“Well done, Lady-Sir Gradh,” Latharna said.
We headed down the stairs, carefully, though we hadn't attached my train yet. The halls were empty, everyone was in the throne room... hopefully. I wasn't sure they could all fit. But the double doors were shut when we reached them, so there must not have been any overflow. A pair of guards stood at attention there, waiting to open the doors for us. They started to, but I held up a hand to stop them.
“I have to get my train on, guys. Give me a sec,” I said, and they both nodded, their lips barely twitching.
The women helped me attach it, then smooth it out behind me. I nodded to the men, and they opened the doors. The murmuring that had filled the packed throne room stopped as soon as I stepped in. My father was waiting beside the door, and he extended his arm to me with a proud grin. I didn't have a bouquet, so I was glad to have him to hold onto. My attendants went first, giving me a few moments to compose myself. Then Keir led me up the long, center aisle, as the music changed toHere Comes the Bride. I glanced up and saw a flock of pixies playing tiny instruments, which nonetheless had impressive volume.
“You look beautiful,” Keir gave my arm a squeeze.
“Thanks, Dad,” I whispered back, as I nodded to familiar faces we passed.
My heart started to race. It lifted into my throat, threatening to choke me. Then I stared down the aisle and saw him. Raza stood at the end of the aisle, on the dais. The thrones were set to the back of the dais, and a little table stood between Raza and Councilman Catan, of the Twilight Council House. On Raza's right stood Rayetayah, Tiernan, Killian, and Kader. I spared a glance for Tiernan and Killian, who both looked amazing in their velvet tunics. Tiernan especially looked wonderful in his seelie crown. But it was Raza's day, and he outshone them all. Maybe that was the wrong word for Raza. The others were so bright, even Councilman Catan had beautiful celadon hair. But against all that vivid color, Raza stood out like a dark god.
Raza was in full dragon-djinn glory, with wings on display, and hair pulled back to show off the crimson stripes in it. The simple unseelie crown seemed to be a part of him, nearly the same color as his skin. He wore crimson; ruby velvet for his tunic, and a deeper, blood red for his leather pants. A dress sword hung from his waist, obviously for ornamentation. The Unseelie King needed no weapons. He was a weapon. Except today his dangerous beauty was tempered by emotion.
Raza stared at me like the sun had risen in his hell and was leading him out. He swallowed hard as I made my way forward, blinking away a sheen which had appeared over his golden eyes, and every stare shifted from me to him. To see a king humbled by his bride was one thing, but to see a dragon king come close to tears at the sight of his soon-to-be queen, was probably pretty damn rare. Everyone went silent except the musicians above us, who continued to play the traditional song as I went forward to my fiancé.
My father took me up the steps, and ceremoniously gave my hand to Raza, “Take care of my daughter, King Raza Tnyn.”
“Her life is more important to me than my own,” Raza spoke with deep sincerity.
My father nodded his approval and backed away. He took his seat beside Aideen's mother in the first row. My ladies in waiting had already taken up their positions on my left. Councilman Catan lifted his hands wide, to encompass me and Raza, then started the ceremony. I barely heard the words, I couldn't concentrate on anything but Raza. He squeezed my hand gently, and I tried to focus on what Catan was saying.
“We fey live a very long time, so we do not enter the bonds of marriage lightly,” Catan seemed to be addressing the crowd. “King Raza and Princess Seren have found a love they know to be strong enough to take on the vows of marriage. They have come here today to share these vows with us, and declare their love to all of Fairy. King Raza,” Catan looked to Raza, “pull back the veil separating you from your intended.”
Raza gently lifted my veil and placed it over my head. He smiled brighter when my face was fully revealed, and I smiled back. The crowd tittered with happiness.
“King Raza, are you ready to take your vows?” Catan asked.
“Yes,” Raza said firmly.
“Then make them now.”
Make them now? I glanced at Catan in terror. I didn't get a prompt? Was I supposed to come up with my vows on the fly? Raza gave my hand another squeeze and chuckled.
“Just speak from your heart when the time comes,” he whispered. “Vow what you're willing to give me.”
“Okay.”
Then Raza made his marriage vows to me.
“I swear that I shall love no other, but you,” Raza came out swinging.
I may have begun to panic a little. I couldn't say that back to him, could I? Hesowasn't helping me.
“I shall be faithful to you in heart and body forever,” he said next.
My throat went dry.
“My body will be your shelter and your support,” Raza said. “When all falters around you, I will stand firm. I promise to listen when you need to be heard, and speak for you when you have no voice. I will value your counsel nearly as much as your heart, and I will treasure each moment we have together. Should everything fall into dust around us, I will remain at your side, I swear it. Nothing shall take you from me nor I from you. From this day until eternity ends, we are as one.”
Dear Goddess, how did I follow that?
“The ring?” Catan asked softly.
I'd removed the ring Raza had given me, and I'd expected him to give it back. He didn't. Instead, he slid a thin, black, titanium band upon my finger. I blinked in surprise, then looked up to him with a question in my eyes.
“You'll need room for two more,” he shrugged.
