Latimer collapsed in a dead faint.
Everyone paused and looked at him, collapsed on the floor, and went, “Huh.”
Well, he wasn’t Rowan’s problem.
Judge Billinghurst sighed, put upon. “Bailiff, call for someone to collect him. He can wake up in jail. Court is adjourned.”
Rowan said firmly, then turned to Milo. “Home?”
“Still have to register the girls as students and tie up those loose ends,” Milo reminded him. “But tomorrow, we can set out for home.”
It was nice hearing Milo refer to Gravegarde as his home. He clearly thought of it that way, which made Rowan exceedingly happy. He caught Milo’s hand as they rose from their chairs, walking out of the courtroom once more.
Today had been a very good day.
The future looked even better.
Notes:
AJ: See? Isn’t following the plot nice?
Rowan: Meh.
AJ: You still kinda want to feed Andrew to the Drachifel, I take it.
Rowan: Yes.
AJ: *sighs*
Epilogue
Rowan
“Rowan! First snowfall!”
Rowan had been cuddled up in bed with a new book, but at Milo’s words, he lifted his head to look. His fiancé stood in front of the bay window, a blanket wrapped around him, peering intently out. Milo looked adorable, like a child excited for snow to play in.
Which, granted, he’d been talking about playing in the snow all summer.
Rowan put the book down, crossed to Milo, and pulled the man in against his chest in a back hug, his head next to Milo’s. Milo leaned against him, trusting and secure.
“You’re excited now,” Rowan drawled, “but wait until you’re two months in with snow trying to cage you in.”
Milo snorted. “You can’t scare me. I’m a mage. I can handle snow!”
Well, that was likely true.
In the five months since the trial, Milo had done a great deal to make life far more comfortable here. The wards were completed, of course, the sigils working perfectly after being renewed. Between Milo and his apprentices, the charm necklaces had all been made and Rowan had been happy to help dispense them to everyone. From infants to grandparents, everyone got one. Well, Rowan had received a specially made one from his lover, which he had immediately shown appreciation for. But regardless, everyone got one.
The charms had cemented Milo’s place here, really. Everyone had been ecstatic upon receiving them and heaped praise on the man’s head whenever they saw him. Milo had gone another extra mile by going about and fixing things. Anything and everything, from chimneys to broken wagons. No job was too small for him.
He’d also become the resident healer, in a way. Milo worked hand in hand with their doctor and three nurses, keeping them well supplied with magical tonics and potions, and stepping in directly when someone needed healing magic. It made for ahealthier populace, but also a happier one, with people knowing they could get the right help.
When Rowan’s parents had returned for the turning of the season and seen everything Milo had done, they’d been impressed. Then they’d met Milo and had welcomed him with open arms. Rowan hadn’t been the slightest bit surprised, but Milo had certainly been. Surprised and incredibly happy that they would accept him, too.
It hadn’t all been smooth sailing. They’d had more than a few storms, and the Drachifel had attacked multiple times in recent months, attempting to feed their young. With the alarms in place and Milo’s wards holding firm, everyone remained protected. It not only helped Rowan do his job, but it gave him peace of mind knowing the fortress wouldn’t be under attack anytime soon. It was very liberating. Not that he slacked on the patrols—he didn’t take anything for granted—but still, it was nice.
Rowan had proposed a week ago, once he was sure Milo was ready for that step. He’d wanted to build their relationship more, to give them a firm footing, before taking their relationship to the next level. He also wanted Milo to feel grounded here, to know he was loved without any expectations or demands. Rowan felt he’d timed it right, as Milo had enthusiastically said yes, and both couldn’t be happier. He could feel the engagement ring on Milo’s finger even now, and the smooth metal brought a lingering smile to his face.
