Page 67 of A Storm of Fire and Ice

“She doesn’t need me anymore,” he said with a rueful chuckle. “My little sister’s all grown up now.”

“Hey, she’ll always need her big brother,” I assured him. “She’ll visit us, and we can visit the Storm Castle anytime.”

Fannar just shook his head, smiling sadly. “You’re right. I’m being silly . . .”

I stopped, turning him gently to face me. “It’s a big deal. I love that you care so much about her.”

Cupping his cheek, I drew him down until our foreheads touched. We stood that way in silence until Fannar’s taut frame relaxed.

“Helenaaaa!” Too soon, the tender moment was broken by an ear-piercing squeal.

I whirled around just in time for the source of the noise to crash into me. “Iris?!”

“Helena!” My roommate shrieked again as she rushed in for a hug with her boyfriend, Guiden, trailing behind her. “Oops, is it Helia now?”

“Helena is fine,” I said, laughing and shaking my head.

“My gods, you look so gorgeous!”

“How are you here?”

“Fannar invited us!”

My eyes darted to Fannar, who already seemed a little cheerier at the sight of our friends from the academy.

“Surprise.” Fannar flashed a coy smile at me.

“Oh, my God!” I exclaimed, clutching Iris’s hands in mine.

“Everyone is so pretty! I’ve never been to a royal wedding before!” Iris shrieked as we both bounced up and down with delight.

Beside us, Guiden gave Fannar a hearty pat on the back. “I hope your spring break hasn’t been as exciting as your winter break, my friend. No rogue Cosmic Enchanted trying to take over the world?”

“Fortunately not.” Fannar chuckled lightly. “Just helping Gwyneira with the wedding preparations.”

“It’s unbelievable that your sister’s wedding brought guests from every kingdom.” Guiden’s eyes widened in awe as he took in the scene. “This is amazing!”

“It’s all amazing!” Iris exclaimed. “You’reall amazing, but”—she cut herself off and squealed in excitement again—“I can’t wait to see the inside of the Storm Castle!”

Guiden rolled his eyes with a little smirk. I laughed. The historic peaceful representation of every kingdom of the Enchanted Realm in one place was nothing compared to a party in a castle in Iris’s eyes.

“Let’s go!” Iris grabbed my hand and started running.

“Iris!” Guiden called.

“Hey!” Fannar shouted.

She dragged me behind her as she sprinted. All I could do was laugh and wave at the boys’ dumbfounded faces as they realized they would need to chase us. Iris and I cackled as we pelted down the courtyard, full of energy, in our kitten heels.

Ready to party.

The castle had been lavishly transformed for the reception. Music floated through the opulent halls as we arrived. The air carried the fragrance of white flowers that adorned the Grand Hall, intermingling with the sweet scent of the Storm Castle’s cherry wood carvings. Iris immediately dragged me gleefully onto the dance floor before most guests had even entered. We claimed it as our own, twirling deliriously beneath the sparkling lights long after others drifted away.

Gwyneira and Brontes moved gracefully across the marble floor of the Grand Hall, sharing their first dance together. She was an ethereal vision. Her gown sparkled like a million stars in the night sky with its soft, shimmering illumination. I never managed a private word with Brontes or Gwyneira, as the newlyweds constantly found themselves mobbed by well-wishers. But Fannar stole a treasured moment with his radiant sister while I shouted my congratulations over the crowd surrounding the couple.

When Iris allowed us to take a break from dancing, we indulged in an exquisite mix of unique culinary specialties. We devoured the savory flavors of the Storm Kingdom, such as steaming slabs of honey-basted beef ribs, succulent roasted birds, and mulled cider. Then, we delighted in sweet delicacies from the Ice Kingdom, like crystallized frost-berry treats, colorful marzipan fruits, and ice wine.

The wedding cake itself was a spectacular marvel, crafted by Gwyneira’s friend Maisol as a precise replica of the Storm Castle. Each tower was expertly sculpted and piped with swirls of buttercream frosting to perfection. Edible gold dust gave the walls a soft shimmer that glint in the light. Adorable fondant figures of Gwyneira and Brontes stood proudly atop the castle, complete with diamond-like sparkles reflecting from their eyes.

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