“Only because they think you’re one of them.” A furrow grew between Carver’s dark brows. “Promise you’ll stay close to Ivan.”
“I never thought I’d hear you say that.”
He grunted. “Trust me, I don’t like it. I’d much rather be the one at your side.”
They both knew that was impossible. But Carver would be with General Keats, waiting in the shadows of the treasury until it was time to spring the trap.
“Do you have the bloodstone?” Carver asked.
As if in response to his words, the amulet hummed from inside the pocket Amryn had insisted Piera Denvoux add to the gown. She couldn’t wear the bloodstone with the low neckline, but she also couldn’t afford to be without it.
When she nodded an affirmative, Carver’s eyes clouded slightly. His emotions were tangled when it came to the bloodstone, but he pushed those aside as he raised her right hand to his mouth. The warmth of his lips hitting the center of her palm sent a shiver down her spine.
When he straightened, his eyes caught hers, a strange hum of anticipation, excitement, and nervousness rushing through him. “I didn’t go to Esperance for a wife, even though I knew I would gain one. I didn’t think love would ever be a part of my future. And that was all right. I didn’t need love. I was there to serve the emperor, and that was enough. After everything I’d experienced in Harvari, I didn’t think I was capable of giving love to a woman. I didn’t think I had anythingleftto give.” Carver’s eyes rose, and Amryn had to blink back tears so she wouldn’t miss a second of this. Not only the endearing vulnerability in his eyes, but the absolute truth that resonated inside him. His jaw tightened. “I went to Esperance prepared for anything—except you. I wasn’t prepared to fall in love with you, Amryn. But I did.”
Her heart squeezed, her pulse suddenly racing.
Carver was still holding her hand, watching as his thumb traced the dip in her palm. “I know the emperor asked us to leave our traditions behind when we came to Esperance. But in Westmont, it’s traditional for a man to give his bride a marriage bracelet. It’s a symbol of his love and devotion, as well as his ability—and vow—to always provide for her.”
Her breath caught as he went down to one knee, still holding her hand. With his free hand he reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a gold bracelet. It was a thin, solid band that managed to look delicate yet strong. A few small, glittering diamonds were set along the slim cuff.
“Amryn Lukis Vincetti,” Carver said, his deep voice more serious than before. “I promise to provide for you with all that I have, defend you with all the strength I possess, and love you with all that I am.”
Her hand shook in his, her other hand pressed against her trembling mouth.
Carver’s throat bobbed as he stared up at her, palming the bracelet. “I know you weren’t given a choice when you first married me, but will you choose me now?”
Her eyes stung with emotion—hers and his—and her throat constricted tightly as she fought back a rush of tears. Warmth filled her chest as she held his gaze and whispered, “Yes. I choose you, Carver.”
The corner of his mouth lifted in a half-grin that warmed every part of her. He stood, offering her the bracelet. She took it with gentle fingers, examining the exquisite piece. It was the most beautiful thing she’d ever seen. Glimpsing small, curving script on the inner band, she squinted to read the word etched there. “Aeternum?” she asked, pronouncing the foreign word carefully.
Carver nodded, assuring her she’d said it correctly. “It’s an old word in Westmont. It meansforever.”His voice softened. “It seemed like the perfect word to give you, because what I feel for you is never going to change. I’m yours, Amryn. Always.”
Her vision blurred, obscuring that simple but wonderful word from her sight.
He made a sound in his throat, his fingers instantly moving to swipe away her tears. “Saints, you and those tears. You’re killing me, sweetheart.”
“Will you put it on me?” she asked.
Carver’s long fingers moved deftly to fit the bracelet on her wrist. She swore she could feel the promise of that etched word press against her inner wrist.“Thank you,” she breathed, tears still sliding down her cheeks as she met Carver’s gaze. “Just how much have you spent at the jeweler’s?”
He chuckled. “Let’s just say there’s a jeweler on High Market Street who really likes me.”
She laughed, shaking her head. Her heart still felt like it was expanding in her chest. She took a breath, trying to steady her emotions before she took his hand.
Carver silently followed her lead as she raised their clasped hands between them and slowly interlocked their fingers. His curiosity was strong, but he didn’t ask what she was doing. He merely waited for her explanation.
Clearing her throat, she said, “Long ago in Ferradin, couples married each other in simple ceremonies they conducted themselves. They joined hands, like this, and spoke the traditional words the gods shared with them. Afterwards, they were deemed married beneath the sun and the stars.” She took a breath, then spoke in her native tongue.
Carver watched her intently, love shining in his eyes even though he obviously couldn’t understand a single word.
When she finished, she translated the ceremonial words without prompting. “With this hand, I take thee freely. With this grasp, I cling to thee alone. With this vow, I wed thee. And with this kiss, I claim thee mine.”
Still gripping his hand, their fingers woven together, she leaned up to kiss her husband, even as he bent down to claim her mouth.
Chapter 56
Carver
