Page 101 of Mountains of Mist and Magic

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.

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