“He was leaving the Court on his way back to the trial he’s been working on all month when he saw Damian dragging you to his car. He called Commander Hudson.”

“I must thank him.” I made a mental note then turned my attention to her and noticed light glittering off of a gold band with one square diamond encircling Kris’s ring finger. “Oh my Zeus! Don’t tell me that’s what I think that is!”

My best friend blushed. Holding one hand up, with tears glimmering in her eyes, she said, “Domenico proposed.” She continued, “We’re not going to get married right now, or next year, or even in the next two years. I don’t know when. But we’re engaged!”

“I’m so happy for you!” I shook my head in disbelief that I had missed all of this. “Engaged at eighteen, at your first Gathering!” She giggled at that and I gave her a gentle hug, mindful of my wound. “I want details! Tell me how he proposed.”

“The second he thought of asking, I knew.” Kris giggled. “And then he knew my answer. But I said it anyway: ‘Domenico, I love you. It’s a definite yes.’ And voilà! Ring on my finger.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me.” Before I could ask any more questions, we heard a knock at the door and watched as Hudson stepped inside. I rested my head back on the pillow as he was followed by Hawke and Lincoln.

“I see that you haven’t lost your way with words, Lady Stavros.” Hudson using my new name in front of Kris brought goose bumps; it felt more real now that they were openly acknowledging it. I wasn’t sure I’d ever be comfortable being called lady after growing up as a Regular.

“Thank you for your concern, it’s greatly appreciated.” I nodded at Hawke and Lincoln, who stood behind him. “What are you two doing here? Don’t tell me you’ve been worried too.”

Hudson answered for them. “They have. I figured the only way to shut up their incessant questions about your well-being was to bring them here so they could see you with their own eyes.”

I thought I was just a case to them. A job. But their expressions proved me wrong. There were tears in Lincoln’s eyes, and Hawke hardened his jaw to keep his mouth from trembling.

“Since you two want to see me, why don’t you come take a closer look?” They both moved to the side of my bed. Once they were close enough, I flung my arms around them and pulled them into a three-way hug. I knew that they didn’t love me the way parents did a child, but I also knew that they did care for me in their own ways. And for now, that was enough.