring vessels and to remain in touch with the navies of the other kingdoms. You have proven yourself again and again, Kára.”
“I couldn’t—my duties in Eisland—I have…Joren’s ship.”
“Joren understands. We asked his blessing, as well as that of Rapunzel, when we decided to make the offer. All that remains is your acceptance,” Sigurd replied. “We were separated by the magical academy during our childhood, and again when the Green Giant took me prisoner. I wish for it to never happen again. Say you’ll stay.”
Cara stared. The thought had crossed her mind from time to time, especially during the weeks she’d stayed at Amun’s side during the mage’s recovery, and the heartache on his face when she’d packed her belongings and returned to Eisland. “Leave the north?”
Sigurd nodded. “The choice is yours.”
Gods, it tempted her. Not only would she begin anew in another kingdom, but it meant undertaking the impossibly delicate task of playing diplomat between the many kingdoms.
“Make a haven for all mages, those persecuted and those not yet born. Organize a school, if you’d like. The sky is the limit,” Brynhildr said. “I care not what you do, or how much money it takes. Please say you’ll stay and help us make these lands a better place for all.”
Gazing into the innocent eyes of her niece provided clarity.
She could say nothing other than, “Yes. I’ll stay.”