Chapter 50: A New Path

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Outside Castle Octavian, Amy and Fiona waited in one of Fiona’s carriages. As I climbed down the steps, Fiona opened the door to the carriage for me. I climbed in and settled between Fiona and Amy. Amy nestled into my arm. Fiona stretched and put her arm around me.

“Subtle,” I giggled.

“I did say that I have no talent for subtlety.” Fiona grinned, “I felt it was time for boldness.”

“It was bold.” I admitted.

“But it did not hold a candle to you Ren,” she said. “You abdicated in front of the whole house.”

“You did,” Amy said, looking up and staring at me, “How could you do that?”

I stared back at Amy, “I promised you I would. And I realized something. They had nothing I wanted. Not since you left.”

Amy gasped, “You gave up everything for me. You gave up Lynn.”

“No, I kept the things that mattered. They’re right here in this carriage. Lynn was never mine. I was wrong to treat her like she was.”

“But you, I mean, you. I know you promised. But I wasn’t alive the last time a noble abdicated their title like this.”

Fiona sat grinning beside me, “Bravo beloved. Bravo Indeed. I told you that you were brave.”

“But she has nothing now! I should never have let her make that promise! She has nothing!” Amy said.

I smiled, “Not true. I have you. If you, that is, if you’ll have me. If you’ll both have me.”

Fiona kept grinning, “I will have you. I will have both of you, it would be my pleasure and my honor.”

Amy shook her head, “You can’t Fiona, not now. We’re both commoners. You’re the Countess of House Myrddhin.”

Fiona crossed her arms, “I see no commoners. I see Lady Karen Myrddhin, and Lady Amelia Myrddhin. That is, if you’ll accept a place in my house.”

“You can’t do that,” Amy whispered, blushing furiously, “The scandal.”

“I am the head of House Myrddhin. Baroness Wander reminded me of something when I called upon her recently. I am Countess, and within my little county, my word is law, subject only to Duke Leon Delmar. And I very much doubt that he will object to my elevating the two of you to nobility. Hang the scandal. I do not care what people whisper. I will weather any scandal if you are willing to weather it with me.”

“I’ve already abdicated. I can’t invite any more scandal than I already have.”

Amy stared at the two of us, “I’m not worth this. I’m just a maid.”

I shook my head, “You were never just a maid.”

Fiona held out a hand to Amy, “And now you will be a lady. You will both have to marry me. The title resides with me after all. Are you both happy being my wives?”

“It would be an honor and a pleasure,” I said.

Amy nodded but said nothing. Instead, she sat blushing and shaking.

“Then it is settled,” Fiona paused, “We will need to work out details. I have never been in a relationship of three. And I will need to commission a larger bed.”

Amy covered her mouth with her hands.

“Wider bed,” I said, “Not taller. I don’t want to recreate my old bed. I kept getting trapped in that thing.”

Amy clenched her fists and shook, “How are you two so comfortable with this?”

“I love both of you. And nothing is more important than love.” I said.

I paused and thought for a moment, “Since this is already going to be a scandal, let’s lean into it. Let’s have an official announcement party. Amy has spent enough time in the shadows, wouldn’t you say?”

“I’m trying to stop crying you two!” Amy said, “Stop being so wonderful!”



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