“It is the full moon tomorrow,” Selwyn says softly.
Guilt hits me like a tsunami. Holy stars, am I self-obsessed. I’m sitting here moping when Dyfri is facing a duel tomorrow. They are always on the next full moon, and I just know my mother challenged him with such short notice on purpose. It was a calculated move to ensure he had hardly any time to prepare.
“Dyfri’s duel,” I whisper.
Beneath me, Selwyn stiffens slightly. “And your decision.”
Oh sweet goddess. With everything going on, I’ve barely thought about that! I had assumed it was no longer a thing. But Selwyn is acting as if it is. Does he not know I am deeply hopeful about our future? Does he not feel the same way?
My stomach twists painfully. “Would you let me go?”
He inhales sharply. “If it would make you happy.”
I’m too stunned to speak.
“I can let it be known that I am keeping you somewhere secret,” he adds. “The alliance would not be affected.”
“Why? Why would you be so selfless?” I ask.
Unfamiliar anger is starting to heat my blood. If he wants me gone, he needs to say so. He can’t make out it is all my idea, and he is merely indulgent and benevolent.
Several heartbeats pass. Selwyn doesn’t answer. His hand leaves my hair. I’m not even sure he is breathing.
Then his voice rumbles out into the silence. “Because you mean the world to me.”
I blink. My hand goes up to one of my silver earrings. It is still there and presumably still working correctly.
“But… but!” I blurt loudly in protest. “You barely know me. We’ve been married for one month, and it hasn’t exactly been a calm month!”
He accepts my outburst placidly. Even so, I should probably get off his lap. But I don’t want to. I’m not ready to accept that the tranquil, easy contentment of a few moments ago has gone.
“Are you aware that fey have skills? Rhydian can dream walk. Tristan excels at languages. Dyfri is brilliant with poisons.”
I stay quiet and wait for him to continue. I’m sure he has a point and is not changing the subject.
“Everyone believes my skill lies with nurturing growing things.”
He pauses, and I wait with bated breath. Whatever he is going to say next, is going to be monumental. I can feel it in my bones.
“I have the blessing of foresight.”
Wow. I was right. This is monumental. “You can see the future?”
“Glimpses,” he says solemnly. “See. Hear. Smell. Feel and experience.”
That sounds intense. And I bet with all things magical, it is inconsistent. He probably can’t look to see the outcome of Dyfri’s duel. He likely sees only random glimpses of whatever the universe chooses to share.
“I have seen you since my name day. I have lived our love.”
Oh.
Oh my very holy stars.
Sweet goddess.
Shock is the only thing in my mind. I cannot form a single coherent thought. Let alone any words.
Luckily, Selwyn is happy to speak. “I yearned to experience our love in the present. I also feared its intensity and how it consumed me.” He shudders. “Then it seemed the visions were merely a possibility, not a given.”
