Page 56 of When the Merchant Met the Orc

She puts a hand on each side of my face and smiles. “I love you, Halvard. I will always love you.”

“Your eyes are starlight, and I’m the luckiest male in the world for winning that golden heart of yours. I love you, my perfect mate, forever and ever.”

The Nocturne wind gusts, stirring red, gold, and brown leaves into a column around us. I kiss my Rychell until the sun’s first rays pierce the night like my mate’s joy has lightened the dark places in my heart.

Epilogue: Rychell

Nate bursts from the front doors of Ivydowns, nearly mowing down two orc lasses and a wolf shifter who transforms due to being startled.

I crouch and open my arms to catch Nate. He flings himself at me and hugs my neck tightly.

“I love this school, Ma! Can I write a letter to Master Osric to thank him today?”

“Can you?”

Nate leans back to glare at me. “May I?” he grumbles.

“Sorry, but you need to learn proper grammar.”

“Let’s go to the pub and see Halvard!”

“Exactly what I was thinking.”

At The Gold Coin,Cyrus and Halvard’s pub, the dragon shifter is at the bar pouring out pints for tourists and locals alike. It’s late in the afternoon and the perfect time of day for a refreshing drink. A wheat wreath hangs above the hearth where a fire snaps and flickers. The staff are already starting to switch the decorations from autumn into some that celebrate Snowlight—swags of red and green wool tied up with starholly branches. Thered, star-shaped berries release clouds of golden magic, infusing the room with their peppermint scent. The holiday always sneaks up on me.

Cyrus greets us and then disappears into the kitchen. He returns with Halvard. They laugh about something, and Halvard’s copper eyes twinkle as he meets my gaze. My heart trips over a beat, and I wonder if I’ll ever get used to being his mate. I am ridiculously grateful.

Nate hops onto a barstool while Halvard draws me close and kisses me soundly.

“Ew! I’m right here.” Nate makes a terrible face and turns toward Cyrus. “You don’t kiss Mistress Kaya like that, do you?”

“Don’t ask questions you don’t want the answers to, lad,” Cyrus says, giving Nate a small crockery cup of simple cider.

Nate rolls his eyes and drinks his cider. He spins on his stool and launches himself at Halvard. My mate catches him neatly and gives him a peck on the forehead. Nate wiggles out of Halvard’s hold and runs to the crackling fire where Laini’s pet dragonfox, Spark, and his mate are tending to their young on a folded woolen blanket. The kits will be old enough to be on their own very soon. Their pelts are a blend of Spark’s orange fur and green scales and his mate’s snowy colors.

Cyrus pours out two meads for Halvard and me, then he lifts his mug to the room of humans, goblins, orcs, pixies, fairies, and shifters. “Let’s toast the newlyweds!”

All eyes find Halvard and me. Halvard grabs the mead and hands one to me. We raise our drinks as everyone cheers.

The mead is sweet and cool. Just right. I lean into Halvard and whisper, “Why did I ever believe limiting my relationships would lead to happiness? This is joy itself, here with you, my mate.”

Halvard’s arm wraps tightly around me, and he sets his head against mine. “I hope you’re still saying that when I tell you the news.”

“What news?”

“Magnus and Aila are moving to Leafshire Cove. Talk about chaos…”

I laugh, my heart lifting. “That’s wonderful! Nate will get to know his cousins.”

“They bought the Acorn Inn and are bringing Aila’s stepsister, Colette, to help them run it. She’s human like you.”

I am about to ask about her when the pub door swings open to show the vampire we met in Honey Sands.

We greet him with a wave, and he strides over, an eyebrow raised like he is trying to decide if coming here was a good idea.

“Greetings, Archer,” Halvard says. “What brings you to Leafshire Cove?”

“Your library is holding a book fair and my publisher decided I needed to attend and shill my wares.”