The Love of a Wielder (Book Two of The Wielders Trilogy)

Chapter Nineteen

"Good evening!" Alec said as he came out on the balcony.

They had decided to have a celebratory dinner on the balcony and with the lights strung up, it was very picturesque. Maren and Donovan had not yet arrived, but Alec was looking forward to seeing them and congratulating them. They had been sequestered the whole afternoon, but Alec's father told him what Maren had decided.

"You look pleased," his father observed as Alec sat down.

"I'm thrilled. It isn't every day your best friend gets to marry the love of his life and your other best friend gets to become a princess," he said, grinning.

"And you don't even think to comfort your father, who has lost an engagement?" his father said with a wink.

Alex laughed. He knew his father was more happy than disappointed.

"Well, the next time I bring you a wife, I'll try to make sure she isn't pregnant."

His father smiled. "You are a rubbish matchmaker. Terrible introduction, pregnant with someone else's baby. You should probably retire."

Alec laughed. "No, no, I will not give up my new profession until I find you a wife."

"Oh, but do make sure she's magic. That's useful to have around," his father said with a wink.

"Don't worry, Jonathan, I'll still come out and fix your hip if you break it," Maren said, walking out on the balcony on Donovan's arm.

Now there was a sight Alec was happy to see.

He hadn't intended to leap up to embrace them both, but he did. He couldn't help it.

"Oh, you ridiculous people! I'm so happy for you both," Alec cried.

Donovan laughed and clapped him on the back.

"Thank you. And thank you for your help," Donovan said.

"Well, if you want to thank me, Alec would be an excellent name for the baby," he said with a wink.

"No, no! They already agreed to name him Jonathan!" Alec's father cried.

Everyone laughed at that and they sat down.

"I think 'King Donovan the Second' sounds best," Donovan said.

"I think it's a girl," Maren said with a wry smile.

"Could be both! Maybe it's twins," Alec's father pointed out.

Maren shook her head, not in negation, but in astonishment.

"I can hardly wrap my mind around one baby, much less two," she said.

Alec's father smiled. "You'll get used to it."

It made Alec's heart feel very full to see Maren and Donovan exchange a smile at that.

He would have terminated the pregnancy if Maren had asked him to, but he would've hated doing it. It wasn't that he had any opposition to the procedure, he was happy to do it when needed, but he knew it would have hurt both his friends badly. He was relieved he didn't have to do it.

A servant brought out a tray of sparkling wine.

"I hope you don't mind," Jonathan said as they were all given glasses. "But I felt a toast was in order."

Alec's father raised his glass. "To Prince Donovan and the future Princess Maren."

Alec said, "Hear, hear," and the men all touched glasses while Maren stared off into nothing for a moment. She was looking rather shocked.