Page 66 of Realms of Shadow and Sun

Renya worried for the borrowed horse she rode on. Not only were the Snow Lands much too cold for the poor creature, bred for the Spring Lands, but every time Beauty swooped down to check on Renya, the poor thing reared up and almost threw her. Grayden begged her to ride with him, but she refused, knowing they had an audience.

She looked over at Phillippe, who had been unusually quiet since they left the Spring Lands. Renya had a feeling that it had to do with leaving a certain Tidal Princess behind. She caught Grayden's eye, and he slowed to ride next to her

“Has Phillippe said anything to you?”

“About what?” Grayden asked, looking confused as he tightened his hand on the reins of his horse.

Honestly, men could be so dense, Renya thought.

“You didn't notice? He's been quiet the entire way home.”

Grayden glanced at Phillippe, then back at Renya. “I guess he has...”

“He has a thing for Esmeralda.”

“Really? That surprises me.”

“Why would it surprise you?”

“Well, he's never been one to spend time with just a single woman, if you know what I mean.”

Renya frowned, trying to decide what to do with that information.

“Do you think he could be serious about her? I don't want my friend to get hurt.”

“Honestly, I don't know. I'd hoped he would have settled down by now, especially since he's older than I am and not bound by duty like I was before. But he never showed much interest.”

“Well, maybe this is a good thing for him,” Renya said. “It would be a great match.”

“I would like to see him happy,” Grayden admitted.

“Esmeralda said they would join us at the lodge soon. Her brother wanted to spend a few more days practicing with their soldiers in archery.”

“That reminds me, Little Fawn,” Grayden said, stopping his horse in the snow. “Now that you're back...do you still want to get married?”

“Of course, why wouldn't I?”

“I actually meant, would you like to get married before we go to battle? I can't stand the fact that you don't belong to me on paper.”

Renya snorted. “I think what we have means much more than a piece of paper does.”

“I also want to be married in the eyes of the Gods,” he continued, looking at Renya hopefully. “And I was thinking, since Esmeralda will be here in a few days, perhaps we could do it then?”

Renya's heart sank. A look of panic crossed Grayden's face, and she quickly sought to explain. “It's just that...I don't want to get married without Aunt Agatha there. Since my father is going to try and find her after we are settled in the lodge, I'd like to wait until he comes back, if you don't mind.”

“Of course, Little Fawn. I've waited an eternity for you. What's another week?”

Renya smiled, thankful he understood.

“What are you two conspiring about back there?” Phillippe called over his shoulder, slowing his horse down when he noticed that the pair fell behind.

“You,” Grayden retorted, and Phillippe cracked a small grin.

Renya decided to broach the subject. “Soooo...Esmeralda?”

Phillippe's grin widened. “Did she say anything about me?”

“Just that you're an idiot...” Grayden mumbled.

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