“Mother would be so proud of you,” Delysia whispered, blotting tears away from her cheeks. “And so am I.”
My eyes burned, as did my heart. “Thank you, Lys. That means the world to me.”
She sniffed, fanning her eyes. “Ugh, now my eyes will be all red and puffy. We’d better go put your beautiful betrothed out of his misery.”
“You saw Aiden?” I asked eagerly.
“Yes, I left Henry with him, thinking maybe a few boring reports would get Aiden to stop pacing the Temple steps.”
I grinned and hurried out the door with Delysia and Melaena on my heels.
A few guards escorted us across the partially constructed bridge to meet our carriage. I was eager to ride Ozlow again, but this dress wouldn’t survive horseback. Besides, he seemed to enjoy his pampered life in the royal stables with Wicked.
We rolled through the city, many people waving as we passed, making their own way to the Temple for the wedding.
The Noble Quarter gate was open, as it had been for weeks. Guard still patrolled the quarters, but we no longer inhibited travel between them.
“Did your Dag friends arrive?” Delysia asked as we bumped along.
“Yes, about a week ago.” I smiled, remembering the nights we’d spent with Maz and his sisters atThe Weary Traveler. Maz had given the whole tavern quite the eyeful of his new tattoo—a black heart inked on his right ass cheek.
Their entire party was staying in the palace with us, filling the palace with their raunchy jokes and loud competitions. But Aiden was right—having friends, family, and love here had banished so many unhappy memories that I now struggled to remember what it was like before.
My heart beat harder and faster as we wove past the taverns. The Temple burst into view in a blaze of white marble and clanging bells.
The carriage slowed to a crawl due to the enormous crowd that spilled out of the Temple and filled the square to the brim.
Everyone waved and cheered, calling my name and Aiden’s.
The enormity of what we’d done, of what we were going to do, crashed over me like a waterfall. But instead of fear, it brought clarity. Purpose.
This was my place in the world.
Guards cleared a path from the carriage to the Temple and helped me step out. Delysia and Melaena followed, adjusting my dress even as the mischievous breeze rumpled it.
I glanced at the sky. White clouds billowed across the endless blue. Perhaps Mynastra would send another storm. Perhaps not. But no storm could break me today.
I walked toward the open Temple doors, heart in my throat. Once inside, the cool shadows breathed relief against my skin.The scent of lilies and sweet smoke soothed my mind while harmonious chanting stirred my soul.
A sea of people stood inside the Temple, packed around the soaring marble columns apart from one strip of floor. A walkway led to the middle of the Temple, bathed in a mix of torchlight and sunlight from windows out of sight in the dome.
A short journey surrounded by our allies that ended with the person I loved most in the world.
The moment I laid eyes on him, nothing else mattered.
I didn’t wait for a signal. I forgot to acknowledge those who’d gathered to witness. I saw nothing but the man waiting for me.
I strode down the aisle.
Aiden’s green eyes widened, and his lips parted as he drank me in.
His black hair was glossy and fell over his brow as it was wont to do. My fingers curled, desperate to dig into it. Even though he must’ve shaved, the shadow of his stubble still carved out his cheekbones and clenched jaw.
He wore a formal suit of deep violet, embroidered with gold. His father’s ring glinted on his finger.
He descended the dais to meet me, stretching out his hand. I grasped it hard, my body trembling.
“You’re more beautiful than the sun, Kiera,” he murmured, his whole face glowing with admiration.
