Epilogue
Rowan
“Rowan! First snowfall!”
Rowan had been cuddled up in bed with a new book, but at Milo’s words, he lifted his head to look. His fiancé stood in front of the bay window, a blanket wrapped around him, peering intently out. Milo looked adorable, like a child excited for snow to play in.
Which, granted, he’d been talking about playing in the snow all summer.
Rowan put the book down, crossed to Milo, and pulled the man in against his chest in a back hug, his head next to Milo’s. Milo leaned against him, trusting and secure.
“You’re excited now,” Rowan drawled, “but wait until you’re two months in with snow trying to cage you in.”
Milo snorted. “You can’t scare me. I’m a mage. I can handle snow!”
Well, that was likely true.
In the five months since the trial, Milo had done a great deal to make life far more comfortable here.
The wards were completed, of course, the sigils working perfectly after being renewed.
Between Milo and his apprentices, the charm necklaces had all been made and Rowan had been happy to help dispense them to everyone.
From infants to grandparents, everyone got one.
Well, Rowan had received a specially made one from his lover, which he had immediately shown appreciation for. But regardless, everyone got one.
The charms had cemented Milo’s place here, really.
Everyone had been ecstatic upon receiving them and heaped praise on the man’s head whenever they saw him.
Milo had gone another extra mile by going about and fixing things.
Anything and everything, from chimneys to broken wagons. No job was too small for him.
He’d also become the resident healer, in a way.
Milo worked hand in hand with their doctor and three nurses, keeping them well supplied with magical tonics and potions, and stepping in directly when someone needed healing magic.
It made for a healthier populace, but also a happier one, with people knowing they could get the right help.
When Rowan’s parents had returned for the turning of the season and seen everything Milo had done, they’d been impressed.
Then they’d met Milo and had welcomed him with open arms. Rowan hadn’t been the slightest bit surprised, but Milo had certainly been.
Surprised and incredibly happy that they would accept him, too.
It hadn’t all been smooth sailing. They’d had more than a few storms, and the Drachifel had attacked multiple times in recent months, attempting to feed their young.
With the alarms in place and Milo’s wards holding firm, everyone remained protected.
It not only helped Rowan do his job, but it gave him peace of mind knowing the fortress wouldn’t be under attack anytime soon.
It was very liberating. Not that he slacked on the patrols—he didn’t take anything for granted—but still, it was nice.
Rowan had proposed a week ago, once he was sure Milo was ready for that step.
He’d wanted to build their relationship more, to give them a firm footing, before taking their relationship to the next level.
He also wanted Milo to feel grounded here, to know he was loved without any expectations or demands.
Rowan felt he’d timed it right, as Milo had enthusiastically said yes, and both couldn’t be happier.
He could feel the engagement ring on Milo’s finger even now, and the smooth metal brought a lingering smile to his face.
“Milo, did you decide?”
“On what? Wedding, goals for next year… Gotta clarify there, love.”
“Both.”
“Oh. Uh, well, I still say spring wedding. I realize spring up here comes late, so how about Fourth Month?”
“Better make it Fifth Month if you want it in the garden.”
Milo shrugged. “That’s fine. I’m not set on an actual date. As long as I’m married to you, I’m golden.”
This man, seriously. He loved to say such sweet things so casually. Didn’t he understand that when he said such sweet words, Rowan fell a little harder for him? Already besotted as it was, just how crazy for Milo would he become?
Probably safer not to ask.
“As for goals…” Milo mused. “Judge Billinghurst finally approved me taking on that potential student.”
“True. I didn’t realize wandless magic was so impressive. I did think it incredible, but I thought others could do it.”
“Well, others can. I’m not unique in it. I think the real reason why she’s so excited to send me a student is because I told her I could teach others that level of mastery. Well, assuming the student is willing to put in the work.”
“Reagan and Roana are determined to.”
“I think they have a good chance. They’re both smart as whips, dedicated to studying, and ask really good questions. Sometimes questions I can’t answer, which is always fun.”
Actually, watching Milo scramble for an answer was hilarious. Mostly because of the baffled expression on the man’s face.
“My professional goal is to keep teaching my students, gain one more now that Raina has also given her blessing, and keep our people safe and healthy.” Milo turned in his arms, wrapping both blanket-wrapped hands around Rowan’s waist. “But my personal goal is to make sure you know I love you very, very much. And to sex you up as much as possible.”
Rowan couldn’t help but grin as he leaned in to kiss this sweet, amazing man. “Sounds like a good goal to me, but what if I want to do the same?”
Milo teased his lips with a kiss. “Then it’s a competition to see who can be the most lovey-dovey. You in?”
“Always.”
Notes:
AJ: Good god, keeping you two on task long enough to finish the story was worse than herding cats. Milo?
*absence of Milo and Rowan*
AJ: Annnnd they’re already gone. Probably bonking like bunnies. Figures.