Page 61 of My Eternal Light
Cord stepped forward. “We do have warriors coming by to help paint and organize. What else should we plan for?”
Kincaid looked at her and they both laughed before he turned to Oron. “Would you want a certain sixteen-foot wooden monstrosity of a bed with a canopy? It was in the master suite.”
Oron frowned. “Why would I?”
“You were probably conceived in that bed,” Kincaid teased.
Izzy made a gagging sound. “Fuck that.”
Zadie nodded. “That’s pretty much what I said.”
Kincaid’s mother turned to Oron, blushing prettily. “Would you mind if we took it? It would stay in your family home, but in our suite instead.” She looked at her mate. “I’ve always dreamed of a canopy bed.”
Jessup smiled. “Whatever you want, my love.”
“Doesn’t it squidge you out that it belongs to someone else?” Izzy asked.
Michaela looked confused. “Most of our furniture does.”
Brie shrugged. “I guess it would be like getting an antique at an estate sale.”
“I can coordinate with the warriors to move the bed,” Cord offered. “What else?”
Kincaid opened his mouth, closed it, then simply held out his list.
Smiling Cord walked over and took it. “Hmm yes, more bathrooms do make sense.” He looked over at her. “Do you really want every room to be painted off white?”
“Yes, for two reasons. One, the walls haven’t seen any treatments, and the off white will serve as a base coat for whatever goes on next. I think the walls are so dry it will take two to three gallons per room. Two, I think the children should have a say in what they want their own rooms to look like. An off white will give them a fresh, clean slate to work with. Plus, it will brighten everything up. Right now, the heavy fabrics and greens make even rooms with a lot of natural daylight feel heavy.”
Cas shuddered. “Tell me about it. My parents had the same color schemes when I was growing up. Thankfully, they redecorated for me before they faded. Those children need brightness and color in their lives.”
Cord looked back at the list then to her. “The changes to the first floor can easily be done along with the request for a fireplace. I overheard Giles explaining toilets the other night, I think they’ll be excited to get their own.”
“Thank god,” she said and finished her cappuccino.
“We can check on the kids and grab their assignment sheets. It should give us an idea of how to shop for their rooms. Then, I think I’d like to head back to the house and meet some of these warrior brothers I’ve heard so much about,” she said and picked up Meryn’s drink.
Kincaid stared. “You had them draw their favorite colors, objects and interests for the future, to help us decorate?”
She nodded. “I like using lessons that serve multiple purposes. Since they just finished the assignment, those things will be fresh in their minds, so, when they see those things reflected in the choices made, they will feel heard, validated and loved.”
She was about to stand when the door opened and a pale-looking Portia entered.
The queen reacted immediately. “What? What has you looking so shaken?”
Portia took a deep breath. “Your Majesty, Kyrn Vi’Evlyer is requesting an audience to fill the position as House Eirson squire.”
Oron stood. “What? How?”
“It is so very good to see you Master Oron,” a deep male voice said.
“Babe, who is he?” Izzy asked, hugging Oron’s arm.
“He was our squire,” Oron whispered.
Zadie met Kincaid’s eyes, then took a huge sip of Meryn’s coffee.
Chapter Nine