Page 47 of Mountains of Mist and Magic

“That's the thing—Grayden meant to talk about it with you, but so much has happened since we came back from our honeymoon, but...”

“What?” Selenia asked, fearfully. Renya's tone set her on edge immediately.

“Grayden and I are going to be moving here permanently.”

Selenia's heart constricted. “You're going to raise the baby away from the Snow Lands?”

Renya looked pained, as if the choice wasn't ideal for her either. “I don't want to, Selenia, but I don't have a choice. My father's most trusted advisor died a few years ago, and until he returned the Sun Realm didn't have anyone to look after it. But my father—his health isn't great, and he's feeling his magic fade as the days go by. He needs help ruling this realm, and it's...my birthright.”

“I understand...I do. I'm just...sad.”

“I'm sad too. I love the Snow Lands. But we won't be strangers to each other. With Beauty, travel between the kingdoms is much easier.”

“That's true...but Sion might need some more convincing before he climbs up on another dragon,” she said, laughing.

Renya joined in. “He looked like he was going to be ill.”

“I think he was close,” Selenia agreed.

“I'm glad you have each other, though. Regardless of what happens with the magic—you're bound together in one way at least. Just as it should be.”

Selenia nodded, her heart still light, even though Renya's revelation stole a bit of the joy. When she thought of the future, she had imagined them all together at the lodge, eating side-by-side every night...like a real family.

The realization of this change in their future plans made Selenia pause. She considered the implications for a moment before asking, “Wait, who is going to rule the Snow Lands?”

“Phillippe. He wasn't thrilled but understood where Grayden was coming from. I'm afraid that will ultimately mean more work for Sion, and he'll probably be needed in the winter encampment several months a year.” Renya chewed on her bottom lip again, and Selenia knew she felt guilty.

“It's okay, Renya. I'll follow him wherever Fate takes him.”

“I feel sorry that Grayden has to follow me...”

Before Selenia could respond, the door to the room opened and Grayden walked in.

“You're sorry I have to do what, Little Fawn?” He came up behind Renya and hugged her, his hands moving to her shoulders.

“I just feel bad about leaving the Snow Lands.”

“Ah, so you've told her then. So, she knows about this too?” He reached down and gently cupped her belly with his massive hands.

“Yes, I did. Congrats. But I knew already.”

“Wait, who told you?” Renya asked. “I swear, I’m going to kill that evil bitc—”

“No one. I could sense that you had...a different trace of magic in you. I suspected it before you left for your honeymoon.”

“It would have been nice of you to tell me,” Renya joked. “I still wasn't quite sure at that point.”

Selenia just laughed. “Next time, just ask me. But...since I can sense my little niece or nephew in there, it means the babe will have magic.”

Grayden's eyebrows furrowed a bit as he considered her words. “You're right, Selenia. Not that it really makes a difference to me. But it's good to have the information.”

“I can barely deal with my powers, now I have to worry about having a child with magic?” Renya groaned.

Grayden nipped her ear playfully. “You're getting better and better with your magic each passing day. I am always in awe of you, my Little Fawn.”

Selenia pretended to gag. “I think that's my cue to leave.”

Chapter Twenty-Three

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