Page 40 of Realms of Shadow and Sun
The necklace warmed in her hand, and began to glow again. Beauty noticed the shining bauble, and sauntered over to Renya's side.
“What do you think is happening, Beauty?” Renya asked, stroking the dragon absentmindedly and looking around the bank of the pond.
Then she saw it. Resting in a pile of mud right in front of her, a few inches away from the bank. The snowflake diamonds glistened in the light emitted from the necklace, and Renya reached out with trembling fingers as she snatched her engagement ring from the muck.
Tears leaked out her eyes as she wiped the mud off on her sleeve, seeing the gorgeous braided band emerge from the filth covering it.
“Oh Beauty!” Renya exclaimed, holding the ring close to her heart. “I never thought I'd see this again.” She dried her eyes on her sleeve, and then tried to decide what to do with the ring. She couldn't wear it, that was certain. Since Cressida believed her bond was broken, it wouldn't make any sense for her to still wear the ring of her former mate.
Renya threaded the ring through the beaded aragonite necklace, still clutched firmly in her hand. She did the clasp at her neck, and then tucked the ring securely down the front of her gown. As long as she didn't wear anything low cut, she could continue to wear Grayden's ring, close to her heart, where it belonged.
Chapter Twenty
Selenia walked through the bustling market, completely surprised by the stark contrast from the day before. Vendors lined every side of the street, peddling food and wares. The entire marketplace was cloaked in a rich and spicy aroma, warm and comforting to her nose.
She passed the same stores she saw on her way in, but this time she could see fae inside, bartering and bickering, laughing and talking. Selenia couldn't believe all of this was hidden by a blanket of magic. Even the palace was inhabited, with maids and guards stationed at every post.
Her eyes caught on the dress store she admired from the street before, and she hesitated only a second before pushing the door open and walking inside. Silk and muslin, cotton and brocades lined the shelves, with mannequins every few feet, draped in beautiful gowns.
“Can I help you?” A sweet-sounding voice piped up from behind a counter. The girl was around Selenia's age, maybe a bit younger, and an intricate braid trailed to her waist.
“These gowns are exquisite,” Selenia complimented, her fingers running over the lace trim on the green silk dress on the mannequin nearest to her. “Do you make them?”
The girl blushed and ducked her head. “I help with the trim work. My mother is the real seamstress. Are you looking for anything in particular?”
“I need a new hat.” The desert was harsh, and Selenia's nose was pink from the sun. She hoped a hat would help protect her better.
The girl nodded and led her over to a small display of hats. Selenia grabbed the first one she saw, a large-brimmed bonnet with a bow on the side. It wasn't what she usually preferred, but it should offer protection for her pale skin. The shop attendant grabbed the hat and boxed it up for Selenia while she rummaged through her pockets for some silver.
“Is there anything else I can help you with?”
“No, that's everything...” Selenia trailed off, her eye catching on a dress in the very back of the shop.
The gown was ivory white, with tiny peach-colored rosettes forming a strap up one shoulder. It had a sweetheart neckline with tiny pink gems outlining the bust. Embroidered flowers, in light pinks and various hues of pale orange cascaded down the bodice, leading to a set of full skirts. Selenia could just make out a peach petticoat underneath the dress.
She walked over to the mannequin, unable to take her eyes off of such a magnificent piece of craftsmanship. She lightly traced the tiny silk flowers at the waist, amazed at how intricate the sewing was.
The girl came over and stood next to Selenia. “It's one of a kind. A Sun Realm wedding dress. Are you getting married soon?”
Selenia inspected the full skirts before answering. “No. But I know someone who is.”
“I want to help.” Selenia pushed out her lower lip and looked at her brother defiantly.
“No, Selenia. Not this time. Cyrus, Phillippe and I will rescue Renya. You and Sion will leave for the Snow Lands in the morning.”
“But—”
“No buts,” Grayden said sternly, pushing around the food on his plate with irritation.
“Selenia, I agree with Grayden. The Shadow Queen will be absolutely furious when we retrieve Renya. She'll attack us however she can, using whatever she can. I need you safe at the Snow Lands, far away from here.” Phillippe looked at Selenia, pleading. “Please understand.”
Selenia grumbled and continued eating. She stabbed a piece of chicken with her fork a bit too roughly, and her plate slid a bit against the golden tablecloth.
Dinner at the Sun Realm was a lengthy event. Course after course came out, and Selenia had trouble staying interested in food that long. Maybe dessert, but definitely not all the dishes that came out of the kitchens.
“Do we have everything planned out?” Phillippe asked, downing an entire glass of wine in one sip. Selenia knew her eldest brother could handle his drink well. Unlike Grayden, he spent much of his time in the winter encampment, drinking with his men well into the early hours of the morning.
“I think so,” Grayden said, hardly touching his food. Selenia knew he must be nervous, now that the moment he had been waiting for was almost here. The last month was excruciating for him. Well, for all of them, Selenia thought. Grayden without Renya was an absolute pain in the ass. He was short-tempered, incredibly quick to yell, and grumpy all of the time. Selenia was glad they would be rescuing Renya in just a few days' time. Any longer, and Selenia would have gone herself just to save them all from the annoyance of her brother's mood swings.
