While Finn and his siblings went to look out the window at the fire kingdom at midnight, Marigold heard the grand doors open and through them slipped Rain.
They smiled at each other.
“I hoped I would find you here,” she said.
Marigold thought to herself that it would be easy to tell both Rain and Rosemary that she was in love with Finn, for it was certain that they would already know.
“Has a lot happened to you since you’ve been away?” Rain asked.
“Oh,” Marigold began, “everything and nothing.”
Rain smiled and looked over at Finn.
“Did you find love?” she asked quietly.
“I did.” Marigold laughed. “But it is very inconvenient.”
The two women shared a knowing glance, then laughed together.
“It was the same for me,” Rain said. “But there is a pleasing feeling of submission, when you find true love,” she mused. “You know it can’t be stopped. So what are your impediments?”
“Oh, he is engaged to someone else,” Marigold began, “I am the lost but now returned Queen Marigold with a marriage that is technically voided on the condition of my disappearance, and I have two children by another man, two heirs, who I would greatly like to see on a regular basis. And on top of that,” Marigold sighed, running out of breath, “I am pregnant.”
Rain reached out her hand for Marigold’s.
“That’s great news. The best news.”
Marigold nodded.
“And all of these things are fixable, you know,” Rain said. “Topaz will let the boys visit, albeit with security, and you and Finn shall come here with your daughter–I just have a feeling, a strong feeling it will be a girl,” Rain laughed, “and Finn will break his engagement. It’s difficult just now, I know.”
Marigold shook her head.
“It’s strange, but I felt my life was much more difficult when I had no difficult tasks to do. Now that my life is full and hectic, I’m happier than when it was empty but calm.”
Rain nodded.
“I understand. And what of your powers?”
“What of them? They will show themselves, or not. Either way, what happened was very unconventional. I’m sure you have some theories.”
“I do,” Rain said. “But I’ll save them for another time.”
Marigold looked over her shoulder and saw Finn looking right back at her.
Nothing else mattered.
Epilogue
Marigold stepped out of her mother’s studio and onto the street. It was a blustery day, and the air was just beginning to get cooler after a long, fruitful summer. Finn was following her every step–indeed, he wouldn’t leave her alone.
When they passed by Hestia’s house, a shudder still went down her spine, knowing that she had caused the woman pain. But then again, William’s horse was tied out front, so it looked like he was visiting…Perhaps Finn’s breakup with Hestia only made room for another, more true love match, even if these two had once thought the other selfish and boring. Shifts in attitudes certainly happen when one least expects it, Marigold thought.
With a new parcel full of paints and brushes, Finn and Marigold rode home without speaking. Finn was endlessly fearful that Marigold would fall off her horse, but Marigold insisted on independence. Their ride, taken slowly, reminded her of the day when they first met. Their unspoken connection remained as strong as ever.
Tonight there would be another big dinner celebration: this time for Marigold and Finn’s engagement. Rosemary was bustling around with excitement, bossing Freddie this way and that. Before they could be set upon by Rosemary with questions about their preferences, Finn shepherded Marigold up the stairs, to the top floor that they now shared as their own, with no plans yet of moving.
Finn closed the door and kissed her greedily. His attraction to her had only increased in pregnancy. He guided her toward the bed, and she gently chastised him for his lust, even though she herself felt the same hunger. He reached under her dress and touched her between her legs, and she moaned. He put his finger to his lips, motioning for her to be silent, since his family was still about.
