Page 43 of The Dark Mage
“Thank you for sharing with me,” he said gravely.
“Thank you for believing in me,” she replied.
“Good night, Ren’wyn.”
“Good night,Fael.”
He turned and walked to his room, and she pushed the ache of his absence deep down as she entered herown.
13
Ren’wyn returned to the apothecary the next day, practically singing as she entered the small building.Axel was pleased to see her at her usual time, though he made no comment about her previous quiet sadness.
Fael joined them, puttering around the shop—fixing shelves and offering to get paint for the front sign, which Ren’wyn readily agreed to have him do.Axel put her to work making salve for an arthritic customer.She mixed oil with crushed buttercup leaves and juniper needles, humming under her breath.That cleansing from yesterday’s work in the Void clung to her like sparklingdew.
As she filled small bottles, she heard Fael tell Axel, in a voice that allowed no argument, that he was keeping Ren’wyn within calling distance for now and would make deliveries alongside her while Axel ran the store.It was such a relief to be cared for, to know she mattered to him—like returning to Peria’s embrace everyfall.
Ren’wyn smiled, remembering their practice in the forest that morning and Fael’s insistence that he stay with her until she was fully recovered.The bell tinkled as Fael left for the paint.
“So,” Axel said, breaking the short silence as she shelved some lavender, “how far along areyou?”
“Hmm?”Ren’wyn asked, blinking, not sure she heard correctly.
“The babe,” Axel prompted.“Tern won’t let you out of his sight, and you’ve been up and down lately.Is it because you two haven’t tied the knot yet?You wouldn’t be the first, youknow.”
He thought… he thought she… Ren’wyn almost corrected him.She didn’t need a rumor spreading.But then, she reconsidered, staring down at the jar in her hands to collect her thoughts.This might be exactly right for now.If word spread, it would strengthen their cover.Would she have time to catchFael?
She realized she had been silent a longtime.
Ren’wyn turned, letting a shy smile curve her mouth, and touched her belly softly.“I’m not showing,am I?”
“No, no, nothing like that,” Axel chuckled.“I know you better than most.See you more often, I suppose.After two months of quiet, the last few weeks have been quite the change for you both.I imagine you’re thinking through a lot.Do you think… it’s not my place, really, but maybe you two would be more at ease if you made things official?Found a place and settleddown?”
“It’s complicated,” Ren’wyn admitted honestly.
“Ah, I see,” Axel said, though he could have no idea what she meant.
She was spared from explaining further as the door swung open again, and Fael carried in the paint.Ren’wyn moved quickly to intercepthim.
“Tern,” she greeted him with a smile and a pointed look.“Axel guessed our secret.”
When she saw his alarm, she pressed on, “About thebaby.”
She touched her belly, and Fael almost dropped the paint.The honest shock on his face made Axel laugh as he walked over to clap him on the back.Axel took the paint cans and snagged a flask from behind the counter, passing it toFael.
“Ah, Tern,” he chuckled.“It gets easier as it settles in.You’ll be a fine father, I’msure.”
Fael looked desperately at Ren’wyn, who sidled up to him and slipped an arm around his waist.
Axel grew serious.“I only have one request, you two,” hesaid.
He turned to Fael.“Tern, your lady says it’s complicated, but I think you ought to make whatever you have official.I see the way you two look at each other, and it would be best for the babe if you settled.Best for all ofyou.”
Without missing a beat, Fael pulled Ren’wyn closer and answered, “We have some things to take care of first, but of course”—he smiled down at her—“before the baby comes, we will make things official.”
When Fael tugged her into his room after supper, she expected a lecture on being more thoughtful.Instead, he simply said, “You slyminx.”
She had turned away, unwilling to see his disappointment, but at his words, she looked over her shoulder and saw his wry smile.
