Suddenly, the bedroom door burst open, and Rey and Cathy tumbled out, their faces flushed with excitement.
"We want to have our commitment ceremony," Rey announced, his words tumbling out in a rush.
I blinked in surprise, the book nearly slipping from my fingers. "Of course, we can plan it as soon as we get back home?—"
"No," Rey cut me off, shaking his head emphatically. "We want to do it now. Who knows what's going to happen tomorrow, whoknows what's going to happen when we get to your power? We want to confirm our love for each other."
I sat back. Part of me wanted to protest, to insist on waiting until we were back on solid ground. But the determined look on Rey's face, the love and hope shining in Cathy's...how could I refuse?
Luce caught my gaze, one eyebrow raised questioningly. I could see the wheels turning behind those eyes, assessing the situation with his usual keen perception.
I took a deep breath and stood, setting the book aside. "Well, that's fine with me. I think that sounds nice," I said, trying to inject some enthusiasm into my tone. "But what about Cathy? Doesn't she want her sister here?"
Rey waved a hand dismissively. "We've already figured that out. I'll pop into Dream, pop out in Roma and Bran's apartment, grab them, and be back in ten minutes."
I blinked, processing his words. Dream? Of course. I should’ve asked him to move us from my RV to Dream and then come out right above my powers. But I wasn’t a hundred percent sure exactly where they were. I knew the gist, of course, but it would take me feeling my way once we got close.
The thought of dropping out of Dream into the ocean and proceeding from there made me shudder. The boat was a much better idea.
"I'm so happy for you," I murmured, my snark melting away in the face of their obvious bliss. "You deserve this."
Cathy grabbed me and squeezed me tightly, her voice thick with emotion. "You do too."
I stepped back, swiping at a stray tear. Damn, when did I become such a sap?
Cathy stepped closer to Rey again. "What better place to have a commitment ceremony than in the middle of the ocean?"
I snorted, shaking my head. "Only you would think of getting hitched on a boat in the middle of nowhere." I shuddered. “On all thiswater.”
She shrugged, her smile turning sly. "Hey, when you're marrying a shapeshifter king, you gotta embrace the unexpected. And this allows us some privacy."
I couldn't argue with that. Rey was about as far from traditional as one could get.
As if summoned by our conversation, a shimmering portal appeared in the center of the cabin. Rey stepped through, grinning like the Cheshire Cat. He held out his hand, palm flat, and the portal expanded, revealing a lush, verdant landscape beyond.
Dream unfurled before us, a realm of wild forests and ethereal beauty.
Rey's grin widened, his hazel eyes glinting with pride. "Pretty cool, right? Dream's outdone itself this time."
As if in response, the portal shimmered and rippled, the colors shifting and blending in a mesmerizing display. I got the distinct impression that Dream was preening under the praise.
Good. Dream in a happy mood meant easy travel.
Rey and Cathy linked hands and stepped through the portal, their forms shimmering and blurring as they passed into Dream.Minutes ticked by as I waited, looking around the realm. The trees seemed to sway and dance, their leaves glittering in an unseen breeze. Flowers of every color dotted the undergrowth, their petals luminescent and pulsing with energy.
It was as if nature itself had come alive, imbued with a consciousness and will of its own. The very air thrummed with power, making the hairs on my arms stand on end. After a little while, movement in the distance caught my attention. I squinted, trying to make out the approaching figures.
Gradually, they came into focus: Rey and Cathy, now dressed in flowing, pastel-colored garments that fluttered in the breeze. I’d never seen Rey in anything like it, actually.
Bran and Roma trailed behind them, their own attire equally airy and beach inspired. The contrast between their casual, carefree appearance and the regal bearing of the goblin king and his wife was almost comical.
As they drew nearer, I could see the joy and excitement radiating from Rey and Cathy. They practically skipped through the portal, their laughter ringing out like bells. Bran and Roma followed more sedately, but even they couldn't hide the sparkle of amusement in their gazes.
"Well, don't you all look ready for a ball on the beach," I said as they emerged back into the cabin. "Did Dream decide to play dress-up?"
Cathy glanced down at her sundress, a soft blush coloring her freckled cheeks. "Apparently, it has a flair for the dramatic. One minute we were in our regular clothes, the next..." She gestured to her outfit, shrugging helplessly.
Rey draped an arm around her shoulders, his grin never faltering. "Hey, I'm not complaining. It's not every day I get to see my lady dressed like a tropical goddess."
