The old Draecna nodded his approval. “I will see that they hear your words. The translator sends it out even now.”
A deafening murmur hummed through the crowd as they all rose and filled the cavern with thunderous clapping.
“This needs to be over,” she implored.
Septamus agreed with another nod. “Draecna, it is time to send your leader home.”
The six bearers stepped up to Taggart and removed their circlets of gold. They placed the rings on his chest, then touched their claws to their foreheads. Once they each performed the ritual, the six returned to their positions on either side of the pyre. In unison, they pulled in deep, chest-expanding breaths and released their hottest blaze.
The blue-white flames licked and danced to the ceiling as the Draecna kept the fire going for what seemed like forever. As the inferno roared; sparks crackled and spun up into the darkness until nothing remained on the platform butash.
Hannah pressed her fist to her mouth, shaking with the emptiness of love ripped away from her. She had been wrong when she thought she had no more tears to cry. A streaming torrent wet her cheeks. She kept her gaze locked on the glowing embers as they swirled upward and disappeared. Footsteps shuffled toward her. She clenched the urn tighter until her fingers cramped. If she gave it over to them, they would shovel the last of him inside and then force her to shut him away forever.
“Please, Guardian.”
Throat aching from the agony eating away at her soul, she choked back a sob. With shaking hands, she forced the box into Septamus’s waiting claws while never taking her eyes from the carved lid.
“I want it back once we place him inside,” she said.
Septamus paused; a rare look of surprise shadowed his wrinkled face as he gently pulled the box from her lingering grasp. “That is not usually done, Guardian. Prince Taggart’s tomb awaits him beside the River Ursia Diuan.”
She snatched the box back, her heartbeat pounding against the lid. They had robbed her of the love of her life; she would be damned straight to Hell before she allowed them to deny her this. “Does my word mean anything in this world or not?”
With an apologetic bow of his great horned head, Septamus retreated a step. “Of course, Guardian, your word means everything. Please forgive me.”
She offered him the box again, holding it surprisingly steady. The ivory urn strangely seemed much lighter. “Then please do as I ask, Septamus. Once Taggart is inside, return him to me. I will not allow him to be taken away from me again.”
“As ye wish, my Guardian.” After a respectful tip of his horns, he took the urn and placed her beloved in his final resting place.
“If you choosea human from among the provinces, I shall bestow the gift of immortality upon them. Therefore, you will not be required to spend your eternity alone. Pick one.” Esme’s dry, logical reasoning jarred Hannah from her thoughts.
She had taken refuge in the cushioned window seat, hoping everyone would leave her alone. With her forehead pressed against the cool glass, she wished Esme would find something else to do. What had she said? Select a human? Not bloody well likely. She ignored the offer and remained silent.
Eyes closed, she massaged her temples. A jackhammer ratcheted inside her head, and they had yet to find an herb in all of Erastaed that matched the strength of the prescription medication she used to take for her migraines. Esme needed to go away. The migraine yanked her stomach into the act, the excruciating pain sickening her until she almost retched.
If Taggart were here, he would heal her with a wave of his hand. Her eyes burned like hot coals. No more crying. It only increased the misery. Besides, she had sworn she would not put herself through the if-Taggart-were-heregame again today. Distinct shuffling and general noisiness made her crack an eyelid.
Esme carried a pile of scattered clothing over one arm while straightening a pile of pillows. “Do the servants not tend to your private rooms? This place is a disgrace.” Her snout wrinkled in disgust as she heaved several plates of questionable food into the hearth and ignited them with a well-aimed fireball. As she turned back to Hannah, she resettled her shimmering wings against her scaly back. “I have noticed you appear unable to function well without a mate. If you will select another human that you believe would be suitable for an eternity, I will gift them with immortality, since you already have an extended lifespan.”
Making the mistake of shaking her head, Hannah staunched a gag and closed her eyes again. “Not that simple. You don’t just get another human like replacing a pet that got hit by a car.”
“I cannot understand this pet-hit-by-a-car comparison. Please explain.” Esme circled the room again, sweeping up more scattered clothing with her tail.
“Esme, I feel like proper shit! Please, just leave me in peace?” She had reached her limit. She lunged for the silver ice bucket on the table, slung out the ice, then heaved into it.
A cool damp towel pressed against the base of her neck until her retching stopped.
“Forgive me, Guardian. I was unaware you were unwell. I should have been more observant.”
Another damp towel wiped her mouth, and a glass of water pressed against her lips.
“Take a sip to rinse your mouth and spit it into the bucket. When you are ready, I shall take it away.”
“I am so sorry, Esme.” Hannah eased back into the pillows of the window seat as Esme removed the pail. “I didn’t mean to bite your head off.” Now guilt joined the hammering inside her skull. “Please,just hand me Taggart and give me some time to myself. When I am better, I will explain it so you understand.”
The overly logical female scowled down at Hannah, then shifted a wary glance toward Taggart’s urn where it rested on the mantel across the room. “The prince’s remains should be in his tomb. It is not natural that you keep them in your rooms. All the Draecna speak of it. Even Isla has mentioned we should properly lay her son to rest.”
“Get out!” Hannah forced herself upright and pointed at the door. “I have had enough lectures to do me a lifetime. Your insolence is neither welcome nor appreciated.” She stumbled up from the bench, leaning against the wall to maintain her balance. “The people of Erastaed ripped away my last chance at happiness as the price for their own freedom. Isn’t that enough? I refuse to pay anymore! Taggart was my husband, my mate, my eternal friend.” A keening sob escaped her. “If I want to keep him with me, it is no one else’s business. Got that?”
