Mindful of Gwen’s short human legs, I set a slow pace. She peers left and right and occasionally glances behind us, trying to take everything in at once. Most of the homes are constructed with wood and painted in every color imaginable, though some of the larger buildings are fashioned from dark gray stone. Tall trees grow in between the streets and walking paths, many of them heavy with ussha-blessed fruits. Street musicians can be heard in the distance, their flutes and rhythmic drums weaving through the chatter of passing faefolk and the sweeping wind. When the market district comes into sight, Gwen’s eyes widen and she gasps softly.
I savor the intensity of her excitement through the bond. It feels warm and exhilarating, and I instinctively pull her closer so I might better bask in her emotions.
After we reach the markets, I make a point of continuing at a leisurely pace. Whenever I sense she’s intrigued by a particular vendor’s wares, I pause and allow her to admire everything properly. But each time I ask whether she wants me to purchaseanything for her, she shakes her head and says, “Thank you, but no.”
She still believes the gowns, shoes, cloak, and other items I had delivered to the inn are too much. But it’s not enough. I want to give her more. I want to show her the entire realm and shower her with exotic gifts if only to witness her face lighting with wonder.
When she isn’t looking, I occasionally slip a coin to a vendor, furtively purchasing one of the items her gaze lingered upon. I carefully tuck the trinkets in the rucksack I brought along, hoping she does not notice. I intend to surprise her later, once we are alone back at the inn.
As we finally reach the garden that rests in the center of town, Gwen pauses to study the glimmering blue roses that line the walking path. Most are covered in frost, though since they are ussha-blessed, they are able to thrive in cold weather.
She peers up at me, face flushed, eyes bright with awe, and the affection I already feel for her promptly deepens. It becomes endless as the frozen northern seas that stretch beyond the known realm.
My chest tightens with emotion.
Gods, please let her feel the bond soon.
Let her feel me.
“I’ve never seen flowers like these,” she says thoughtfully. “Sometimes when I sat on the stone walls of Braemar and looked toward the forest, I caught glimmers of ussha-blessed trees and shrubbery, but I never glimpsed flowers or any fruits or vegetables that glow and sparkle with fae magic. I-I can scarcely believe this is all real.”
“Soon, ussha will finish spreading across both the human and orc lands, and no place will remain untouched by fae magic. Flowers such as these will become abundant, even in cities like Braemar.”
Her eyes suddenly darken, her excitement fading.
I inwardly curse myself for mentioning Braemar. She misses her home city. She misses her family. And I have just reminded her of everything she has lost.
Before I can think of something comforting to say, dark clouds roll swiftly across the sky, blocking out the sun entirely. A strong, frigid wind suddenly sweeps downward, blowing Gwen’s hood from her head. The force of it even causes her to stagger, though I quickly steady her with a tug on her hand.
The snow begins falling harder, then harder still, and the wind howls through the streets.
A blizzard.
Gwen gasps and steps closer to me, lowering her head as she wrestles to reclaim her hood. I immediately lift her into my arms and turn away from the gardens. As the visibility worsens, I glimpse faefolk running toward the houses and shops in search of shelter. I surmise that most of those fleeing the storm likely hail from the Autumn Court.
“What is happening?” Gwen calls over the wind.
It’s just a blizzard, I say through the bond, speaking directly into her mind for the first time since I saw her standing on the auction platform.Do not be afraid. I am taking you back to the inn.
As I rush through the storm, I relish the brutal chill of it. It sinks into my skin, permeates my bones, and makes me feel vividly alive. I could remain outdoors in weather such as this for days without suffering any harm. But Gwen is human, and I must get her inside near a warm fire as soon as possible.
When the Sapphire Lantern finally comes into sight through the raging snow, I run faster and practically burst through the front door, allowing a gust of icy wind and snow to sweep inside with me. The proprietor looks up from behind the front counter,his features briefly twisting with annoyance before smoothing into a polite smile when he recognizes us.
After kicking the door shut behind me, I carry Gwen upstairs, eager to get her warm and spend more time alone with her. My sweet, adventurous mate.
I vow here and now that one day I will show her the entire realm. Once the fighting against the humans and orcs finally ends, we will journey together across every territory, and I will show her all the wonders she has longed to glimpse with her own eyes. No more staring wistfully at maps and dreaming of distant places. I will give her the real thing. I will give her everything she has ever desired.
Perhaps I don’t need to build her a permanent home somewhere. Perhaps she would be happiest traveling from place to place beside me.
Still, if she ever wishes to settle down, I will build her a house fit for royalty.
Then I consider whether we might have children together. I suppose in that case, we would need a place to settle down, a cozy home to raise our children in. Warmth fills me at the thought.
It is a future I find myself longing for more than I would have ever expected. Since I never believed I had a fated mate, I had long ago suppressed any hope of having children. And yet, with Gwen, it is something I find myself desperately wanting.
I carry her into the suite, shut the door behind us, and set her down so I can more easily remove her damp cloak. Then I guide her toward the sofa near the hearth, pleased to discover a roaring fire already blazing there. It would seem a servant came by during our outing to tidy up the place and rekindle the fire.
Naturally resistant to the cold, I didn’t bother wearing a cloak myself, but I take a moment to allow the melted snow toevaporate off my leathers before taking a seat beside Gwen. I place a hand gently atop hers.
