“It’s short notice.” I kept pacing, a Reyla thing I adored as much as her. She did it to think; I did it when I felt uncomfortable. I could ask anything for others, even demand it.
But I’d never found it easy to ask for myself.
“Yes?” she prompted, smoothing her hands down her dark robe.
“Will you marry me?”
She blinked.
I laughed uneasily. “Pardon. Would you please marry Reyla and I?”
Her frown only deepened. “Didn’t you and our queen marry on the ship during your journey from Lydel to Evergorne?”
“Yes, Captain Christoff married us.”
“So…?”
“We didn’t know each other then. Our marriage was arranged, a formal thing to create an alliance between her people and ours. Now, we love each other, and we want to marry with our hearts.”
Her face cleared. “Ah. I see.” A smile rose on her wrinkled cheeks. “I’d be honored to perform this ceremony for you and our beloved queen. When would you like to do it?”
“Now.”
She blinked again. “Now?”
“If it’s not too much of an imposition.”
“I’m here for you always, King Lorick. You know that.” She glanced down at her robe. “May I have a few moments to change?”
“Of course. I’ll wait.”
Her lips twitched before smoothing. “Very well. Would you like to wait here or in the parlor?”
“Here is fine.” And now I was nervous, though not because this was something I didn’t want to do. I didn’t want my wife to wait, to wonder where I’d gone.
Fortunately, it wasn’t long before our elder stepped outside in a red robe shot through with silver. Evergorne colors.
She shut the door and peered around. “Where’s your carriage?”
“Reyla taught me… Well, I’ll take you there with magic. If that’s alright.”
She took my arm. “I’ve always wished there was a way to travel with magic. You’ll share this special spell with me.”
It was a statement, not a question. “I will.”
One flit, and I took her to the tower. Where else would I marry the woman I’d love forever but here?
As she looked around, Justifar’s eyebrows lifted, but she pinched her lips together and said nothing.
“Reyla and I will be right back,” I said.
Justifar nodded, her eyes bright with understanding. “Love marriages are the most sacred,” she said softly. “I'll prepare the words while you bring your bride.”
I flitted back to the bathing area.
Clearing my throat, I strode into the bedroom. The air shifted when Reyla turned, her bare feet whispering on the floor.
She wore the gown I’d spun for her with moonlight the night we wed.
