Page 84 of Bewitched

“Well, while we’re waiting, I’ll tell all of you my good news then,” said Rhys.

“Really? What is it?” asked his mother. “We could all use some good news about now.”

“Medea and I are getting married.”

The elf started coughing at hearing this. Rhys didn’t care if he choked on the pie. He deserved it.

“You’re marrying the witch?” asked the elf as soon as he could talk.

“Aye, that’s what I said. And her name is Medea,” Rhys corrected him, not liking anyone calling Medea a witch, even if that is what she was.

“She’s got dark magic in her, Brother, or have you forgotten?” asked Zann.

“I know. It’s fine. I still love her.”

“Love? We’re talking love now?” asked Zann, stopping to look up from his continuous pacing.

“Rhys, mayhap you should first think about this more,” said Darium. “Slow down a little.”

“I agree with Darium,” said his mother, getting up and walking over from the bed. “Medea might not be the best choice for a wife. How about if I introduce you to a nice fae instead?”

“Nay. Stop it,” snapped Rhys. “I don’t want to hear another word about it. Medea and I already have a child, and we love each other. We want to marry and raise Lily-Rae together.”

“Rhys, even though Medea’s my sister, I’m not sure she would make anyone a good wife.” Rapunzel picked up the baby and walked over to join them. “She has a darkness inside her that she just can’t control.” She looked down at the baby in her arms. “I just hope Lily-Rae didn’t inherit it from Medea, the way Medea got her darkness from Hecuba.”

“If so, we’ll have two evil witches on Mura,” groaned Zann, continuing to pace.

“Stop it! All of you.” Rhys grabbed his daughter from Rapunzel. “My baby is not evil, and neither is Medea.” He realized how silly it sounded as soon as he said it. After all, everyone had seen Medea on the dragon, trying to seize two kingdoms. She had caused a lot of destruction and could have caused a lot of deaths with her recklessness as well. They lucked out this time, but would they be so lucky if it ever happened again? “Well, she’s got that side of her under control now,” he said. “I’ve seen the light in her and she is really a good person.”

There was silence, and then, of all people, his mother was the one to say something nice. “I’m sure you’re right, Rhys. We don’t know the girl the way you’ve gotten to know her. If you believe in her, then so do I.”

“Really?” asked Rhys, not expecting to hear this, since his mother had been against Medea since she’d met her.

“Really,” said Alaina.

“I guess I agree, too,” said Rapunzel. “After all, I know Medea can be good when she wants to be.”

“Yes, we’re all happy for you. Aren’t we, Darium?” asked Talia.

“Sure,” said Darium half-heartedly. “Right, Zann?”

“Mmmph,” mumble Zann, not sounding at all convincing. Rhys wasn’t sure what that meant, but figured he didn’t really want to know.

“Congratulations are in order,” said Alaina. “When is the wedding, Son?”

“We plan to get married as soon as we can. Or, should I say as soon as Medea breaks the news to King Osric that she’s not marrying him after all.”

“Won’t that make the King angry?” asked Rapunzel.

“I’m sure it will,” Darium answered for Rhys. “I’m also sure he is not going to just sit back and accept it, either.”

“Medea could be in danger,” said Talia. “She’s at Kasculbough all alone.”

“Oh, don’t worry about Medea.” Rhys chuckled. “She’s got her magic to protect her. She can take care of herself. There is nothing King Osric can do to harm her.”

All of a sudden, the elf downed the rest of the pie so fast that he moved in a blur. Then he threw the spoon down with a clank, and leaned back in his chair with his feet resting atop the table. He let out a loud belch and smacked his lips. “Great pie, Talia.” He tapped his full belly with his hands. “A man could get fat with all your talented baking.”

“Why, thank you,” said Talia with a smile, enjoying the compliment.