Page 20 of Mountains of Mist and Magic

Even though Cressida was a prisoner in the Snow Lands, the aftermath of her deeds continued.

“Selenia?” Sion's voice echoed down the passage and into the chamber.

“I'm coming,” she yelled back, wiping the tears from her eyes. She looked around the cave, the place where the Murcurial had lived her sad life. Selenia's sun hat rested on one of the stacks of rocks, right near the creature's bed of furs. It was in a place of honor in the cave, and despite the haggard appearance of the Murcurial, the hat was in pristine condition. Fighting back another sob, she placed it on top of the Murcurial, and then undid the clasp on her own cape. Selenia laid the fine wool garment over the body, tucking it carefully around the creature, trying to cover the blood. With a final prayer, she turned and began to crawl out of the cave.

Chapter Eleven

Esmeralda sat as close as she could to the fireplace, yet still shivered. No matter how many layers of clothing she put on, or how near she sat to the many fireplaces in the lodge, she was always cold. As much as she wanted to be around Phillippe, she did, at times, miss her ancestral lands. She missed her room, the place where she could retreat and find comfort. She longed for the beaches and ached to swim in the ocean and explore the tide pools.

But she was grateful for the protection of Phillippe and his family, and happy to spend more time getting to know Phillippe. And she was thankful for Renya, who had become like a sister to her.

“Did you enjoy the island?”

Renya looked up from her crimling tea, eyes mischievous. “To be honest, we didn't really leave the treehouse.”

Esmeralda's laugh filled every corner of the library. “I'd like to pretend to be shocked, but I've seen the intensity in which Grayden looks at you.”

Renya sat her cup down. “It's that obvious, huh?”

Esmeralda just grinned. “It's a good thing, Renya. I'm glad you've found such a good partner.”

“Speaking of partners, what is going on between you and my brother-in-law?”

It was Esmeralda's turn to blush. “Not much—I mean, some things, but—”

Renya put her hand up, trying to spare Esmeralda any further embarrassment. “All I want to know is if he is behaving himself.”

Esmeralda smiled shyly and stirred her tea, trying to keep her nervous fingers busy. “He is. Very much so. So much that sometimes I wonder if he's not taking our courtship seriously.”

Renya frowned. “From what I know about Phillippe, he has quite the reputation with women. To be honest, I think it's good that he's treating you with care and caution.”

“Really?”

“Yes. I think it shows growth and maturity. But if you tell him I said that I will deny it from here to the Sun Realm.”

Esmeralda smiled, thankful once again for Renya. “What are you going to do about the Sun Realm? Phillippe mentioned that you won't be staying here?”

“As much as I want to live in the Snow Lands, I'm needed there. My father—it still seems so odd to say that—wants to teach me and to help me understand the kingdom. He's getting older, and I know living in the human realm and his constant use of powerful magic has weakened him considerably. Not only that, but my magic is stronger in the Sun Realm. It's a better place to train.”

“And?”

Renya raised her eyes in surprise. “How do you know there's an 'and?'“

“There always is, Renya.”

“And...I'm pregnant.”

For just a split second, Esmeralda felt the cruel seed of jealousy land in her stomach and try to sprout. But she swallowed it down and dismissed it instantly. “That's such great news, Renya! I would say that it's shocking news, but given all of the surprises that have come out of your relationship with Grayden, a baby born so soon isn't even on the list.”

Renya patted her tummy. “I'm nervous and excited. But now that I'm going to be a mother, I want my child to know where they come from. I didn't get that growing up, and I don't want my baby to ever feel that way.”

Esmeralda sipped her tea, feeling the warmth hit her throat and soothe her insides. “That makes complete sense. What does your aunt say?”

Renya grimaced. “I haven't told her yet. I know she'll be fine with it since she was fine with me being fated to Grayden, but I just...it's not the conversation I want to have with her right now. She hinted before we left for our honeymoon that she wants me to help her in the Shadow Realm—but that's not—I just don't feel connected there.”

“You need to tell her, though. I'm assuming Phillippe knows, and the more people who know—”

“Yes, you're right. But maybe I'll make Grayden tell her.” Renya winked, and then a smile appeared on her face.

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