Fate looked at Thor now hugging Cara and thumping Jericho on his back, nearly knocking the man over into the huge cake waiting to be cut.
“You paid your penance, Joro, and repaid your debt. You made Thor into the warrior I needed him to become.”
“I did not do it alone; Odin trained him and gave him a place by his side. But that was your intention, wasn’t it, Fate? Which one are you protecting, Fate? Everyone within the realms is aware you deny Odin, that you mock his desire for you, so it must be Thor whom you protect.” A worried frown crossed Joro’s forehead, fear entering her eyes. Thor had become a son to her in every way but blood, and the look on Fate’s face was raising her mothering instincts of protection.
“I cannot speak of the future. Your lover and son will make their own path toward which destiny awaits them.”
Joro stared hard at Fate, seeing that she never took her eyes off Thor. Calm settled over Joro. Fate loved her children. Just looking around the gardens outside Fate’s castle gave proof to that devotion.
Cara was in her new husband’s arms, held tight and loved. The same man holding her was a descendent of Joro’s, looking just as the son she had left behind on Earth. A warrior’s heart and blood ran through that body. Yes, Fate protected her children well. If Thor was in danger, then there was no better protector than the woman who had given him life.
Joro smiled at Fate and stepped forward, hugging the woman and reverently kissing her cheek. “I guess this makes us sort of in-laws.”
Fate was caught off guard by Joro’s reaction, not sure how to react. She wasn’t given a chance since Joro quickly released her and moved toward the other guests as they gathered around the gigantic cake about to be finally cut.
“By the way, for your information, Odin is not my lover. I would never touch another male of yours. I learned my lesson. Unlike you, I can give you my premonition of the future; although I do not have your gift, I am not blind.” Joro waved her hand at a glowering Odin standing with the other married couple. “I do not believe that you will escape Odin for much longer.”
“You couldn’t have learnt your lesson too well by trying to antagonize me,” Fate shot back sarcastically.
Joro’s laughter sounded in the air as she walked away, anxious to return to her grandson’s side battling back happy tears. They were expecting, she would find a way to repay Fate’s gift. She didn’t know how, but somehow she would find a way.