Page 9 of The Dark Mage

Esrin’s eyes widened, a satisfied smile spreading across his face. He pulled her closer, kissing her hair. Wrapped in the warmth of his embrace, Ren’wyn drifted into a peaceful sleep, secure in the knowledge of his love.

In the morning, Esrin pulled Ren’wyn into the shower.

Her body ached slightly, though not unpleasantly, and she had bled.

Before they got in, he called for breakfast, and by the time they were dried and dressed, the table was set.

Ren’wyn flushed, thinking of the assumptions likely drawn by the servants.

Esrin waved a dismissive hand at her embarrass ment.

“They’ve seen and heard worse, I’m sure,” he said, sitting down to a spread of eggs, toast, and co ffee.

She was ravenous. She piled food onto her plate and filled her coffee cup.

Esrin smiled knowingly as she tucked in, his plate just as full.

They ate quietly, soothed by the tap of cold rain against the windows and the warmth of the fire in the hearth.

Esrin’s gaze wandered to the window, his expression hard and dis tant.

“What are you thinking?” she asked cautio usly.

He turned back to her, his eyes filled with a mix of anger and sadness. Setting his coffee down, he bit his lip as if weighing his w ords.

“I’m going to offer for you,” he said finally. “I am an extremely advantageous match, Ren’wyn. Your family would gain significant standing if allied with mine. You would rule by my side in Ishvaen, next to a queen as my wife.”

Stunned silence followed. Esrin’s face was alight with hope.

The idea was entirely to her benefit—yet she couldn’t help but see the difficulties.

He would be taking a wife from a lower station.

Life in the bustling, noisy city of Ishvaen wasn’t suited to her quiet nature.

As her thoughts spiraled, she clenched her fingers tightly against the table’s edge, the wood creaking under her grip.

And yet… she could run his household well. She would be safe. Esrin would move heaven and earth to ensure her comfort. His family would welcome her. The chance to be settled, bear his children, and live a happy life bloomed before her like a fl ower.

“Say yes,” he urged, leaning toward her. “Say yes, and let me save you. Let me love you and care for you. I can’t stand to watch you break a little more each day, Ren’wyn. Say yes, and let me make love to you for the rest of our l ives.”

A smirk accompanied that last statement, a small attempt to lighten the gravity of his req uest.

“Yes,” she whispered. Reaching across the table, she took his hands. For the first time, she saw tears glimmer in his eyes. He gripped her hands tightly, as though holding on to life it self.

Then, he stood, walked around the table, and knelt before her.

“I, Esrin Rivelt of Ishvaen, do solemnly and formally request you, Ren’wyn Envaenen, to be my wife and rule with me in Ish vaen.”

“I accept,” she replied with a smile. He rested his head in her lap, wrapping his arms around her w aist.

“I’ll make the arrangements, notify my parents, and draw up the paperwork.

My retinue will travel home with you for the summer and present the offer in proper Terrepinian custom.

Once your father signs the papers, they will escort you to Ishvaen, with your parents following shortly after.

We’ll marry as soon as you arrive in a formal ceremony and hold a grand reception a month l ater.

“It’s customary for couples to marry quickly after signing the papers,” he added with a mischievous grin. “Prevents what we’ve already done.”

Ren’wyn blushed, but his joy was contag ious.

“We are promised to each other now, Ren’wyn. I will protect you, and you will be loyal t o me.”

It was happening—this was happening! The future felt dazzlingly bright as Esrin’s head returned to her lap. He was her future now, and she was his in every sense of the word.

Back in her dorm room before lunch, Ren’wyn closed the door softly, careful not to disturb Peria, who might still be slee ping.

“Where the hell have you been?” Peria croaked from bed. “Did you stay out all night? Get caught up playing that stupid strategy game?”

Her groggy eyes focused, then widened. Sitting up abruptly, she ga sped.

“You slept with him?” she squealed, clapping her hands delightedly. “Was it good? Oh, it was your first time! Are you okay? Do you need anyt hing?”

Ren’wyn couldn’t help but smile. Only Peria—so caring even while sick—would ask such quest ions.

“I’m fine,” Ren’wyn assured her, climbing under the covers next to Peria. Her smile grew sly. “Better than fine, actu ally.”

Peria laughed wickedly. “So it suits you, then. Esrin must be good.”

“He is,” Ren’wyn laughed, then sobered. “He’s also formally asked me to marry him. He’s writing the letters today to arrange everything. His retinue will accompany me home to make the offer, and then I’ll join him in Ish vaen.”

Her voice softened. “I can barely hope, Peria. I’ve lived so long in darkness. Esrin is going to free me. For the first time, I’m looking forward with hope.”

Peria was quiet for a long moment. Then she said softly, “I’m glad, Ren. I want you to be happy. Just… don’t forget to invite me to the party, okay? And I expect a few eligible men to choose from while I’m visi ting.”

Her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes, and Ren’wyn wondered what thoughts lingered behind her friend’s silence as they lay together, Ren’wyn recounting the events of the n ight.

Spring arrived in full bloom. Frogs croaked in the ponds, wildflowers painted the fields, and warm breezes swept gently over campus.

Druids practiced their craft in the open, bending wind and rain to their will.

The berserkers, undeterred by the seasons, returned from their obstacle courses muddied but determ ined.

Esrin and Ren’wyn walked regularly through the woods, his voice weaving vivid descriptions of Ishvaen, its coastal beauty, and the sprawling estates his family owned.

He spoke of Terrepin’s governing representatives, its districts, and the country’s exports.

Ren’wyn soaked in his knowledge, grateful he would be there to guide her through her new life.

Nights were split between Peria and Esrin.

With Esrin, she learned how to please him, their connection deepening with every shared moment.

Spring recess took them to his family’s cabin, where they basked in the sun and boated on the lake.

Weekends brought lavish parties, and when Ren’wyn tired of the crowds, she found comfort in Esrin’s embrace, standing proudly at his side.

The end of the semester came too quickly. Ren’wyn earned her title as a trained dark mage, but her thoughts were consumed by the uncertain future. Hope for Esrin’s proposal and fear of her father’s reaction warred within her.

On the final night, she held Peria and Esrin tightly, cherishing their last moments together. In Esrin’s apartment, they shared wine and their favorite memories, the bonds they had forged glowing brightly against the backdrop of an uncertain tomo rrow.