Page 102 of Wind and Water
Tugging my hand, he leads me up the stairs, past our room, then up another set of stairs to a door that looks like all the others on the guest level of the castle.
The others troop behind us, and even Harper has joined the parade.
Liam takes both my hands. “I wanted to marry you right after the ball. Mother asked us to wait for aproperwedding. She didn’t say I couldn’t give you your wedding gift. In fact, she helped arrange this. Harper told me in your world, a ring is offered from the groom to the bride as a promise. Here, it is usually a bracelet.” He turns the knob and pushes the door open. “I thought you might like to decide on the exact piece you would like, as your work is far more unique than anything made by elven jewelry makers.”
The small room is flush with light despite the rain teaming outside. A long table holds a small lathe, light, pliers in different shapes and sizes, an adorable hammer, wire, a melting pot, and trays of stones in every color. It’s a jeweler’s dream to have a workshop like this.
“This is…” I have no words.
“Is it what you need to continue with your art? If something is missing, tell me and we’ll try to get it for you.” Worry runs through his words.
“It’s perfect. It’s a dream. How do these things work without plugs?” I run my hand lovingly along the top of the lathe.
Elspeth says, “They are powered by magic. They will run for as long as you live.”
I hug her. “Thank you.”
Liam says, “Your mother told us what you would need. Niamh and Fancor were able to get the shiny bits from their people. Harper and Aaran helped me set everything up.”
I hug Fancor.
He chortles and turns red. Patting my back, he says, “I’m pleased you’re happy, Wren. You should be able to continue your passions in whatever world you choose.”
Squealing with joy, Niamh joins in the hug. “Many of those pretty stones came from the waters of the glen. The wire was made here in Tús Nua, but the silver and gold came from the dwarves.”
“I also brought you some raw materials to melt into whatever shape you wish.” Fancor pats my head.
Tears flow freely down my face as my joy cannot be contained. “Thank you all. This is more than I ever could have expected.”
One by one, they hug me and leave. Elspeth cups my cheek. “I wouldn’t want you to give up anything you love to stay here and make my son happy.”
My emotions are so overwhelming, I can only squeak out, “Thank you.”
She kisses my forehead and joins Momma at the door. They leave together, giving Liam and me a long look before they leave us.
Looking in every direction of my stunning workshop, my heart overflows with love and gratitude. I leap into Liam's arms. “You are amazing. Thank you.”
He grips my bottom and kisses me hard on the lips.
Threading my fingers through his hair, I pull it loose from the ribbon and deepen the kiss. My tongue searches his for more. Breathless, I break the kiss. “I can’t believe you did all of this. How did you even know?”
“Every day, I find new braided chains of grass or fabric in our room. It was a good clue. You need your craft to be truly happy. I promise you, Wren, your happiness is the most important thing in my life. I will strive to bring you joy for as long as I live.” He carries me around the workbench to the chair and sits with me in his lap. “Fancor will help you trade for the minerals that come from his mountains whenever you need more.”
“There is enough here to keep me busy for a year.” My voice is thready with joy and gratitude. “Thank you.” I bury my teary eyes in his shoulder.
Kissing my ear, he says, “I love you. Anything you need, I will provide or help you obtain.”
“What is left for me to give to you?” I hadn’t meant to say it out loud. I will never be able to repay such a thoughtful gift.
With one hand, he combs his fingers through my curls and cups the back of my head. “You are all the gift I will ever need. Telling me you will be my wife, my mate, my life partner, is far greater than this room.”
My heart is near bursting. “The things you say.” I dash away my tears.
From the moment I made the decision to stay in Domhan and make this place and this man my home, I never doubted that it was the right thing. Now I can visualize what life could be like once the battle is won.
“We will beat her. For many years, I didn’t believe it, but now I know in my heart that we cannot lose.” Liam’s eyes are filled with passion and truth.
I lean into his body and revel in his embrace. “There’s nothing we can’t do as long as we’re together.”
