Page 22 of Mountains of Mist and Magic (A World of Sun and Shadow #4)

“A re you sure we have time for such a frivolity?” Selenia asked, looking up at Sion.

“It pains my heart to hear you say that, Little Fox. You used to long for nothing but silliness and revelry. I'm afraid that soon you'll be an old codger like me.”

She smiled. “You were born an old codger, Sion. Just like Grayden.”

He pulled her in and gave her a peck on the cheek. “I promise, this is much needed. Renya is stuck in the library with Cressida and Cyrus, Grayden is off crossing blades with Phillippe, and I'm sure Esmeralda is there, cheering Phillippe on. No one will miss us.”

“If you're sure...”

“I am. Besides, we're just going to have a meal together. We must eat anyway.” He motioned to the picnic basket he had put up on his horse. “Should we ride together? It's not far.”

“That sounds fine,” she said, watching him hoist himself up on the horse. He helped to pull her up, and once they were settled in the saddle, they left the courtyard and headed into the city.

“I saw you talking to Phillippe earlier. What bee does he have in his bonnet?”

Sion exhaled. “He loves Esmeralda—but he's so terrified. He doesn't want to hurt her, but by taking things slowly with her, he thinks she's confused about his intentions.”

“I know she loves him—perhaps I could—”

“I know you want to help, Selenia. But they need to figure things out on their own. Phillippe needs to tell her or show her how he feels. It's not up to you.”

They rode in silence for the next few minutes, and Selenia tried to think of a way to help the couple without directly interfering, but she couldn't think of anything.

They entered the town, and the hustle and bustle of people going about their everyday lives shocked her slightly. It was a bit of normality she hadn't seen for a while.

“The city is heavily populated, Sion. Where do you think you're going to find a spot for a picnic?”

He stayed silent, continuing on. Selenia looked at the houses and shops as the horse trotted through the main street. It was so full of life. When they approached the outer limits of the city, Selenia smiled, instantly knowing where Sion was taking her.

“I know this spot.”

“You do?”

“Yes,” she said, hugging him tight. “This is where we entered the kingdom, before the cloaking spell was broken.”

Sion stopped the horse and helped Selenia down. He grabbed the picnic basket, and spread out a blanket near the small lake, under the shelter of a tree.

The air was warm, filled with the gentle rustle of palm leaves and the soft murmur of flowing water. The oasis sprawled before the two like a painting of serenity, the golden sunlight dancing on the water's surface, casting ripples of light across the tranquil scene.

Selenia noticed Sion's eyes held a nervous intensity as he sat beside her on the soft blanket, his hand fidgeting with something in his cloak. Selenia's heart fluttered with anticipation, a sense of something monumental hanging in the air like the scent of jasmine on the breeze.

“Selenia,” Sion began, his voice soft but filled with determination, “there's something I need to ask you.”

Selenia turned towards him, her heart pounding in her chest, a thousand questions swirling in her mind. “What is it, Sion?” she asked, trying to keep her voice steady despite the rising tide of emotions within her.

With a deep breath, Sion reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box. Selenia's breath caught in her throat as he opened it, revealing a delicate ring with a shimmering ruby.

“Selenia,” Sion said, his eyes never leaving hers, “You are the light that guides me through the darkest of nights; you are the only reason I'm still alive, and your love is the only thing that has made my past bearable.”

Tears pricked at the corners of Selenia's eyes, and her whole body seemed to shudder with emotion.

“I may not fully feel the bond that connects us,” Sion continued, “but I know in my heart that it is real, and that it is stronger than anything I have ever known.”

“Yes, Sion,” she whispered, the tears now streaming down her cheeks. “Yes, I will be your wife.” She threw her arms around him, holding him close as if she never wanted to let him go. In that moment, amidst the tranquil beauty of the oasis, she knew that their bond was a force stronger than fate itself, a bond that would carry them through all the trials and tribulations that lay ahead.

Selenia ran along the corridor, her heart thumping in excitement. Her ruby ring twisted on her finger, a little bit too big. But she didn't care. They'd get it fixed when they returned to the Snow Lands. She didn't recognize the ring, but Sion had told her it belonged to her mother. She had then realized that Grayden must have put it away for this occasion, and it made her love her brother even more. He might be boring, but he was thoughtful and sentimental as well.

She finally made it to the guest room that Renya and Grayden were staying in. She tapped her knuckles on the door, and Renya's voice answered.

“Come in.”

Selenia bounded into the room. Renya was alone, sitting at a desk with a stack of parchment in front of her. Selenia wanted to rub her eyes and look again; she was sure she was mistaken. Sitting behind a desk and looking exhausted was what her brother usually did.

“I guess it's true, couples who live together do start to look alike.”

Renya looked up, her brow wrinkled, and her hair messed, as if she'd been running her fingers through it. Just like Grayden always did.

“Oh, Selenia, sorry. I thought you were Libera.”

“That witch?”

“Witch?” Renya bit her bottom lip in confusion.

“She left us trapped in the library when we first came to the Sun Realm.”

“Ahhhh...well, that makes sense. She told me she'd murder me if I got so much as a drop of ink on these scrolls.”

Selenia wanted to ask Renya what the papers were, but that would have to wait. Instead, she thrust her finger out towards Renya, the sparkling gem radiant in the sun streaming in through the windows.

Renya immediately rose from the desk and darted over to Selenia, grabbing her hand to admire the ring. “Oh Selenia, I'm so happy for you.” Renya pulled her into a tight embrace, and Selenia's heart soared, so glad to have a true sister in Renya.

“When did it happen?”

“About an hour ago...we were having a picnic at the oasis near the outskirts of the city.”

“How lovely.”

Selenia frowned. “You don't seem all that surprised—did my brother tell you?”

Renya looked sheepish. “He didn't exactly tell me, but...our mating bond often allows us glimpses into each other's thoughts...which makes secret keeping difficult. But I am still so thrilled for you!”

“Thanks! But speaking of secrets...” Selenia looked at Renya, a knowing grin pulling at the corner of her lips.

“What?”

“You know what...”

Renya put her hands sheepishly over her belly. “I was going to tell you! I just told my aunt last night.”

“How did that go?” Selenia asked.

“It was fine. She is slowly warming to Grayden, thank goodness. She also told me that her and Tumwalt are…an item.”

Selenia mimicked vomiting. “That’s enough of that. I can’t imagine Tumwalt loving something other than himself and the Snow Lands…but back to you! How far along are you?”

“About three months, I'd wager.”

Selenia's mouth dropped. “Great heavens, that happened fast! Fae children are so rare these days, and yet you got pregnant so quickly!”

“I was surprised too,” Renya replied. “With the generations and families dying out, I just never really thought about it as a possibility.”

“How is Grayden taking it?”

“That's the thing—Grayden meant to talk about it with you, but so much has happened since we came back from our honeymoon, but...”

“What?” Selenia asked, fearfully. Renya's tone set her on edge immediately.

“Grayden and I are going to be moving here permanently.”

Selenia's heart constricted. “You're going to raise the baby away from the Snow Lands?”

Renya looked pained, as if the choice wasn't ideal for her either. “I don't want to, Selenia, but I don't have a choice. My father's most trusted advisor died a few years ago, and until he returned the Sun Realm didn't have anyone to look after it. But my father—his health isn't great, and he's feeling his magic fade as the days go by. He needs help ruling this realm, and it's...my birthright.”

“I understand...I do. I'm just...sad.”

“I'm sad too. I love the Snow Lands. But we won't be strangers to each other. With Beauty, travel between the kingdoms is much easier.”

“That's true...but Sion might need some more convincing before he climbs up on another dragon,” she said, laughing.

Renya joined in. “He looked like he was going to be ill.”

“I think he was close,” Selenia agreed.

“I'm glad you have each other, though. Regardless of what happens with the magic—you're bound together in one way at least. Just as it should be.”

Selenia nodded, her heart still light, even though Renya's revelation stole a bit of the joy. When she thought of the future, she had imagined them all together at the lodge, eating side-by-side every night...like a real family.

The realization of this change in their future plans made Selenia pause. She considered the implications for a moment before asking, “Wait, who is going to rule the Snow Lands?”

“Phillippe. He wasn't thrilled but understood where Grayden was coming from. I'm afraid that will ultimately mean more work for Sion, and he'll probably be needed in the winter encampment several months a year.” Renya chewed on her bottom lip again, and Selenia knew she felt guilty.

“It's okay, Renya. I'll follow him wherever Fate takes him.”

“I feel sorry that Grayden has to follow me...”

Before Selenia could respond, the door to the room opened and Grayden walked in.

“You're sorry I have to do what, Little Fawn?” He came up behind Renya and hugged her, his hands moving to her shoulders.

“I just feel bad about leaving the Snow Lands.”

“Ah, so you've told her then. So, she knows about this too?” He reached down and gently cupped her belly with his massive hands.

“Yes, I did. Congrats. But I knew already.”

“Wait, who told you?” Renya asked. “I swear, I’m going to kill that evil bitc—”

“No one. I could sense that you had...a different trace of magic in you. I suspected it before you left for your honeymoon.”

“It would have been nice of you to tell me,” Renya joked. “I still wasn't quite sure at that point.”

Selenia just laughed. “Next time, just ask me. But...since I can sense my little niece or nephew in there, it means the babe will have magic.”

Grayden's eyebrows furrowed a bit as he considered her words. “You're right, Selenia. Not that it really makes a difference to me. But it's good to have the information.”

“I can barely deal with my powers, now I have to worry about having a child with magic?” Renya groaned.

Grayden nipped her ear playfully. “You're getting better and better with your magic each passing day. I am always in awe of you, my Little Fawn.”

Selenia pretended to gag. “I think that's my cue to leave.”