EPILOGUE 1
ADELE
One Month Later
Late afternoon, I worked in my research tower, leaning close to study the latest data from the monitoring stations. I traced wind patterns with one finger while jotting notes with the other.
“The thermal displacement has decreased by another three percent,” I said, comparing readings from Silvervale and Goldwing. “Perfect consistency across both sites.”
From his big cushion near the hearth, Fletcher let out a snore that would’ve made a smaller dog jealous.
I glanced over at him, sprawled on his back with his legs in the air, completely at peace.
He’d taken to dragon territory life with surprising enthusiasm, especially once he’d discovered the kitchens kept a steady supply of meat scraps just for him.
The door opened, and I didn’t need to look up to know who it was. Our bond hummed with warmth, announcing Raoul’s arrival before his footsteps did.
“Still working?” he asked, crossing the tower to stand behind me. His hands settled on my shoulders, rubbing gentle circles that made me want to abandon my research entirely.
“Just finishing up.” I leaned back into his touch. “The new stations are working beautifully. Look at this pattern. We’re getting data I never dreamed possible.”
He kissed the top of my head. “I’m glad. But I come bearing news that might distract you from your beloved charts.”
“Oh?” I set down my pencil and turned to face him. He looked particularly handsome today in a simple blue tunic and trousers, his auburn hair slightly disheveled. My practical heart still skipped when he smiled at me like that.
“Word from both Silvervale and Goldwing. The babies are thriving. No more coughing, and no sneezing. The families wanted us to know their little ones are healthy.”
Joy flooded through me. “That’s wonderful. I was so worried we wouldn’t figure it out in time.”
“But you did.” His gaze held so much pride it made my chest ache. “Their courts are healthier because of your brilliant mind.”
I started to protest, but he silenced me with a kiss that made every thought fly from my mind. When we finally pulled apart, I was breathless.
“There’s more,” he said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a letter. “Mortiven and Trevare have decided to marry.”
“Really?” I breathed.
“I noticed they almost appeared to be communicating silently at the Summit.”
“And you didn’t say anything.”
He shrugged. “I waited to see if I was mistaken, but it seems I was not. They’re fated mates.”
“I’m so happy for them.” I hoped we’d be invited to their wedding.
“This also arrived not long ago, from your grandmother.” He held out an envelope. “A messenger sprite brought it.”
I recognized the cream parchment sealed with Grandmother’s crest. Taking it, I broke the wax and unfolded it, scanning the elegant script.
My dearest Adele,
I know this letter will find you well and happy in your new home. My pot never lies.
Things here at Thornwick Manor proceed as always, though we miss you terribly. The library still bears a slight frost from the last time you were there. Such a fond reminder of your wonderful weather magic.
I’m writing with happy news. Sasha has agreed to wed the Fae King. The ceremony is planned for one month from today, and I do hope you and Raoul can attend. It would mean so much to have family present for this momentous occasion.
All my love,
Grandmother
I looked up from the letter to find Raoul watching me with amusement. “Sasha’s getting married to the Fae King?”
“Apparently so.” He leaned against my workstation, crossing his arms on his chest. “Should I be concerned that you look shocked?”
“You don’t understand.” I set the letter down carefully, as if it might explode. “Sasha is… Well, she’s rules and order personified. Everything in its place, every action planned three steps ahead. And the Fae King…” I shook my head.
“What about him?”
“From what I’ve heard, he’s completely decadent. Wild. Frivolous. His court is all revelry and chaos and absolutely no attention to proper behavior.” I tried to imagine my stern, structured sister navigating that world. “How will she survive?”
Raoul’s lips twitched. “Maybe the Fae King will show her a new way of living.”
“Or maybe she’ll teach him some discipline,” I said, considering it. My grin rose. “Either way, sparks are definitely going to fly.”
“Like with someone else I know?” Stepping over in front of me, he settled his hands on my hips. “Say, a certain weather witch who showed up late to her own wedding.”
“That was different.” I looped my arms around his neck. “I was distracted by important research.”
“You were.” He nuzzled my throat, making me shiver. “And how’s that working for you now?”
“Better than expected.” I tilted my head, giving him better access. “Though I’m still waiting for you to apologize for being so intimidating that first day.”
“Never.” His teeth grazed my pulse point. “You were very late. I had every right to be irritated.”
“You looked ready to breathe fire.”
“I was controlling myself admirably, I’ll have you know.” He lifted his head, his amber eyes dancing. “If I’d actually been angry, there would’ve been scorch marks.”
I laughed, remembering how worried I’d been standing across from him in Grandmother’s garden. My stern dragon king who’d seemed so utterly incapable of understanding my messy existence.
And now here we were, trading kisses in my research tower like we’d been doing this for years.
“What are you thinking?” Raoul asked, reading my expression.
“How much has changed.” I traced the line of his jaw, marveling at the intimacy we’d built.
“When I arrived late to our wedding, I thought I was forming a political alliance, one that would let me continue my research in peace. Instead, I got you.” The words came out thick with emotion.
“A partner who celebrates my work instead of tolerating it. Someone who flies me to mountain peaks so I can take measurements, who doesn’t mind when I accidentally freeze our breakfast.” I paused, swallowing hard. “One who loves me exactly as I am.”
“Always, sweet. Every scattered, beautiful part of you.”
“Love wasn’t in the plan,” I whispered against his mouth. “But it’s the best discovery I’ve ever made.”
We kissed, pouring everything we felt into it. Our bond sang between us, weaving tighter with each passing day.
Fletcher chose that moment to wake with a snort. What’s going on? Is it time to chase rabbits? Or shall we meander to the kitchen for a snack?
“After I’m done kissing Raoul,” I whispered against my husband’s mouth.
“Is there an end to that?” he asked with a sparkle in his eyes.
“Never.”
Fletcher sighed and covered his eyes with his paws.
The tower’s best feature was the wide balcony that wrapped around three sides, offering panoramic views of the volcanic peaks. Raoul took my hand and led me outside as the sun began its slide below the horizon.
We stood at the railing, his arms around me from behind, watching as light gilded the mountain ranges.
Our kingdom spread around us, peaceful and thriving.
Somewhere down there, monitoring stations collected data that would help protect all of dragon-kind.
Courts that had been rivals now worked together.
And it had all started because I’d been late to my own wedding.
“I can feel your smile,” Raoul said, his chin resting on top of my head.
“I was thinking about how my terrible punctuality led to all of this.”
His laugh rumbled through his chest. “Perhaps we should make you late more often.”
“I’m reformed now. Mostly.”
“Mostly?”
“Well, when I’m tracking particularly interesting thermal patterns…”
“I know, sweet. That’s just one reason why I love you.”
We stayed like that as the sun sank lower. Fletcher eventually joined us, sitting on my feet with a contented sigh. Below, the palace came alive with evening lights. Above, the first stars began to emerge.
I thought about Sasha’s upcoming wedding, about Grandmother’s matchmaking schemes, and about all the careful plans we witches had made for our futures. My plan had been to study weather magic and perhaps marry if need be.
Instead, I’d found passion and a love so deep it reshaped everything I thought I knew.
“Sometimes,” I said, “the best experiments are the ones you don’t plan for.”
“You’re absolutely right.” His arms tightened around me.
As snow began to drift around us, we stood together, wrapped up in each other’s arms, two halves of a whole neither of us had known we needed.
And somewhere in the distance, I could’ve sworn I heard Grandmother’s laughter carrying on the wind.