Page 77 of The Dark Mage

Ren’wyn blinked at him, surprised—and very grateful.

The shop smelled familiar: lavender, thyme, and mint—the same comforting blend as Axel’s in Delmor—followed by the sharper tang of cedar shavings and ginger.

If only we could go back to that time.When she glanced at Fael, his eyes mirrored the same longing.

She quickly found what she needed, paying for the camp’s supplies with the pouch Esrin had given her.Then, she searched for the herb for her owntea.

The apothecary, a cheerful older man, raised his brows.“That one’s out of season,” he remarked as he handed her the jar.“What are you making?”

A chance to talk about plants!Ren’wyn couldn’t help lifting onto her toes in excitement.

The apothecary nodded thoughtfully.“I’ve got something that might work even better.Fewer ingredients.One of them’s a bit unusual.”He reached for another jar and set it beforeher.

Ren’wyn opened it, inhaling deeply.The scent was rich and herbal—complex but soothing.A delighted smile broke across herface.

“Well?”the apothecary asked.

“I’ll take it,” she said with agrin.

They bought both herbs, and Ren’wyn made a note to try the new tonic this month.

Their next stop was for clothes.

Fael desperately needed new pants—one pair was caked with dirt and beyond saving, and the other was torn at theknee.

The seamstress measured him, clicking her tongue, then returned with a few pairs in hissize.

Ren’wyn decided she wanted a dress in the Territory style for Riva and Anduan, along with two new pairs of leggings and tunics.When the seamstress measured her, she grimaced.

“I don’t have anything in your size,” she admitted, “but I can alter a few pieces in the back.They’ll be ready by morning.”

Ren’wyn smiled—not because of the dresses but from the prospect of staying overnight.

“Morning works for us,” she said easily.“My husband and I will be backthen.”

Oddly enough, referring to Fael as her husband made the shopkeeper visibly relax.

After their fitting, they wandered the streets of the charming little town.The red-brick buildings had tiled roofs, and dark-haired, dark-eyed people moved among the shops and stalls, dressed in brightly colored clothing.

They passed a tea shop where a woman near the door beckoned them inside.

The shop was small but cozy, filled with wrought-iron tables and wire-backed chairs.They took a seat across from one another and ordered a pot oftea.

It arrived steaming, along with two porcelain cups, a small pitcher of cream, and a dish of sugar cubes.Fael requested two pastries from the display in the front window.

The tea was rich and hot, and the pastries melted on Ren’wyn’s tongue, sweet with honey and cinnamon.She leaned back in her chair, sighing in satisfaction at the simple pleasure of good food and company.

“I’m glad new clothes make you so happy,” Fael said, amusement softening his features.“I usually think of fittings as a nuisance—but at least one of us enjoys it.”

Ren’wyn snickered and leaned forward, throwing caution to thewind.

“I do love new dresses,” she said huskily.“But if you think I didn’t hope for clothes to be altered overnight just to get you to fulfill your promise at the inn down the road—then you don’t know me verywell.”

Fael’s eyes darkened with recognition, his pupils dilating with desire.She watched his breathing quicken, his hands gripping the edge of the table.

“If you hadn’t asked for extra alterations,” he murmured, his voice low, “I would have.I’m a man of my promises, afterall.”

The waitress returned, smiling.“Anythingelse?”