When I’ve eaten so much I can barely even sip my ale, I survey the festival and bathe in the warm spring air, the sun beating down on me and making my magic feel alive. There’s an area for dancing, with live musicians playing an upbeat jig. Revelers swing one another around with abandon, not worried about knowing the right steps. The people seem happy and carefree. There are several competitions set up across the valley as well—arm wrestling, axe throwing, and even basket weaving. There’s something here for everyone. And even though they’re very subtle, I also spot the groups of Royal Guards that walk the perimeter in plain clothes, eyes scanning while they pretend to make conversation with their companions. Despite what I told Laurel, today is a risk, and I’m as nervous as she is, but for her sake. I desperately want today to be perfect for her, want her to make new memories in the location she once told me was the most beautiful place she’s seen in all the Four Kingdoms.

When we finish our food and drink, Fionn is unsurprisingly interested in the axe throwing contest, and he unfairly uses his magic to make every axe land in the exact bullseye, delighting the spectators and winning the grand prize—a laurel wreath. I can’t help but chuckle at his massive form preening around the festival with a crown of laurel on his head.

Eventually, Silene and Laurel find us. Silene is breathless with excitement as she shows us everything the two of them have bought—rings, necklaces, gowns, slippers, makeup, trinkets—it’s an impressive haul. Their arms are full of bags that hold their treasures, and I take as many of them as I can, offering to carry the weight so they don’t have to. Silene has even had a small child braid her dark curly hair and weave thayar blossoms throughout it. She’s the epitome of a spring goddess, delighted by the festival and its attendees.

Laurel pulls out a small package and hands it to me. I have to drop the many bags in my hands to accept it.

“What’s this?” I ask, and she grins.

“I felt bad taking your necklace from you. I thought I should replace it.”

I open the package and inside is a ring made of a dark green substance, with thayar flowers and lightning bolts engraved all around it. It’s a beautiful piece of jewelry, given by a beautiful female. I take it out of its box, and Laurel places it on my second finger.

“Are you proposing, witchling?” I ask with a dazzling grin I know shows my dimple and drives Laurel mad. She blushes deeply.

“I—No, it’s a gift. I mean, not that I wouldn’t—I would marry you, in the future. If you wanted. I mean, when we’re ready…” she trails off, and I laugh deeply.