“Oh, my darling. It’s all right.” Her mother hurries to her side.
Rominy loosens his grip so Elowyn can bury her face in her mother’s shoulder as he looks on helplessly.
This is not at all how he saw his day going.
Onemoment,they’relaughingand looking at the stars, and the next, someone is knocking on the door of their honeymoon suite in Feressa. It’s enough to send Cerian’s head spinning to match the spinning room when he sits up.
Too soon for that.
The knocking repeats. “Cerian, it’s Father. I need Arisanna’s help with something.”
Father? He’s up and about? What in the world does he need Arisanna’s help with desperately enough to wake them?
Cerian glances down at her where she burrows under the covers, panic on her face. They need to order some nightgowns or something for her. A dressing gown, at least.
“Give us a moment!” Cerian calls to his father.
He swings his feet to the floor and blinks a few times, willing the dizziness to pass. He should wait another minute or two, but he stumbles for Arisanna’s gown andtosses it to her before finding his trousers and shirt. She’s still buried under the covers.
“I’ll talk to him while you dress.”
She nods, and he carefully lets himself through the door.
Father is pacing. That can’t be good.
“Cerian. Forgive me for that, but Tharios hasn’t returned, and I’m concerned. I need to sweep the terrain with my air magic, but I don’t wish to alarm any humans. I was hoping Arisanna’s presence might reassure people.”
For a moment, Cerian stares at Father. “What time is it?”
“I’m not certain. Eight, perhaps.”
Father is far more concerned than he should be over the fact that Tharios stayed out all night and hasn’t returned this early in the day.
“What aren’t you telling me?”
Father studies him before sighing and scratching his brow. “I believe Viala may have attempted to communicate with me, but her words were garbled.”
A knot forms in Cerian’s stomach. “You think they’re in trouble?”
“I don’t know, but I would prefer to take the cautious route, just in case.”
“I’m coming, too. Will Arisanna be in danger?”
“With the strongest plant wielder in Lostariel standing at her side?” A faint smile flits across Father’s face.
“Good point.”
“Rominy offered, but he can’t leave Elowyn. I wouldn’t ask if I had a better option.”
Cerian scratches his brow and nods. “She’s just...getting dressed. I promised to buy her a new wardrobe, but I seem not to have done that. Though I’m not sure why I’m telling you.”
Father chuckles. “I’ll let your grandmother help you tackle that one when we return to Lostariel.”
At least Cerian’s rambling helped relieve the worry in Father’s eyes for a few moments.
“I’ll check on her and meet you downstairs,” Cerian offers.
“Thanks, Cer. We’ll find him. I’m sure he’s fine.” Father squeezes Cerian’s shoulder before heading down the stairs, and Cerian watches him go.
