Page 167 of Mountain of Mirrors and Starlight
And Aislinn, unable to lie, just told him that she’d fight to be with him for as long as she could.
Beauwashavingasplendid time. He always enjoyed a revel, and whilst the dwarven ball seemed a little tame compared to the displays at home, there was no denying the dwarves were excellent hosts and the feast was a fine affair. The music was grand, the company hilarious, the food hearty, and—
And Aislinn was smiling again, twirling in Caer’s arms, like her cheeks might break with happiness. He wasn’t sure he’d seen her so happy since before Cass’ death, wasn’t sure he’d seen her so happyever.
Sure, the relationship was far from ideal as Caer had to remain here, at least for the time being, but he trusted they’d find a way to make it work. Perhaps a lover who couldn’t be with her all the time would suit Aislinn, with her fierce independence. He knew their mother quite enjoyed time away from their father, even if she enjoyed coming home to him that much more. Their father had a tendency to mope whenever she was gone, and spend undue amounts of time with them in the meantime, sharing embarrassing stories.
Beau very much hoped that Aislinn did not become like that.
Caer moved away from Aislinn to get them some refreshments, and her eyes fell towards Beau. She came over, still grinning, dropping beside him on the pillows.
“Good evening, brother mine.”
“It certainly is.” He finished his drink and grinned at her, just as wildly.
“Having a good night?”
“Exceptional.” He placed his goblet on a nearby table, eyes scanning the room for any of their comrades. Instead, his eyes fell on a wrinkled old woman in the corner. Despite the finery around her, she was wearing a withered old dress stitched together with bits of lace and crow feathers and faded sequins, all black. Her cobwebby hair was wrapped around her head in an elaborate braid that looked like she’d been wearing it for several days.
“No…” he whispered, his stomach plummeting.
“What is it?”
“It’s Mabel.”
Mabel was a witch who resided mainly in Acanthia. She was responsible for the pendants that had been of great assistance to Hawthorn and Juliana half a century ago—one of which Aislinn was currently wearing around her neck—and the king and queen had great respect for her. Beau did too, but she did have a habit of showing up right before thingshappened.A troll insurgence. An unpredicted avalanche. The rampage of a dangerous giant that would kill one of his best friends.
Aislinn followed his gaze. “What’sshedoing here?”
“I’ve no idea.”
“Is that Minerva she’s talking to?”
Beau realised she was right. Minerva was seated beside her, a tankard of ale clutched in her iron grip, laughing as if they’d known each other their entire lives.
Beau marched over, Aislinn following.
“What are you doing here?” he demanded.
Mabel turned towards him. “It’s good to see you too, Prince Beau.”
Aislinn switched on a smile. “Do you two know each other?”
“Oh, Minnie and I go way back!” Mabel cackled.
“I thought no outsider had set foot in Avalinth for over a hundred years—”
“Nofaehas set foot in Avalinth during that time,” said Mabel, “but I don’t count, as you know. That being said, it has been a long while, hasn’t it dear?”
“Too long, too long!” Minerva chuckled into her drink.
“But… but…whyare you here?” Beau asked.
Mabel shrugged. “I just fancied a change of scenery.”
“We both know that is not the answer.”
The two women both laughed, before Minerva climbed to her feet. “I best try and find my sister. She’s been curiously absent all evening. I’ll catch up with you later, Mab.”
