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“It's getting late,” Grayden said, looking at the wooden clock hanging behind him. “I say we finish talking about this in the morning.”

“Oh! Grayden!” Selenia exclaimed. “I forgot to tell you, Starlia is having her foal!”

His eyes lit up, and he grabbed Renya's hand excitedly. “Come, my sweet Little Fawn. I've been waiting for this for a long time.”

As Grayden pulled Renya away, Sion looked down at Selenia. She tried to read his expression, but it was hard for her to tell what he was thinking. She hoped that once his side of the bond was awoken, things would become easier for them. Instead, they stood there and looked at each other awkwardly, until Sion kissed her hand and left for his own room. Selenia sunk down onto the floor, her back against the wall, and cried.

Chapter Thirty-One

The little filly wobbled on her legs, trying to nurse as Starlia looked on proudly. Renya's heart swelled with joy at the sight of Starlia and her newborn daughter. Grayden was equally proud, boasting about how easy the delivery had been and how well his mare was caring for her foal.

“What are you going to call her?” Renya asked, watching the foal attempt to gallop around the pen.

“Whatever you'd like, Little Fawn. She's yours.”

Renya's heart fluttered. She dearly loved Starlia, and the thought of having her own horse, graceful and majestic, excited her.

But then the filly tripped and landed head-first in a pile of droppings, shattering that vision. Renya laughed as the pony stood up, shaking her head as if confused about what had just happened.

“So, what's her name, Little Fawn?”

Renya thought for a moment, her eyes drawn to the sweet little creature. “Talia.”

“Talia,” Grayden repeated. “I like that.”

They watched the mother and foal bond for a few more minutes before Grayden put his arm around Renya. “Should we go to bed?”

“Go to bed...or go to sleep?” Renya teased.

“Both,” Grayden responded, laughing heartily. The sound made Renya's chest tighten and her mood lighten. Nothing sounded better than Grayden's laughter.

After feeding Starlia a few arctic pears and patting Talia on the head, Grayden followed Renya to the far side of the stables to check on Beauty.

The dragon purred the moment Renya approached, swishing her long tail excitedly. She had almost doubled in size since Renya had met her, with wings now over four feet wide. Renya felt a pang of concern, realizing Beauty was growing too quickly. She wasn't sure how she could possibly keep a full-grown dragon in this world long-term. Perhaps Almory or Cyrus would have some ideas.

Beauty began ramming the door of the stall, and Renya sighed. As much as she loved Beauty, it wasn't good for her to be restrained and locked up like this. She felt no better than Cressida, who kept her pets in a glass cage.

“Can you ride her, Little Fawn?” Grayden asked.

Renya looked at Beauty, whose tail was switching back and forth, eyes fixed on Renya's every move. “I did a few times in the Shadow Realm, in the forest.”

“Why don't you try here? She's obviously annoyed at being cooped up, and I can feel your tension.” He moved behind Renya, his strong hands pressing into her shoulders.

“Mmmmm,” she moaned, arching like a waking cat into his arms. “That feels nice.”

“Careful, Little Fawn,” he warned, his hands wandering down to her waist before wrapping around her. “Or neither of us will get any sleep tonight.”

Renya felt some of the tension leave her body as she chuckled. “No matter what I do, that's usually the case.”

“Has your insatiable appetite finally got the better of you?” he asked, eyes sparkling mischievously.

Renya elbowed him in the ribs and danced just outside of his grasp. “Do we have a saddle or reins I could try with her?”

In the tack room, Grayden sorted through bridles and saddles before tying a few together. “I think this might work,” he said, pulling at the leather to test it.

Renya nodded, nervous but eager to ride Beauty again. She unbolted the stall door, ignoring Grayden's warning to be careful. The dragon protested a bit as Renya arranged the makeshift saddle and bridle, but then sat patiently when she realized she was going to leave the stall.

“I'd recommend taking her out the back entrance of the stables,” Grayden suggested, stepping back to allow Renya to coax Beauty away from the other horses.