a balcony.”
“So make one,” he challenged.
I imagined those windows becoming a large, arched door instead, for gray stones to form and grow along the sides of the façade, blossoming outward until a beautiful balcony had formed.
Kes grinned. “Look at my sister, using magic and thinking she’s all that.”
“I am,” I teased. “Thanks to you.” He shook his head, shoving his hands in the pockets of his well-worn jeans. I quirked an eye at his contemporary clothing. “No traditional dress required back home?”
He shifted nervously. “Actually, I wanted to talk to you about that…”
“About what?”
“I was hoping you might let me stay in your territory and become your Guardian.”
My mouth gaped open. “What about Aries?” Kes had guarded him for almost an eternity. The two of them were friends. No, they were much more than that.
“Aries will concede me to you if you allow it.”
“I don’t want to own you or your soul, Kes.”
He shook his head. “It’s not like that. It’s a position of honor. Doubly for me, because I am your brother. And I have every faith that you would set my soul free if I ever asked it of you.”
I hadn’t cried in twenty-four hours, a new record since the big battle. His words threatened that. I threw my arms around him. “Of course! No one could guard my people better than you. I think we’ve both learned that.”
He chuckled. “So, jeans and shorts are cool?”
“Anything goes,” I said, smiling and pulling away.
“Anything?” he asked, quirking a brow.
“Well, no speedos or shorty shorts,” I amended. I hated the running shorts that basically showed ass cheeks. They were a pet peeve of mine, even though many a runner swore by them. I just couldn’t.
“Aries is watching to see how you organize everything, you know,” Kes mentioned.
“Why would he do that?”
“You know how people think. He doesn’t. He’s looking to you to lead him through understanding them and helping them thrive.”
That was insane. Aries was great with his people.
And I was looking to him to keep my temper in check. The Zodia who sided with Taurus were licking their wounds, but I felt ready to finish the fight they’d started. Aries said they’d make themselves scarce for a while, but I wasn’t convinced. What I did know was that when they did show their faces, I’d be ready for them.
“I always thought Aries was best among the Zodia,” Kes said with a nudge. “Now, he’s second best.”
A tear fell and I restarted the clock to a non-crying record. “Thank you.”
I turned to him, hugging myself. “Kes, what is your true name? What name were you born with and live with when you were human?”
He groaned and scrubbed a hand down his face. “If I tell you, you have to promise not to call me by it. I’m Kes to you. Period.”
“If you’re sure…”
“I’m sure,” he smiled. “It was Saros.”
My brows kissed. “That’s kind of awesome.”
“I haven’t used it in so long, I’m surprised I haven’t forgotten it.”
I grinned as an idea popped into my mind. “You could combine the two names like a ship name.”
Kes groaned again. “I don’t ship it.”
“I do! You could be Kesaros. It sounds as badass as you look in this new body.”
Kes and I laughed and it felt like home.
ARIES
I had to spend some time in my territory, checking on each region, but I admit that I rushed from place to place. All was well. All was peaceful. My Guardians were keeping everyone relatively happy, providing for them, watching over them.
I wanted to go back to Larken. And I was about to do just that when an unexpected guest appeared.
I clamped a hand on his gilded shoulder. “Aquarius.”
He mirrored the motion. “Aries.” He waited a beat before asking, “How is Larken adjusting?”
“Beautifully, though I doubt she’d tell you the same,” I admitted. She felt like she was floundering, when I was in complete awe of her and what she’d managed to do in such a short period of time. Almost as in awe as I was about what she was planning for the future of her people and territory.
“I wanted to extend an invitation to you. I’d like to host a feast in her honor. Only the cool Zodia are welcome.” He grinned.
“When is this feast?”
“Tomorrow at sundown.”
I nodded. “I’ll be there. Would you like me to ask Larken?”
He shook his head. “I’d like to extend the invitation myself, if you don’t mind.”
“As long as she isn’t required to wear gold,” I teased.
His eyes widened