Page 46 of Mountains of Mist and Magic

“Yes, Sion,” she whispered, the tears now streaming down her cheeks. “Yes, I will be your wife.” She threw her arms around him, holding him close as if she never wanted to let him go. In that moment, amidst the tranquil beauty of the oasis, she knew that their bond was a force stronger than fate itself, a bond that would carry them through all the trials and tribulations that lay ahead.

Selenia ran along the corridor, her heart thumping in excitement. Her ruby ring twisted on her finger, a little bit too big. But she didn't care. They'd get it fixed when they returned to the Snow Lands. She didn't recognize the ring, but Sion had told her it belonged to her mother. She had then realized that Grayden must have put it away for this occasion, and it made her love her brother even more. He might be boring, but he was thoughtful and sentimental as well.

She finally made it to the guest room that Renya and Grayden were staying in. She tapped her knuckles on the door, and Renya's voice answered.

“Come in.”

Selenia bounded into the room. Renya was alone, sitting at a desk with a stack of parchment in front of her. Selenia wanted to rub her eyes and look again; she was sure she was mistaken. Sitting behind a desk and looking exhausted was what her brother usually did.

“I guess it's true, couples who live together do start to look alike.”

Renya looked up, her brow wrinkled, and her hair messed, as if she'd been running her fingers through it. Just like Grayden always did.

“Oh, Selenia, sorry. I thought you were Libera.”

“That witch?”

“Witch?” Renya bit her bottom lip in confusion.

“She left us trapped in the library when we first came to the Sun Realm.”

“Ahhhh...well, that makes sense. She told me she'd murder me if I got so much as a drop of ink on these scrolls.”

Selenia wanted to ask Renya what the papers were, but that would have to wait. Instead, she thrust her finger out towards Renya, the sparkling gem radiant in the sun streaming in through the windows.

Renya immediately rose from the desk and darted over to Selenia, grabbing her hand to admire the ring. “Oh Selenia, I'm so happy for you.” Renya pulled her into a tight embrace, and Selenia's heart soared, so glad to have a true sister in Renya.

“When did it happen?”

“About an hour ago...we were having a picnic at the oasis near the outskirts of the city.”

“How lovely.”

Selenia frowned. “You don't seem all that surprised—did my brother tell you?”

Renya looked sheepish. “He didn't exactly tell me, but...our mating bond often allows us glimpses into each other's thoughts...which makes secret keeping difficult. But I am still so thrilled for you!”

“Thanks! But speaking of secrets...” Selenia looked at Renya, a knowing grin pulling at the corner of her lips.

“What?”

“You know what...”

Renya put her hands sheepishly over her belly. “I was going to tell you! I just told my aunt last night.”

“How did that go?” Selenia asked.

“It was fine. She is slowly warming to Grayden, thank goodness. She also told me that her and Tumwalt are…an item.”

Selenia mimicked vomiting. “That’s enough of that. I can’t imagine Tumwalt loving something other than himself and the Snow Lands…but back to you! How far along are you?”

“About three months, I'd wager.”

Selenia's mouth dropped. “Great heavens, that happened fast! Fae children are so rare these days, and yet you got pregnant so quickly!”

“I was surprised too,” Renya replied. “With the generations and families dying out, I just never really thought about it as a possibility.”

“How is Grayden taking it?”

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