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THE GENTLE VALLEY BREEZE swirled through the assortment of beautiful chimes adorning the big tree behind Caelina’s house. The soft tinkling sent waves of soothing through her body. Tugging her cloak closed, she shifted on the padded seat on the shady deck.
The rich scent of wet, fertile ground tickled her nose. The village of Ipera, nestled in the heart of their lush valley, was green and dewy from the recent rain, but chirping birds were already coming out of hiding to greet the brilliant day.
After Caelina’s ordeal with the pirates, her grandmother Oermilla had insisted that Caelina remained in bed for a few days, and...she sort of did.
Caelina rubbed the redness creeping into her cheeks. Between her and Stellan, there was definitely no longer any need to speculate who could give whom pleasure. Neris probably even felt that last one.
Despite Caelina electing to simply leave them stranded in the ocean, Neris and her pirates were likely still alive. Neris would just have to find a new ship to commandeer, steal, or terrorize.
With any luck, Stellan’s crazy pirate ex would never come after them again. Although Caelina had already given the order to fortify the wards around Ipera and the Fae lands just in case.
Caelina glanced over when the door creaked open. Her face brightened as Stellan stepped out carrying two steaming mugs of herbal tea. The soft, easy smile on her husband’s face warmed her heart but also sent fluttery shivers up her spine.
Stellan’s eyes gleamed in that way that was only for her. He leaned over to press a kiss to her temple before making himself comfortable on the seat, his one arm curving around her to hold her close to him.
Turning her face into the hollow of his neck, Caelina took a deep cleansing breath.
Her mind no longer churned in resentment or anxiety about what was to come. She wasn’t alone. She was loved. Stellan’s mere presence instilled a sense of peace and satisfaction within her that she would always be grateful for. Both of their consistent hard work throughout the years had brought them together, ensuring their bright future.
The strongest mage. The strongest warrior.
The next day, Caelina was to formally ascend as High Fae leader of Ipera and her life of dedicated service was about to begin. Or perhaps simply continue.
Aside from convening with the other Priori elders from each group, Caelina was also scheduled to meet with Oermilla to go through certain details about her responsibilities. The tone in her grandmother’s voice had given Caelina the impression that the discussion was about something of utmost importance, possibly something particularly delicate.
Regarding what, she was uncertain.
But Caelina was certain of one thing.
There was nothing to fear.
With their combined love and strength, Caelina and Stellan were going to lead the Fae lands.
They would endure.
Together.
The End
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“The Dragons of Arcadia” series begins with Soleia’s story in
Book 1: Curse of the Dragon Heir
Available with Realm of Darkness anthology
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“The Dragons of Arcadia” series is a precursor to “The Curse of the Arcadian Stone.” Read the completed series here: https://books2read.com/namelessfay1-3bysrbreaker
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