Page 45 of Mountains of Mist and Magic

Triston nodded, his jaw clenched. “I won't let my desire cloud my judgment,” he vowed, his voice firm. “We'll get to the Sun Realm, break the bond, and things will be better.”

She nodded, but then turned her head, trying not to let him see the disappointment in her face.

Chapter Twenty-Two

“Are you sure we have time for such a frivolity?” Selenia asked, looking up at Sion.

“It pains my heart to hear you say that, Little Fox. You used to long for nothing but silliness and revelry. I'm afraid that soon you'll be an old codger like me.”

She smiled. “You were born an old codger, Sion. Just like Grayden.”

He pulled her in and gave her a peck on the cheek. “I promise, this is much needed. Renya is stuck in the library with Cressida and Cyrus, Grayden is off crossing blades with Phillippe, and I'm sure Esmeralda is there, cheering Phillippe on. No one will miss us.”

“If you're sure...”

“I am. Besides, we're just going to have a meal together. We must eat anyway.” He motioned to the picnic basket he had put up on his horse. “Should we ride together? It's not far.”

“That sounds fine,” she said, watching him hoist himself up on the horse. He helped to pull her up, and once they were settled in the saddle, they left the courtyard and headed into the city.

“I saw you talking to Phillippe earlier. What bee does he have in his bonnet?”

Sion exhaled. “He loves Esmeralda—but he's so terrified. He doesn't want to hurt her, but by taking things slowly with her, he thinks she's confused about his intentions.”

“I know she loves him—perhaps I could—”

“I know you want to help, Selenia. But they need to figure things out on their own. Phillippe needs to tell her or show her how he feels. It's not up to you.”

They rode in silence for the next few minutes, and Selenia tried to think of a way to help the couple without directly interfering, but she couldn't think of anything.

They entered the town, and the hustle and bustle of people going about their everyday lives shocked her slightly. It was a bit of normality she hadn't seen for a while.

“The city is heavily populated, Sion. Where do you think you're going to find a spot for a picnic?”

He stayed silent, continuing on. Selenia looked at the houses and shops as the horse trotted through the main street. It was so full of life. When they approached the outer limits of the city, Selenia smiled, instantly knowing where Sion was taking her.

“I know this spot.”

“You do?”

“Yes,” she said, hugging him tight. “This is where we entered the kingdom, before the cloaking spell was broken.”

Sion stopped the horse and helped Selenia down. He grabbed the picnic basket, and spread out a blanket near the small lake, under the shelter of a tree.

The air was warm, filled with the gentle rustle of palm leaves and the soft murmur of flowing water. The oasis sprawled before the two like a painting of serenity, the golden sunlight dancing on the water's surface, casting ripples of light across the tranquil scene.

Selenia noticed Sion's eyes held a nervous intensity as he sat beside her on the soft blanket, his hand fidgeting with something in his cloak. Selenia's heart fluttered with anticipation, a sense of something monumental hanging in the air like the scent of jasmine on the breeze.

“Selenia,” Sion began, his voice soft but filled with determination, “there's something I need to ask you.”

Selenia turned towards him, her heart pounding in her chest, a thousand questions swirling in her mind. “What is it, Sion?” she asked, trying to keep her voice steady despite the rising tide of emotions within her.

With a deep breath, Sion reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box. Selenia's breath caught in her throat as he opened it, revealing a delicate ring with a shimmering ruby.

“Selenia,” Sion said, his eyes never leaving hers, “You are the light that guides me through the darkest of nights; you are the only reason I'm still alive, and your love is the only thing that has made my past bearable.”

Tears pricked at the corners of Selenia's eyes, and her whole body seemed to shudder with emotion.

“I may not fully feel the bond that connects us,” Sion continued, “but I know in my heart that it is real, and that it is stronger than anything I have ever known.”

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