we are aching bones and wasted years; minette

[magnus]

you and I both know that the house is haunted
and you and I both know that the ghost is me

Magnus does not miss the disappointment in Amorette’s eyes when he reveals the truth, and when Minette whispers in his ear that the child did not know her own father, his heart sank. What poison had Gryffen been cultivating here? Pressing his lips in concentration, he glanced back at her. “I can be your father though, Amorette.” He glanced back briefly at Minette, apology flashing in his eyes before looking back to the filly. “In this life, you get to choose who is your family.” He is almost whispering now, as if he was sharing a secret with her, his voice maintaining that honeyed huskiness. “I’d be honored if you chose me.”

He ruffles his eagle wings at his side again, never more pleased with them than in this moment when he saw how Minette looked at them and the wonder in Amorette’s gaze. He carefully moved the appendage so that one draped over the gray mare’s back casually, protectively. “They are indeed new,” he concedes to the duo. “They were a gift from Heaven.” His mouth tightens a little, and his voice drops so that he can murmur something into Minette’s ear. “Mast thought it would help us stand against the Chamber should they choose to raid again.” Magnus had not been there for the first fight; had not been given the chance to stand against them, but he was more than equipped to do that this time. He wouldn’t let the Gates down.

His attention though is quickly brought back to the child before them, and his smile is warm. “You can!” A brief pause, “Those who are loyal to a kingdom are often given gifts such as wings.” He extends the wing not hugging Minette toward the child in an invitation. “Go ahead.” Magnus did not have much of an issue with personal boundaries—did not mind when others were near him and certainly not when they were a child. So he just nodded encouragingly to her before smiling at the mare by his side.

MAGNUS

once general. once lord. once king.