The falcon's daughters

Chapter 61

Kit walked side by side with Cade in the garden. The past two days had been hard for her to fully comprehend. Not only that her name wasn't Kit but Kitana and now her father wanted to bring her home to their kingdom. That was the hardest part to believe. That she was a princess. Cade looked at her and said softly.

- I still can't believe it.

- That we are Tyrall's daughters?

Kit walked beside him and absently she slid her hand over Dorcha's head.

- I know, I have a hard time believing it myself.

- At least now we know why Minkos called you Kitana. It's your name.

- But how could he know?

- I guess some things just can not be explained. And the little creature is one of them.

- So what do you think will happen now?

- You and your sister will accompany your father to Tamarin. And then you’ll return here when it's time for the engagement ceremony.

- Sol won’t come with us. She's going to the oracle in a few days. She and Lee will return in time for the ceremony. So I guess it's just me and Dorcha.

- When are you leaving?

- Today. My father...

She interrupted herself and let out a short nervous laugh.

- It feels so unreal to just say it. My father...I can’t belive that after all this time I know the truth, or at least some of it. Well anyway my father, he wanted to send a messenger in advance before we left.

Cade wrapped an arm around her shoulders and stopped walking. He placed a finger under her chin and tilted her head back so he could look her in the eyes. 

- Do not worry. I'm sure everything will go fine. And you are going to make a great princess.

When she gave him a small smile he leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her lips.

- Kitana!

They looked away at the arches that led into the palace. Tyrall was on his way to them and he was accompanied by Worgan and Lace. Tyrall smiled brightly at his newfound daughter.

- The time is closing in for us to depart my girl.

She nodded and turned to Worgan.

- Your majesty. Thank you for all your help.

Worgan wrapped her in a warm hug and she could feel his smile on her cheek.

- It was my pleasure. I will see you again soon.

She smiled and turned to Lace who had a tear in the corner of his eye.

- I guess you’re not coming with us.

- No, I’m not.

Lace shook his head sadly

- There are things I have to do here. Like figureing out how to use that amulett you brought back. Worgan’s library can provide me with what we need to know. I know that you will do great my girl.

She fell around the neck of the man who had taken care of her all her life and tears ran down her cheeks.

- I’m going to miss you Lace.

- And I you.

- Do you have a hug for me too? 

Sol walked out into the garden together with Lee and Deó.

- Always my sister.

The two young women held each other for a long time and Sol gently wiped the tears from Kit's cheeks.

- Don’t cry little sister. We'll be together again soon.

She nodded and turned to Lee who also got a hug.

- You take good care of my sister. Protect her.

- For the rest of my life.

Kit turned to face Cade who looked at her silently. Tyrall, who sensed that they needed some time alone to say goodbye, gave his daughter a small nod and started to walk towards the palace gates where their horses awaited. Cade held out his arms and she stepped into his arms.

- I almost thought you would forget me.

- Not after everything you've done for me. Without you, I don’t think I would have been alive today.

- You're strong Kit. You could have done without me.

She reached up and pressed a light kiss to his lips before leaving his arms. Together with Cade, she left the garden behind and went to the palace's large gate where the others where waiting with their horses and a small group of Tamarin's soldiers who served as the king's personal bodyguard. They stopped in front of the soldiers and Tyrall raised his voice.

- Gentlemen! Our long-lost princesses have been found. I give you my daughters Solari and Kitana!

The soldiers exclaimed loudly at the king's words and all stared at the two girls.

- Unfortunately...

He continued, and the soldiers fell silent as he smiled at Sol. 

- Unfortunately, Solari will not be coming back with us. She has an important mission that requires her presence. But soon enough, she's going to come home again.

He hugged her and put his hand to her cheek.

- Be safe my daughter. I do not want to lose you again.

- Lee will take care of me father. And I always have Deó with me.

- I trust that you're protecting her, Leerian.

Leerian looked at his future bride and smiled.

- I'm going to, uncle. I’m going to.

Tyrall turned to Worgan and shook his hand.

- Thank you my friend. You gave me back my daughters. 

- I just provided a key to their past.

He nodded and then turned to face Lace.

- Lace. I owe you and Y'zora a big thank you for taking care of my daughters all these years. You were a father to Kitana when I could not be. I am forever in your debt. If there is ever anything you need during the rest of my life just ask it and it will be done.

- I would like to come by and visit at times.

Tyrall bursted out in a hearty laugh and took Lace’s hand.

- You will always be welcome at our home for however long you want. I expect that you will spend very long times with us and tell me all about Kitana’s childhood.

- That I most certainly can do, your majesty.

Tyrall nodded contentedly and then got on his horse. Kit sat up on Chiro and they started riding out of town. Sol called out after them.

- Take care little sister!

They passed Laniro's gates and Kit looked back at the city.

- Kitana may I ask you something?

- Of course, father.

- How long has Solari called you little sister?

- Since the first time I met her. How so?

- She is the one of you who was born first.