“Ellowyn is here. She wants you to accompany her while she shops for a wedding dress.”
I squealed much louder than I anticipated, causing Rohak to flinch.
“Sorry, sorry,” I apologized hastily, flinging open the armoire once more and pulling out a dark green dress with so much force, the hanger fell to the floor.
Rohak’s deep, amused chuckle followed me into the bathroom while I hastily donned my gown and washed for the day.
“Wait!” I said, stepping out of the bathroom once I’d finished. “Did you sayweddingdress?”
Ellowynand I strolled arm-in-arm through the streets of Vespera’s middle district, overwhelmed by the intoxicating aroma of sizzling meat slow-roasting on open spits mixed with the heady scent of ground coffee and the occasional floral shop.
The difference between when I’d walked these streets assessing the damage caused by the battle and today was stark. There were still a few buildings reduced to pure rubble, but the destruction of Vespera was slowly fading into a haunting memory rather than a living nightmare. Colorful booths blocked the dilapidated structures from view, filling the streets with brightness. Conversation and laughter floated on the warm breeze, nearly concealing the darkness completely.
“This spot is adorable,” Ellowyn said, a lightness in her expression that was new but unsurprising. Despite her privileged upbringing, it was clear when I met her briefly at her parents’ estate that shadows plagued her every move. Here, though, they were banished, allowing her to shine.
Torin did that, I thought, a smile pulling at my lips as we sank into two wooden chairs, a small table separating us.
“Is this okay?” she asked, suddenly concerned that I wouldn’t approve of her choice for food. I waved her off, easing back in my chair, and turned my face toward the beating sun.
“Perfectly fine,” I admitted quietly, basking in the warmth of not just the day, but of Vespera’s people, who truly gave the city a heart.
To think I almost ruined it all . . .I shook my head, physically clearing the intrusive thought. Rohak didn’t fault me for the attack, and I was learning to forgive myself. It was slow and not something I totally thought I deserved, but Iwastrying.
“Good afternoon misses.” I blinked groggily at a small voice, turning to see a boy no older than the age of twelve. He was all gangly limbs and floppy hair, not quite grown but not quite small either.
I smiled, happy to see his posture relax slightly.
“What can I get for you both?”
Ellowyn’s gaze slid to me for a moment, and I shrugged.
“You’ve never eaten here?” she asked, and I huffed a laugh.
“Ellowyn, I adore you but certainly you understand that Rohak and I haven’t been visiting small shops and cafés this whole time . . . right?”
The boy snorted in amusement, which only encouraged Ellowyn’s tinkling laugh and a wry smile from me.
“Sorry. It’s just . . . today has felt almost normal, you know? It’s easy to forget for a moment,” she admitted softly, and I hummed in agreement.
“Just get us two of whatever you like best,” I said to the boy.
He nodded before scampering off, leaving us alone once more.
Ellowyn’s gaze had closed off some, turning contemplative.
“What’s wrong? Do you not like your dress?” I teased, attempting to lighten the mood.
Ellowyn sighed, resting her chin in her palm.
“I love the dress,” she said honestly. It was the first dress she’d seen in the first shop we visited. I’d tried to talk her out of it, to convince her to look at others, but she waved me off, insisting that she really didn’t care what it looked like. As long as she got to select it and was marrying Torin, she was happy.
I understood the sentiment well.
I’d marry Rohak in our Mage blacks or in a tattered monstrosity if it meant always being his.
“Then what is the matter?” I asked. The boy came back with glasses of water and small shots of espresso before disappearing once more.
Ellowyn sighed, taking the small cup in her hand before sipping tentatively. She grimaced but hid it well before setting the cup back on the table again.
