Page 50 of Mountains of Mist and Magic (A World of Sun and Shadow #4)

“D o you finally feel properly claimed?” Sion asked, rolling over and gazing at the ceiling. Selenia clutched the sheet to her chest, her breath unsteady. Thoughts raced through her mind, each one slipping away like wisps of smoke. They'd waited only a few hours after returning to get married. Selenia had put her foot down, insisting they had waited long enough.

The ceremony had been simple, conducted at the Tidal Kingdom as soon as Triston's ship had sailed into the harbor. She'd worn a silky white dress borrowed from Esmeralda and Renya's aragonite necklace. After their vows, they'd mounted horses gifted by Triston and ridden to a little cabin north of the lodge, now Sion's by inheritance. He'd scarcely removed his boots before shucking her clothing and pressing her into the mattress.

“I feel...so happy,” she said, rolling to face him. “I was worried that it might be hard on you—”

He silenced her with a soft kiss. “When you were on that mountain, I kicked myself for all I hadn't done, fearing I'd never see you again. I realized my fear was holding me back from fully loving you—fear that you'd see the dark parts of me, the pieces of my soul I thought irreparable. Yet you've proven me wrong, time and again.”

She snuggled against his warm, inviting chest. “So, how does it feel to be all-powerful?”

He grinned, and she felt her own power respond to his. Like their mating bond, their powers seemed to work in perfect harmony. “I'm enjoying them, but I'd give them all up if I had to. Finally feeling fully mated to you was all I ever wanted.”

“You're a lucky man, Sion,” she teased.

“Don't I know it,” he replied, kissing her deeply, and Selenia knew their wedding night was far from over.

Grayden peered into the cradle, meeting his daughter's perfect blue eyes. While she'd inherited his dark hair, nearly black in its depth, she had Renya's piercing aqua eyes.

Isolde gurgled, a tiny bit of drool pooling at the corner of her mouth. Grayden scooped her up, cradling her against his chest, careful not to disturb Renya. She was still recovering from childbirth and struggling to keep up with Isolde's insatiable appetite. Renya had grumbled about the lack of something called “formula,” but Grayden knew she secretly cherished those quiet moments with Isolde, even if the baby ate as much as Talia had as a foal.

Isolde. The name had seemed strange to him, but Renya had explained it meant something about ice and purity in a human language. Her aunt had agreed, and after witnessing Renya's birthing ordeal, he would have let her name the baby anything she wanted.

He patted the infant's back, still marveling at her tiny perfection. It seemed impossible that their love had produced such a beautiful creature.

Opening the door, he carried Isolde downstairs to the den. He knew she’d soon grow fussy, and he wanted Renya to rest as long as possible. He'd discovered that letting Isolde suck on his finger would content her for a while, sometimes lulling her back to sleep. He considered asking Renya if human mothers knew this trick but decided to keep it as a secret between father and daughter.

Settling into a plush armchair before the fire, Grayden rocked Isolde for a few seconds, and then shifted in the chair so he could reach the book that rested on the table next to them.

“This book is special to your momma, Snowdrop,” he said, as he opened The Tale of Peter Rabbit. He finished the book quickly, and then rocked his daughter again while he told her stories that he remembered from sitting on his own father’s knee. Occasionally, he'd conjure a few flurries above her head, watching her eyes trace the flakes, sometimes going adorably cross-eyed.

These small displays were the extent of his magic use these days. His lands had returned to normal; glaciers solidified, snow thick and plentiful. As long as the dragons remained in their magical enclosure, their lands were secure. Peace reigned, and for once, it seemed likely to endure.

Renya's aunt Agatha entered with Tumwalt, immediately demanding to hold the baby. Grayden kissed Isolde's forehead before reluctantly handing her over. He appreciated the extra help, especially when Doria needed a break from the mischievous infant, but he looked forward to moving to the Sun Realm. He never thought he'd willingly leave his home, but he trusted Sion and Selenia to manage the Snow Lands. And he yearned for time alone with Renya, though she insisted on bringing Doria, to which he'd readily agreed.

With Cyrus and Cressida fated again, the Sun Realm lacked leadership. Cyrus, still wary of Cressida, had taken her far away, possibly even to the human world. Grayden assumed they were reconnecting and rebuilding their relationship, but Renya avoided the topic, so they rarely discussed it. Wherever the couple was, Grayden hoped trouble wouldn't follow.

Rising from his chair, Grayden noticed Tumwalt's gesture for a private word.

“Don't tell me you're getting married now, too,” he teased, aware of Tumwalt and Agatha's unacknowledged relationship.

Tumwalt sidestepped the question. “I've received a letter from Kalora. Triston and Julietta have arrived safely at the Twilight Kingdom. Triston seems content, and the village thrives. Their kingdom flourishes, as does ours.”

“I'm glad for him. I was worried when he agreed to follow Julietta, but with Kalora's newfound devotion to the Gods, I'm pleased they've settled there.” Grayden had marveled at Triston's willingness to leave the Tidal Kingdom, but his devotion to Julietta was absolute. Grayden knew Triston would do anything to ensure Julietta's happiness and peace of mind, especially as her belly grew with her pregnancy.

He felt the same about Renya.

“Anything else?” he asked Tumwalt.

“Just that preparations for Isolde's guardian ritual tonight are underway. Is Queen Renya ready?”

Grayden smirked. Since accusing Renya of witchcraft and facing Grayden's rebuke for disloyalty back when they first met, Tumwalt had become excessively deferential to Renya. She hated it, but Grayden found it quietly amusing.

“She's resting, but I'll have Doria wake her. Our Little Snowdrop caused quite a ruckus last night.” Grayden's gaze followed Agatha as she swayed with the baby. “She takes after her mother in that regard.”

Almory cradled Isolde, anointing her forehead with oil. Beside Grayden, Renya struggled to contain her tears.

You can cry, Little Fawn. It's an emotional day.

It's just my hormones.

If you say so.

Almory passed Isolde to Renya, who kissed her daughter's head before handing her to Grayden. The priest turned to the large fire, encircled by stones specially placed for this ceremony. Grayden had insisted on this location, where he and Renya had wed, believing it auspicious.

Silence blanketed the forest as Almory studied the flames. While Grayden saw only twisting fire, Almory scrutinized the shapes intently.

“I don't believe it,” he finally uttered.

“What?” Renya's alarm was palpable.

Grayden adjusted Isolde's fur-trimmed bonnet. “Out with it, Almory.”

The elderly man faced them, his gaze moving from parents to child. “Her guardian animal...is a dragon.”

At the word “dragon,” Isolde began to wail. Grayden hugged her closely before passing her to Renya.

“Shhhhh, sweet one,” Renya cooed.

In the distance, beyond the forest, Beauty's protective moan resonated.

“Well, I guess it's good we already have a dragon,” Grayden said, enveloping his family in his arms.

Esmeralda wasn't accustomed to seeing Phillippe in so little clothing. Their courtship had unfolded in the Snow Lands, and his current attire, befitting her home, made their impending wedding feel startlingly real.

He prowled down the hall, a predator about to pounce. She knew escape to her room was futile now that he'd spotted her.

“Nervous?” he asked, kissing her hairline.

“Not about the wedding. But I might be late if I don't get dressed! Whenever you corner me, we end up...distracted.” Her cheeks flushed pink as Phillippe leaned closer, his lips grazing her ear. “I can't wait to explore all the distracting things we'll do tonight.”

She playfully pushed against him, but instead of creating distance, she fell into his arms.

“I'm much stronger than you, Sea Star.” He grinned, placed a tingling kiss along her collarbone, then winked as he continued to his borrowed room.

Tonight, he'd move into hers. Eventually, they might remodel Triston's old suite, but for now, Phillippe seemed content with her quarters. His easy acceptance of leaving the Snow Lands had surprised her. When Triston decided to depart with Julietta, Esmeralda had feared for her relationship with Phillippe. But he'd eagerly embraced the chance to rule beside her in the Tidal Kingdom. The prospect of commanding a fleet excited him, and he was already planning a goodwill tour of their island principalities for their honeymoon. He seemed happier than ever.

Even without his magic.

Guilt ate away at her, knowing what he'd sacrificed. While she explored her new abilities, he cheered from the sidelines, never showing regret or resentment. Instead, he focused on their future.

A future beginning today with their wedding.

She passed through the water curtain into her bedroom. Renya, Selenia, and Julietta waited, Julietta's hand resting on her swollen belly, Renya cradling little Isolde. Esmeralda smiled at her friends, now family. She'd always longed for sisters, and now she had three.

“Hurry up,” Selenia urged, retrieving the wedding gown from the wardrobe.

Only Selenia and Esmeralda had seen it, so Renya and Julietta's delighted gasps were gratifying.

The dress was an homage to the sea. Its bodice, crafted from shimmering fabric, bore intricate beadwork and embroidery in azure and aquamarine. The neckline mimicked scalloped seashells, while the full skirt's hem glittered with tiny pearls, both decorative and functional in the seaside breeze.

“He'll love it,” Renya said, bouncing a fussy Isolde. She reached to help with the gown, but Selenia intervened.

“Oh no, you don't. Not while holding my niece. I've seen her projectile vomit across rooms.”

Esmeralda giggled. Selenia, having rushed her own wedding, had thrown herself into Esmeralda's gown preparations.

As Selenia and Julietta helped her dress, Renya played with Isolde on the bed. Esmeralda noticed Julietta's longing glances at the baby, understanding her sister-in-law's eagerness for motherhood. Truth be told, Esmeralda hoped to be pregnant soon herself.

While Selenia arranged her hair, adorning it with seashells and pearl clusters, Esmeralda reflected on how she'd once envied Renya's fated bond. Now, she too was fated, poised for a new future.

“What are you thinking?” Julietta asked.

“I just can't believe how much has changed, and how happy I am.”

“Me neither,” Selenia agreed, with Renya and Julietta echoing the sentiment.

Before they could reminisce further, Grayden's voice carried through the water screen. “Ready, Esmeralda? Phillippe's getting quite eager.”

“Yes,” she called back, and they filed out as the water parted.

In a blink, she was walking a path lined with tropical blooms. Ahead stood Phillippe, his smile warming her heart. She hastened down the aisle, eager to reach him.

“You're glowing,” he said, taking her hand.

“Every bride glows on her wedding day,” she replied, beaming.

“No, it's your necklace.”

She glanced down to see her aragonite necklace was indeed glowing and shimmering in the sunlight.

“You were missing from my life, and now I've found you,” she whispered.

“And you'll never lose me,” he vowed.

As the sun set and their vows were exchanged, a hush fell over the beach. Esmeralda surveyed their friends and family, marveling at how, from a ruined world, they'd forged families, found love and happiness. They'd come together, weaving the perfect family.

It was as if by magic.

The End