Page 74 of The Witch's Spell
Those two getting along will be a gift to Aurora in and of itself.
A bolt of fear goes up my spine.
Gifts!
With everything going on, I completely forgot about gifts for Yule.
Aurora has been a bit secretive lately, hurriedly stowing baskets in closets and moving things around when she thinks no one is looking, so I’m quite certain she has plans to gift us all something for the holiday. But I’ve not gotten anything for anyone.
Yule is just around the corner now, so I’d better hurry up if I want time to pick something out. Thankfully, now that the fog is gone, Harry was able to resume his mail route, and he showed up bright and early this morning with my pay from the castle.
It’ll be more than enough to buy something nice for Aurora.
But what to buy?
A trio of shoppers bustle around us, wanting to get into the mercantile, and we bid goodbye to Lydia as she moves to hold the door open for them, then continue on our way.
The sun is out today, and even though the air is cold, it feels wonderful to tip my head back and feel the light on my face. We’ve still a long winter ahead, but after Yule, the days will start getting longer, and from there, every day will be a step toward spring and flowers and seeing Aurora in the garden.
And a step toward meeting our child.
Ever since speaking with Aurora and telling her of my fears, I’ve found myself feeling less scared about our child’sarrival and more excited. Knowing she’s afraid too helps. I don’t feel so alone now.
Not that I ever was alone. I’ve got more support around me now than I ever have. And our child will as well.
We stop in the market square, where Tom has set up a little stand and is selling warm spiced pumpkin-apple cider. He’s got a line of villagers waiting, and we join in, not at all perturbed by the wait.
It just feels so good to know the fog is gone. The claustrophobia it caused has gone from my chest, and even the air smells sweeter.
But that could just be the cider.
When it’s our turn at the front of the line, I pay for three spiced ciders, then throw in an extra eldertoken for Tom—Yuletide spirit and all that.
“Can we sit down?” Aurora asks, pointing to one of the wooden benches at the edge of the square. “My back is killing me.”
Alden and I nod, and we head for the bench. Aurora sits down with a relieved sigh.
We’re less than two months out from the baby’s birth at this point. It’s a bit hard to believe she’ll get bigger than she already is, but I can’t say I’m not looking forward to it.
Pregnancy has made Aurora even more beautiful, pink stretch marks and all.
“Much better,” she says, then takes a sip of cider. But when her eyes flick up to us, then past me to something in the distance, the color drains from her face.
“What is it?” I ask.
Her mouth moves, but no sound comes out. I’m about to turn around when Aurora reaches out and grabs the long sleeve of my thick winter tunic, holding my attention.
“Rowan, I’msosorry. I meant to tell you earlier, but then the fog happened, and I was so distracted by everything... and... well, they’re early.” Her brow furrows with concern, and she bites her lower lip.
But I have no idea what she’s talking about.
Holding my cider in one hand, I turn and look over my shoulder, sweeping the meandering crowd for someone, though I’m not sure who.
Until my eyes find them.
And my body turns to stone.
It’s a small miracle I don’t drop the mug of cider from my hand.
