Pyxlevir plucked the album out and nodded. It was integral to Pyxlevir that Semira and Laconifel be included in every aspect of his life with Gramlithyn, including the chapters languishing in the past. So, he’d asked Gramlithyn to invite them over for the chat he needed to have with Kalthekor.
Tucking the album into his pocket, Pyxlevir crossed the room and captured Gramlithyn’s hand.
“Kiss,” Pyxlevir said. Gramlithyn brushed their lips together. “I’m ready now.”
“Let’s go,” Gramlithyn replied, giving Pyxlevir’s palm an affectionate squeeze.
They stepped outside to find their parents chatting with open beers and a plate of cheese and veggies.
“Ah, our happy couple,” Gramlithyn’s father enthused.
Pyxlevir had to let go of Gramlithyn to greet Semira and Laconifel with hugs, then he encouraged everyone to get comfortable. Gramlithyn chose a wide chair between their parents, and Pyxlevir had plenty of space to share the cushion with the man he loved. After resting his hand on Gramlithyn’s thigh, he braced himself.
“Is something bothering you, Pyx?” Aristos asked.
“Not exactly. I have some questions, and I wanted everyone here to be part of this discussion so none of us have todo this again or repeat a word of it if we don’t want to,” Pyxlevir said. He locked eyes with Kalthekor, whose gaze was concerned and confused. “Dad, we need to talk about my mother.”
Kalthekor nodded slowly and leaned into Aristos. “I’m surprised it has taken us so long to discuss her. Maybe I should have brought it up, but…well, I wasn’t sure what was best. Or perhaps that is an excuse because it was easier for me to leave it alone.”
“The last thing I want to do is hurt you,” Pyxlevir said. “It’s just that I have questions, and I don’t know who else to ask. I thought maybe Evlithar, but—”
“Pyxlevir, you are right to come to me,” Kalthekor stated firmly. “It would likely be best if I explained as much of the past as I think is relevant, then you could ask whatever questions remain.”
Pyxlevir nodded quickly. If it was easier for his father to get it out without being peppered with questions, Pyxlevir was all for it.
“Anyone who met me a century before you were born would not have been complimentary if asked to describe me,” Kalthekor said. “I was unhappy and unpleasant when I met your mother. Tamlisyr was a beautiful woman, and she was eager to be the mate of a Chieftain. To put it in the simplest of terms, I wanted a matebond, but we had little in common, and our relationship was troubled. I will spare everyone the sordid details, as they are unnecessary and unflattering to us both. We spent a century together, and it was best described as discontented. But that was behind closed doors. To the Valzadari, we were united at events. There was a bright spot though, and learning that I was going to be a father changed my life.”
“Pyx mentioned that he resembled her,” Semira commented.
Digging the album from his pocket, Pyxlevir handed it to his mate’s mother.
“There is plenty of Kalthekor visible in Pyxlevir’s face too,” Laconifel remarked as he studied the photos with Semira.
“Agreed,” Aristos added. “I think Pyx was given beautiful features from both his parents.”
“Luckily he didn’t get my crooked toes,” Kalthekor joked with the ghost of a smile, but Pyxlevir found no humor in the turn in the conversation.
“Not that I want to be disrespectful to anyone, but my parents are out here on the deck with me,” Pyxlevir stated firmly. “My mother gave me life, and I’m grateful. She’s not my parent though.”
Semira nodded. “I understand. She is your biological mother, but Aris and Kalthekor are your parents.”
“I can see Aris’s stubbornness reflected in you; he’s definitely your parent,” Laconifel added with a wink.
“To think there was once a day I feared Pyxlevir would object to having another father in his life,” Kalthekor mused. “When I learned I was going to be a parent, I changed myself. I wanted to be a positive influence. One of the truths I had to face was my failing matebond. To the shock of my tribe, my mate and I separated months before you were born, Pyxlevir. The Valzadari believed I was defiant of tradition, but I wanted my son raised with joy. Tamlisyr was furious with the terms of our separation. We were barely on speaking terms, and I didn’t learn I had a son until you were three days old.”
Pyxlevir’s mouth fell open. “You weren’t there on the day I was born?”
“No, but I wasn’t willing to settle for not being included in your life. My intention was to fight for as much custody as a judge would give me.” Kalthekor frowned and glanced at Aristos. “How do I explain it?”
“Don’t sugarcoat it,” Aristos insisted, pressing a kiss to Kalthekor’s temple.
Kalthekor turned and locked eyes with Pyxlevir. “When you were three days old, your mother called me and told me to come pick up my son. When you were nine months old, she had only spent a little time with you. She picked you up one day, and the two of you were in a car accident. Thankfully, you were unharmed. Her injuries were catastrophic, and she never woke up. Tamlisyr was in a coma that her parents refused to end despite her brain lacking activity. I asked to be put in stasis to make crossing the veil easier. For reasons I still don’t understand, she died but I didn’t. All I had left of her to give you were a few photos. I’m sorry, I wish I had a happier tale to share and that I’d explained this sooner.”
“No, don’t apologize. I wasn’t sure what to expect. When she was brought up, I could tell it made you uneasy. I was curious, but I didn’t want to hurt you. Or make it weird if you’d loved her and had to discuss that in front of Dad.” Pyxlevir reached up and rubbed his temples. “It’s so weird. I have such a mixture of emotions. I’m sad she died. That you were so unhappy that you were both better off with a separation agreement. But I’m happy I was born, if that makes sense. I also find it almost impossible to imagine you with anyone but Dad.”
“It was a deeply troubled relationship and not Fate’s finest day, but I cannot regret it,” Kalthekor said. “Without Tamlisyr, I wouldn’t have you, and you are one of the finest gifts anyone could imagine. You have enriched my life in countless ways, and I became a better person because of you. Being your father is one of my greatest achievements. I love you.”
Pyxlevir hopped up to hug his father. Everything Pyxlevir needed to know about the woman who had given him life was answered. He was grateful she had existed and was sorry shewas gone, but his parents were Kalthekor and Aristos. Kalthekor stood, and the warmth of his father’s embrace soothed him.