“How are you feeling today about the festival?” I ask as I pull a cream tunic over my head. She shrugs, trying to fake nonchalance. Even with me, after months of letting me in every day in small ways, she still defaults to hiding her emotions. “Really?” The skepticism is apparent in my voice, and she sighs, her shoulders dropping as she releases the tension of keeping her emotions at bay.

“I’m nervous,” she admits. “Not just to be back in Moormyr after all this time, but for the risk of a rebel attack. I know we’ve kept my attendance as secret as possible, and I know there will be as much security as we can possibly provide… But I fear if they know I’ll be there it will lead to more innocents being injured or killed. Aethers, we’re not even sure if the rebels realize yet that you were working with me the whole time. They could attack just to get back at us, especially since you were the one to redirect their attacks away from villages and citizens. I can’t help but feel like this is a terrible idea, and I’m not sure if the pain low in my gut is a premonition of violence to come or simply my deep anxiety.” I pull her into my arms.

“We are the two most powerful fae alive. We’ll keep your people safe.” I keep her firmly pressed into my chest, kissing the top of her head and trying to will some measure of comfort through the kiss. She sighs contentedly.

“I hope you’re right.” I give her a wide, mischievous grin.

“When have I ever been wrong, especially about you and me? And our magic?” She rolls her eyes, but I don’t miss the way the comment makes her cheeks flush with desire, even after weeks of fucking at every opportunity we get. “Let’s go dance in the field with children and pick flowers and whatever else we do at this festival.” Now she laughs, and warm male satisfaction spreads through my body. I love making her laugh, love easing her worry. She takes my arm in hers and aersteps us to pick up Silene and Fionn. When we reach the apartment, they’re ready, giving us knowing smirks when we mutter our excuse for being late. Then Laurel aersteps all four of us to the valley and festival.