The Rabbit and the Raven: Book Two in the Solas Beir Trilogy by Melissa Eskue Ousley Page A

and down her arm. “You won’t see it coming.”
    She froze, transfixed by his touch. “Ohhh, scary,” she managed.
    He pulled back to look at her, and then his face erupted into a smug grin, as if he were very pleased with the effect his touch had on her. “Just you wait,” he whispered. He meant it as a threat, but she kind of liked his idea of revenge. And judging by the cocky look on his face, he knew she liked it. She leaned into his touch, hoping for more, but he laughed and kissed her nose, releasing her. “Someone’s coming,” he said.
    Abby heard the click of footsteps echoing off the stone floor of the corridor and slid off David’s lap just before Eulalia rounded the corner.
    “Hello!” the queen exclaimed. “I am so sorry I am late.”
    “No worries, Mom,” David said. “We had plenty to chat about to keep us busy.”
    Abby tried to stifle a giddy laugh, and it came out as a giggle-snort, which made David burst out laughing.
    “Oh?” From the perplexed look on the queen’s face, Abby guessed she was wondering what she had missed, but thinking perhaps it was best not to know.
    “Yes,” David said. “Little Miss Giggles over here may have dreamed about what animal I will change into.”
    “That is fantastic. What did you dream, Abby?”
    Abby cleared her throat, regaining her composure. “He was white lion full of the Light, vanquishing the Darkness.”
    “Oh.” David smiled dreamily. “Sounds even cooler when you say it like that.”
    Abby thought his smile was a little goofy and that he was probably thanking his lucky stars not to be turning into a rodent. He looked endearingly dorky.
    At the sight of David’s funny smile, Eulalia looked confused again, and for a moment seemed tempted to ask her son why he was acting odd. Then she turned to Abby instead. “That would be wonderful, Abby. There are stories in the human world that white lions are divine messengers, ushering in eras of peace and prosperity. I hope it is true.”
    “That would be nice,” Abby agreed, trying hard to ignore her distractingly cute but dopey boyfriend and focus her attention on the queen. “I’m all for peace and prosperity.”
    Eulalia nodded. “As am I.” Then she smiled shyly. “Not to change the subject, but I also bring news. There is a reason why I arrived late today.”
    “Oh? Does it involve Cael?” Abby asked.
    “It does.” Eulalia’s smile grew bright. She suddenly seemed to be having difficulty containing her own giddy laughter.
    “Oh really…?” Abby smiled back. There could only be one reason for the queen to smile like that.
    Eulalia nodded. “Yes. He asked me to marry him.”
    “Oh!” David exclaimed, surprised. “Congratulations!” He jumped up from the bench and hugged his mother tightly.
    Abby joined him in the hug. “Congratulations, Eulalia. This has been a long time coming.”
    “Yes, we are so thankful to be reunited after so many years apart.”
    David pulled back, his brow furrowed with concern. “But with the journey coming up, you’ll be separated again, at least until we get back.”
    “Yes, this is true,” Eulalia agreed. “That is why the wedding must wait until after you return, and of course there will be much to do while you are away. In the meantime, we must focus on your journey. I would like to hear more about your dream. Come, let us continue this discussion in my chambers.”
    Abby and David followed Eulalia into the sitting room of her suite. In contrast to the more spacious room containing her bed and dressing area, this room was small but cozy, with an oriel window offering a magnificent view of the Western Sea.
    Once they were seated, Abby recounted what she remembered from both dreams and asked the question that was on both their minds: were the similarities in the dreams mere coincidence, or had she and David really made a connection?
    “It is difficult to say,” Eulalia began. “The dreams have similar themes and content, but are different