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 heart is complicated in many ways, but in this it is completely and utterly straightforward. His love, his affection, for them is simple in its wholesomeness, and he takes Minette’s daughter into his heart without question—forgetting her true parentage with ease. “Daughter,” he responds to her exclamation with a name of his own, and while it is not one that is foreign on his tongue, it is one covered with rust. His gold-flecked eyes spark briefly, and one corner of his scarred lips rise into a crooked smile.

But it is not over, and she is rushing over her words, spitting out names he does not fully understand. He glances up at Minette for a second—eyes a little lost—before looking back to Amorette. “If she is your sister, then I am sure I will love her as much as I love you,” is the answer that he finally decides upon, and he has to assume that Besra is the other filly to the wayside with the other members of Gryffen’s herd.

It seemed he was adopting quite the family.
Not that the golden stallion minded it.

He is still smiling at the child’s outburst of energy when she fades and comes to their sides to eventually lower herself to the ground. At her confession, Magnus just smiles. “I like your maman too.” And he did. After Joelle, he wasn’t sure if he would ever be able to feel affection again; when he had crawled onto the beach, he had been convinced that corner of his heart was forever closed—his opportunity at a one great love closed. He still wasn’t sure what was blossoming between them, wasn’t sure that he could bear to open himself up again, but he knew he loved her in the way of summer showers and gentle beginnings.

So he does not bother to hide the surprise and the resulting joy on his face at her idea. His heart rises into his throat and he just nods his handsome head. “I would love nothing more than helping you close this chapter of your life.” At her faltering, he laughs, unable to help himself, but not unkindly. “Have you? Minette, the Gates would be blessed with your presence.” His face sobers a little, and he drops his voice so that the sleeping child between them could not hear, “And I could better protect you there.” He glances toward the others of the herd, “All of you, if they’d like to join.” Reaching out to touch her neck, he pauses, breathing in her in before continuing. “Don’t be afraid, Minette. This will all be over soon.”

MAGNUS

once general. once lord. once king.