Page 35 of Mountains of Mist and Magic

It made him want to rush out of the lodge right that second and ride straight through until he hit the Sun Realm, and then read every single book in their stores until he found the answers they needed. But instead, he looked around Selenia's room, and watched her once again pack up her belongings. It made him sad, in a way, to know that her adulthood so far had been nothing but difficult journeys and loss. That was no way for anyone to live.

Sion looked on as she packed more practical clothes, thick mittens and dark and warm fabrics. Then simple, thin garments for the Sun Realm. No jewelry. Selenia used to love jewelry, loved to get dressed up. But now she dressed practically, no longer a naive girl but a woman. A woman who understood the reality of their world.

An idea struck him at that moment.

“Selenia, I'm going to go grab a few last-minute things from my room,” he said, giving her a quick peck on the cheek. “I'll be back in a little while to say goodnight.”

“Fine,” she said absentmindedly, as she continued to fill her trunk.

Sion left her quarters, but he didn't head towards his own room. Instead, he moved quickly down the hall and around the corner to Grayden and Renya's room. He knocked on the door quietly, with no response. He knocked louder, and then heard a commotion on the other side of the door.

“Quick, hand me my pants.” Sion could just make out Grayden's words through the door, and he rolled his eyes, now knowing more than he wanted to about his friend's evening activities.

Grayden opened the door, shirtless, with his hair wild and sticking up at odd places.

“What?” he barked.

Sion chortled. “I need a favor if you can pull yourself away from your mate long enough to assist me.”

Grayden grumbled a bit and then disappeared back into his room. A few minutes later he came out fully dressed. He moved into the hall, and then shut the door behind him.

“What is it?”

Sion looked around the hall. It was deserted, but he didn't feel comfortable discussing what he wanted to ask Grayden in the hall.

“Can we go to your office?”

He thought Grayden would whine, but instead he just led Sion down the stairs and to his study.

The two men entered the room, and Grayden immediately pulled out some fireale from a shelf and two glasses. He filled both glasses to the brim, and then sat behind his desk, pushing the other glass towards Sion.

“What's this for?”

Grayden grunted. “Lately, anytime anyone asks me for something, I find that I need a good, stiff drink afterwards.”

Sion didn't say anything, but took a drink of the fireale, letting it warm his insides. He didn't care why Grayden needed the drink, but he was glad for it. The alcohol helped to steady his nerves and increased his confidence a bit.

“Out with it, Sion.”

Sion rubbed the rim of the glass, wishing he had a few more minutes to let the alcohol take full effect. But finally, he blurted out what was on his mind.

“Grayden—I want—I need—”

Grayden raised his eyebrows.

“I've come to ask your permission to marry Selenia.”

It wasn't exactly shock that hit Grayden's face, but more like surprise followed quickly by understanding.

“I see.”

“I know she's your sister, and you didn't find out about our relationship under the best circumstances—”

“Of course I give my permission.”

Sion's jaw dropped slightly before he closed it. He had expected to grovel, to prove his worth for her.

“Don't look so surprised, Sion. You're like a brother to me. And you're fated. Of course you should be married. And if rumors are to be believed—” Grayden gave him a bit of a stern look— “You've already been taking certain liberties with my sister.”

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