Page 16 of Mountains of Mist and Magic

“No.”

This time, Grayden didn't even bother to hide his surprise. Phillippe watched his mouth drop.

“I can show restraint, you know.”

Grayden practically roared with laughter. “You're kidding me. You've slept with pretty much every single girl in the village. Rarely ever more than once.”

“I stayed clear of anyone you had been with.”

“There was no one before Renya.”

“That's not true, there—”

Grayden growled slightly. “I remember no one before my Renya.”

This time, Phillippe laughed. “Whatever you say, Brother.”

“Trust me, Phillippe. If Esmeralda is the woman for you, you won't remember anyone else either. You'll just think of her sweet face, the way she kisses you, how good she feels when—”

“Okay, that's enough of that. You better go find your mate.”

Grayden shifted uncomfortably in his chair before giving him a sly grin.

“I think you're right.”

Phillippe left Grayden's office, his head spinning. He had roughly six months to learn everything he could in order to take over as ruler of the Snow lands. His brother wanted to be with Renya in the Sun Realm for the baby's birth, but promised to stay until then.

A knot formed in Phillippe's stomach as he contemplated his new future, but there was one person he knew would be happy. Looking forward to seeing the pleasure on her face, he went up to the guest wing to seek her out.

Esmeralda had been staying with them since the wedding. Triston wanted to see the winter encampment, and then visit the Twilight Kingdom to help with their rebuilding efforts. He left Esmeralda in the protection of the Snowden Lodge, knowing she'd be safe there.

Phillippe found her door and knocked gently. Everything he did with Esmeralda was gentle. He was a large man, strong and tough. Yet, he strived to treat her the way she deserved to be treated.

Like a precious, delicate petal.

Esmeralda opened the door, her cheeks flushed from sitting too near the fire. He knew she was cold here, not used to the extreme weather. But he loved nothing more than to pull her shivering body against his, and warm her whenever he could.

“Do you have a second?” he asked politely.

“Of course. Do you want to go for a walk?”

Phillippe glanced outside at the window. The snow was starting to thicken, and he knew Esmeralda would be uncomfortable. “No, I'd rather stay inside, in your room.”

Color rose in her cheeks, her eyes widening slightly.

“I mean, to talk.”

“Oh, okay,” she responded, and he thought he detected disappointment in her tone. She moved aside and he entered her borrowed bedchamber.

The fire was roaring, and some parchment sat on the desk, along with a quill.

“Are you writing to someone?”

“Renya. I wanted to see how her honeymoon was going. I know she probably won't have time to answer, but I wanted her to know I was thinking of her.”

“Oh, you haven't heard? Renya and Grayden are back.”

“They are? Oh, that's wonderful news! I've been longing to see Renya!” She crossed the room and sat on the edge of the bed. Phillippe looked at the end of the bed longingly but sat behind the desk. The chair nearest the fire would be way too hot for him to handle, and he didn't want to sit with Esmeralda on the bed. The temptation to take her then and there would be much too great.

---