Or if the Spring Princess would let us leave her realm once we arrived.
Pierniwawas August first,and Vesna’s holiday. Unlike the other fae celebrations, which were boisterous and loud,Pierniwawas revered and quiet. It was a holiday for friends. Fae traveled to sacred magical springs that were scattered around Dolinska, and harvested fresh water to bring back to make wine. Wine that had already been made on last year’sPierniwawas popped open and shared around a dinner table, which included fruits and vegetables from the first harvest of the season.
I was enjoying thePierniwafeast with my closest friends, andonlythem, in the dining hall. Since it was such a private holiday, I wasn’t required to host any stupid parties, which meant I could finally enjoy the presence of my actual loved ones. We passed freshly made acorn bread around the table while expressing what we were thankful for.
“I’m thankful I finally get to be with my Jas,” Ozzie squealed, while hugging Jasper's arm. “And I don’t have to worry about the government doing a thing about it!”
“Thatissomething to be thankful for,” Jasper agreed, and he gave Ozzie a kiss. Ozzie giggled, and his cheeks became a rosy blush.
“How is life, now that you no longer have to keep each other a secret?” Ethan asked as he took a sip of tomato soup.
Jasper frowned. “Our parents didn’t take it very well. Both of our families more or less… threw us out. My father isn’t speaking with me, currently.”
“Oh.” I frowned. “I’m very sorry.”
“Don’t be! We get to live in apalace!” Ozzie burst, but Jasper only gave a small grimace.
We’d given Jasper and Ozzie a room at the palace, until the new semester began at Arcanea University. Arthur had asked us to make a place for them to stay, though he hadn’t said why. Now I understood. They had nowhere else to go.
“I for one am very grateful for my new position, thank you very much, Ethan,” Alexei said, steering the conversation to lighter topics.
Ethan had made Alexei arealknight, and appointed him as one of the generals of the army. He worked in the barracks with General Bani.
“You deserve it,” Kiara insisted. “If anyone will have those troops ready by the time the fight begins, it’s you.”
Alexei blushed. He was still so bashful. Kiara squeezed his hand, and Finlay broke in.
“I’m grateful to have such ababe,” he said, nudging Amantha. “You’re one hot lady.”
Amantha smiled. “And I’m grateful for you, though I have to say, I’mreallythankful that I was given a spot on Malovia’s figure skating team. I promise I won’t let any of you down.”
“You better not,” I teased. “You and Jasper better bring home gold, otherwise, you’re out of the palace.”
Amantha gave a little laugh, which Jasper shared. Gabby had dropped out of skating, and I’d been forced to quit, so Amantha and another runner-up had been chosen to represent Malovia in the Winter Olympics.
I was happy for her, if but a little sad I couldn’t go myself. But that was a part of my old life. I had to let it go.
Vara said, “I am very grateful to become a mother soon. And that my offspring will be surrounded by such a wonderful group of fae.”
“Your stomach is so big already, and you aren’t even that far along!” Odette peeped.
Vara smiled and laid a hand on her belly. “Yes. The babies are certainly growing fast.”
“Babies?” Theo yelped, and my food lost taste in my mouth.
“We found out we’re having twins,” Arthur said. “Can you imagine!”
“Just like you and Emma!” Odette squeaked. “What a lovely surprise!”
Ethan was eyeing me, but I ignored his pointed stare and said, “Twins, huh? Hope they don’t look like you.”
Arthur threw a roll at me, which I ducked, so it ended up hitting Theo in the face. He rubbed his cheek sourly and said, “Can at leastoneof you be more polite?”
“With this group? No.” Ethan laughed. Theo mumbled grumpily under his breath.
Conversation continued, but I noticed Delmare hadn’t joined in at any point. Delmare had barely touched her meal, and had refused the wine. She looked positively green.
Stefan laid a hand on her back and asked, “Irena, what’s wrong?”
