Their new home

*Calliope*
We arrive at Rosegleam castle when it is too dark to get a good look at anything. Still, I squint, attempting to see what I can of things. This will be my new home, the beginning of a new life.

The journey has been long and wearisome, and to my consternation, incredibly silent. Zac was sitting across from me, while Jeanette sat beside me. For the most part, I held Zane, knowing he would be relegated to Jeanette’s care for the night once we arrived at the castle. We stopped when Zane required a feeding, so Zac could leap out of the car and give us all privacy.

I would watch as he paced along the side of the road. His limp is barely noticeable. His leg has recovered well. I wonder if his mind might. I know it bothers him greatly not to have those memories. But if he regains them, how might things for me change?

I shove the doubts aside. I will be a loving and exemplary wife. He will come to care for me deeply, and then none of the falsehoods that have brought us to this moment will matter.

Flickering torches appear and just beyond is the castle.

“It’s not as large as the main castle," Zac says, and I flinch. It is the first time he has spoken in hours. I have seldom felt his gaze leave me. I wonder what he has been thinking during this entire journey. No doubt his mind has been on tonight.

“It’s perfect,” I say softly.

He chuckles softly. “You haven’t seen it clearly yet."

“Doesn't matter. We’ll be a family. That’s far more important.” I point out.

“Were you this easy to please when we met during the war?" He asks.

“Witnessing all that I did gave me a different perspective on things, I suppose."

His gaze darts to Jeanette, and he merely nods. I suspect had Jeanette not been in the car he would have said that his perspective may be different as well if he remembers anything. The experiences that have brought us together, that we have shared, now serves to keep a distance between us. How do I convince him that it doesn’t matter?

It is over, it is done, it is time to live in the present.

The car rolls to a stop. He is the first to disembark, opening the door himself, as though he can’t stand the confinement any longer. Then he reaches back for me. Holding Zane close in one arm, I place my other hand in Zac's, feeling the strength in his fingers as they close around and he helps me out.

For a heartbeat we simply stand there, gazing at each other, our breaths visible in the cold night air. The momentousness of this moment is not lost on me. We are connected, the three of us, in different ways. Love and blood. Desire and obligation. Truth and deception.

“Welcome to Rosegleam, Mrs. Dragan," he says finally, his voice rough, as though he had difficulty forcing out the words but has been determined to do so for my benefit.

Mrs. Dragan.

Lord, I think my knees may buckle. Those two words delivered from his lips hit me with a force I did not anticipate. The world reels around me. The momentousness of exactly what has transpired today, the irrevocableness of it, slams into me with the intensity of cannon fodder.

What the hell have I done?

Oddly, my worries increase as we enter the residence. It is gorgeous. Paintings and decorations artfully arranged. Everything is clean and tidy. The wooden floor is polished to such a sheen that I can almost see my reflection. It is fully staffed; all of the servants are gathered in the entry hallway to greet the new lord and lady of the castle, even if we aren’t a true lord and lady.

The butler steps forward and bows. “Major. Madam. I'm Spencer. The Prince sent word that you would be taking up residence here. The servants shall gladly see to all your needs. A light dinner has been prepared and will be served in the small dining room unless you would prefer it served elsewhere.”

“The small dining room will suffice,” Zac says. “Then I would like baths prepared for my wife and myself.”

“I shall see to it immediately." The butler says.

“Very good.” Zac turns to me. “Is that satisfactory for you?”

“Yes, of course.” We seem more awkward strangers now than ever and I realize the consummation of our marriage looms over us both. “I would like to settle Zane into the nursery.”

One of the younger serving girls escorts us upstairs to the room that will serve as the nursery. It has everything that is needed: a small crib, a rocking chair, even a rocking horse. One area is prepared for the nurse, with a bed, dresser, and chair.

“I see my brother has not lost his flair for attending to details.”

I glance over at Zac, who is leaning against the wall, his arms folded over his chest. By his stance, I can see he is favoring his injured leg, and I realize the journey has been hard on it. “You think this room is prepared especially for our arrival?”

“As he has no children of his own, I cannot believe otherwise." He points out.

“Perhaps he is simply anticipating their arrival." I suggest.

He shakes his head “I think what he anticipated is that I would accept his offer. He probably began planning this the moment you arrived."

“But he couldn't have known that we would wed.” I say.

“Callie, my family would have accepted no less of me. And if I had not seen to my responsibilities, Draco would have. He always does. I expect he planned to offer you sanctuary here." He explains.

“You say that as though you resent it." I mumble.

He rubs the scar on his face. “I want what's best for you, Callie. If accepting my brother's generosity provides it, so be it. I’ll be waiting for you in the small dining room."

No sooner has he left than Jeanette ambles into the room. She has no doubt been waiting in the hallway, not wishing to intrude on me and my husband.

“It’s a very fine residence," Jeanette says, wandering around the room. “I think we shall be very happy here.”

“I do hope so." I say with a sigh. I really do hope so.