The Ice Twins - Nikki Jefford Page 0,59

with our families present.

Ronin and I shared a secretive smile. We had an arctic surprise in store for our mate tonight. It was even better than a glacier. We just needed to sneak out of our own party and be on our way. Zelie was in on the plan to cut out, but executing the getaway was proving challenging.

When we were stopped by yet another noble couple, I heard Zelie mutter, “Might as well eat more of these delicious little pastries.” She swiped two off a passing server’s tray.

Our beautiful mate looked like a fairytale princess in her pastel pink and midnight blue wedding gown with sparkles that sprayed over the full skirt like stardust. It was the full swell of her belly I couldn’t get enough of. Every time I introduced Zelie to another Fae lord and lady, I’d watch with pride as their gaze dropped to her protruding belly and think, Yep, my brother and I did that.

I was still feeling smug over Lark’s first reaction after portaling to Pinemist for the ceremony.

“Damn, Zelie. My brothers did a number on you,” he’d commented.

Zelie had flushed bright red and looked at me to do something about it. I didn’t like using cooling magic on my mate while she was pregnant. Zelie’s mother said it was perfectly safe, but Ronin and I didn’t want to take any chances. We’d been fanning Zelie the old-fashioned way. It was impossible to get our stupid shack to a comfortable temperature back in Bluespark. The wood-burning stove turned the small enclosure into a sauna. It was either that or freeze. Even an ice elemental had limits as to how much cold he could endure.

Bluespark had given me a new appreciation for Pinemist. Back home we had pubs, cafés, a charming town center, parks with fountains, a large market, and tournament space.

A little less than three months, I reminded myself. Once Zelie was a couple weeks away from her due date, we’d finally return to our cottage back home.

“Indeed, it was not an ideal year for silver puff mushrooms,” Lord Somebody I Didn’t Care About droned on. “This is usually their peak season.” He lifted his long, elegant nose when a server attempted to offer him an artichoke-stuffed mushroom.

I snatched one and handed it to Zelie, who instantly popped it into her mouth, sighing as she chewed.

Lady Someone I Also Did Not Care About wrinkled her nose as she watched Zelie finish the appetizer with a throaty swallow.

“Well, good to see you again,” Ronin said before leading Zelie and me away. Thank Sky.

I whispered huskily into Zelie’s ear. “Well? Did it taste tolerable, or are all mushrooms inferior to silver puffs?”

Zelie snorted and covered her nose, lowering it again to grin. “Whatever it was, it tasted delicious.”

“You’ve said that about everything tonight,” Ronin said.

“It all tastes marvelous.”

“Want more?” I asked.

Zelie shook her head. “I’m ready to move on to the main event: our wedding night.”

“Time to go,” I mouthed at Ronin. He nodded.

We managed to slip out of the ballroom, only to run into Lark. Our brother had changed from the tux and bow tie he wore for our wedding ceremony to light blue slacks and a partially unbuttoned white top with a transparent silver-threaded scarf draped over his shoulders.

“Sneaking off?” he asked.

I folded my arms. “You gonna try to stop us?”

“Nope.”

“Smart move.”

With a mirthful smile, Lark gave Zelie a sideways hug, leaning his body away from her belly. “It’s good to have you in the family, Zel. Thanks for keeping the twins in line.”

Ronin snorted. “Whatever. We’re pretty much heroes back in the elven realm.”

Lark stepped back and smirked. “Oh yeah? Are they erecting stone statues in your likeness back in Elkcan?”

“Not yet.”

Lark rolled his eyes. “Go enjoy your wedding night while I savor the rest of your decadent claiming party.”

Ronin and I mock saluted our brother in jest before escorting Zelie to our room in the castle, where we’d laid out human coats, hats, and scarves. Once bundled up, we opened a portal to Chena Hot Springs in Fairbanks, Alaska. As though queued up by magic, the northern lights weaved in otherworldly greens above our heads in the clear sky.

Zelie lifted her head, fogging the air with her breath. “Where in the worlds are we?”

“Mortal realm,” Ronin supplied.

“This looks nothing like California,” Zelie said in wonder.

I chuckled. “No palm trees, but they do have glaciers. We booked several nights at the Ice Hotel. It’s up this way.”

We led Zelie around a cluster of