Page 12 of The Dark Mage
“Yes,” she whispered.Reaching across the table, she took his hands.For the first time, she saw tears glimmer in his eyes.He gripped her hands tightly, as though holding on to life itself.
Then, he stood, walked around the table, and knelt beforeher.
“I, Esrin Rivelt of Ishvaen, do solemnly and formally request you, Ren’wyn Envaenen, to be my wife and rule with me in Ishvaen.”
“I accept,” she replied with a smile.He rested his head in her lap, wrapping his arms around her waist.
“I’ll make the arrangements, notify my parents, and draw up the paperwork.My retinue will travel home with you for the summer and present the offer in proper Terrepinian custom.Once your father signs the papers, they will escort you to Ishvaen, with your parents following shortly after.We’ll marry as soon as you arrive in a formal ceremony and hold a grand reception a month later.
“It’s customary for couples to marry quickly after signing the papers,” he added with a mischievous grin.“Prevents what we’ve alreadydone.”
Ren’wyn blushed, but his joy was contagious.
“We are promised to each other now, Ren’wyn.I will protect you, and you will be loyal to me.”
It was happening—this was happening!The future felt dazzlingly bright as Esrin’s head returned to her lap.He was her future now, and she was his in every sense of theword.
Back in her dorm room before lunch, Ren’wyn closed the door softly, careful not to disturb Peria, who might still be sleeping.
“Where the hell have you been?”Peria croaked from bed.“Did you stay out all night?Get caught up playing that stupid strategygame?”
Her groggy eyes focused, then widened.Sitting up abruptly, she gasped.
“You slept with him?”she squealed, clapping her hands delightedly.“Was it good?Oh, it was your first time!Are you okay?Do you need anything?”
Ren’wyn couldn’t help but smile.Only Peria—so caring even while sick—would ask such questions.
“I’m fine,” Ren’wyn assured her, climbing under the covers next to Peria.Her smile grew sly.“Better than fine, actually.”
Peria laughed wickedly.“So it suits you, then.Esrin must begood.”
“He is,” Ren’wyn laughed, then sobered.“He’s also formally asked me to marry him.He’s writing the letters today to arrange everything.His retinue will accompany me home to make the offer, and then I’ll join him in Ishvaen.”
Her voice softened.“I can barely hope, Peria.I’ve lived so long in darkness.Esrin is going to free me.For the first time, I’m looking forward withhope.”
Peria was quiet for a long moment.Then she said softly, “I’m glad, Ren.I want you to be happy.Just… don’t forget to invite me to the party, okay?And I expect a few eligible men to choose from while I’m visiting.”
Her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes, and Ren’wyn wondered what thoughts lingered behind her friend’s silence as they lay together, Ren’wyn recounting the events of the night.
Spring arrived in full bloom.Frogs croaked in the ponds, wildflowers painted the fields, and warm breezes swept gently over campus.Druids practiced their craft in the open, bending wind and rain to their will.The berserkers, undeterred by the seasons, returned from their obstacle courses muddied but determined.
Esrin and Ren’wyn walked regularly through the woods, his voice weaving vivid descriptions of Ishvaen, its coastal beauty, and the sprawling estates his family owned.He spoke of Terrepin’s governing representatives, its districts, and the country’s exports.Ren’wyn soaked in his knowledge, grateful he would be there to guide her through her newlife.
Nights were split between Peria and Esrin.With Esrin, she learned how to please him, their connection deepening with every shared moment.Spring recess took them to his family’s cabin, where they basked in the sun and boated on the lake.Weekends brought lavish parties, and when Ren’wyn tired of the crowds, she found comfort in Esrin’s embrace, standing proudly at hisside.
The end of the semester came too quickly.Ren’wyn earned her title as a trained dark mage, but her thoughts were consumed by the uncertain future.Hope for Esrin’s proposal and fear of her father’s reaction warred withinher.
On the final night, she held Peria and Esrin tightly, cherishing their last moments together.In Esrin’s apartment, they shared wine and their favorite memories, the bonds they had forged glowing brightly against the backdrop of an uncertain tomorrow.
4
Peria was the first to leave, promising to write to Ren’wyn and assuring her that they would see each other again.Her tender embrace and gentle words drove a cold blade into Ren’wyn, and she shed more tears than she ever imagined possible as they said goodbye.
Esrin watched silently, his eyes grief-stricken.Peria finally mounted her horse, turning back to wave until she disappeared into the distance.Ren’wyn wept until she thought her heart might bleed and her tears could fill the ocean.It was a sadness borne of love, and she clung to the hope that they would be together againsoon.
As Ren’wyn pulled her own baggage outside, Esrin’s retinue arrived.Among them, a tall, slender man dismounted and approached Esrin with a handshake that turned into a delightedhug.
“Your father sends his best wishes,” the man said.“He’s eager to meet the lady who has agreed to take your hand, though he’s shocked anyone would be foolish enough to acceptyou.”
