“If your family has some you’d prefer to use, we can, but mine doesn’t.” He opened the box to reveal soft lavender cloth. “We could give these heirlooms new life.”
Reaching out, she gingerly moved the cloth aside to unveil a pair of joining bracelets. Violet, gold, and amorite winked out at her in the soft morning light. “Rodric, they’re beautiful.”
Lifting them out, she reverently touched the golden threads on her bracelet. The central amethyst stone was an exact match to the royal stones that embedded the hilt of her dagger. Though Zamyran in origin, as was obvious from the amorite in the bands, any Calderran looking at it would see only the symbolic purple of the royal house. Rodric’s bracelet had a central amorite stone that was rough and solid. The darker purple bands braided around his wrist would appropriately signify his allegiance to her, and by extension, Calderre.
“You’re really willing to give up your homeland for me?”
“I let go of my past last night. My home, my future, is wherever you are. Your heart is the most giving and beautiful I’ve ever encountered, Celina. I’d be honored to stand beside you as a Calderran.”
Believing he really meant what he said and was willing to embrace her people as well as her, she met his gaze and smiled, eyes wet with the possibilities of their future together. “They’re perfect. I’d love to use them.”
Setting the box aside, Rodric took her bracelet and wrapped it around her wrist. The extra weight immediately took on the feel of his strong presence as he tied the bands tight. She followed suit, securing her mark around his wrist. The dark amorite filled with shadows as the sun hit it, violet sparks appearing to almost move inside the stone.
Joining bracelets secured, they sat beside one another and laid out the matching length of braided cord that had been in the bottom of the box. Twining their hands together so their bracelets sat side by side, they looped the cord over their arms above the bracelets and crisscrossed it down to their hands. Holding the ends of the rope, they joined their free hands together, completing the circle.
As they began the vow that would bind their lives as intricately as their souls, Celina awakened their bond. Combining their magic into an intricate braid of white, blue, and gold, she drew it to the surface. She felt Rodric follow her lead, encouraging their magic to wind around them both until their essences merged.
“By my vow, I join with you and bind my soul to yours. My love surrounding you, my shield protecting you, my light embracing you. In life and death, our hearts and souls entwined. Forevermore our spirits one, my sacred vow.”
The mist of the mountain dawn wound around them, blanketing their hands in a golden shimmer. Celina touched her forehead to Rodric’s, basking in the magic blazing within them until it quieted to a gentle, steady presence.
As they stood to leave some time later, Rodric took her hand and kissed it. “Ready to head home, my mate?”
“Yes. I’m glad I won’t be going back alone.”
Rodric smiled and gently brushed his fingers over her joining bracelet with a reverent, loving touch. “Definitely not alone.”
Chapter 36
TWO MONTHS LATER
Ravensmere Keep, Realm of Calderre
Dazzlingcolorsglintedoffthe snow and ice as the sun streamed into Ravensmere’s central courtyard. The constant white of snow could get dreary during the long months of winter in Calderre. Specially designed suncatchers made by one of her ancestors moved in the slight breeze, catching the rays of light and transforming them into a rainbow of color.
Cold, fresh air invigorated Celina’s lungs as she took in the sights and smells of home. Leaning against the terrace railing, she had the perfect view. After being on horseback for weeks, the children had been delighted to get outdoors and play all day. Uncaring of the fierce cold, they had spent their first true snow day in Calderre learning all manner of new games.
Catriona had been overjoyed to be reunited with their brother. The pair were currently supervising the children’s play. The familiar sight of Connor and Cat laughing together filled Celina’s heart with joy. They had divided the younger children into teams and were teaching them how to strategically mount a snowball attack. Though Connor had amazing skills as a warrior, her bet was on their conniving little sister. Cat’s talent for strategy was sure to aid her during her time as an aspirant.
Jed ran along the banks and bounced in the soft snow, shimmering as he shifted his fur color to the palest shade of red. Since he was a forest osa, he couldn’t shift all the way to white, but it wasn’t for lack of trying. She couldn’t decide whether the osa, the children, or their guardians were having the most fun. The osa had accompanied them into the keep as if he’d always lived and belonged there. She had no doubt that the sight of him scurrying through the halls would soon become normal.
Celina smoothed her fingers over her dagger, wondering what her mother would think of her recent decisions. The weapon had become a part of her. She’d caught a few grins and respectful nods from the older guards who remembered the sight of its constant company at her mother’s side. Even a few tears from those who were closer to her and understood the true significance of her wearing the blade. After all she’d been through, it didn’t seem quite so heavy anymore.
“It looks good on you, Councilor Blackwood,” Morgan greeted her with a broad grin.
She looked up from studying the dagger to meet his smile as he came to stand with her at the edge of the terrace. “Thank you, Commander Galen.”
“She would be happy to see you wearing it. Especially with you stepping up to the council.”
“I hope so. I’ve come a long way in my feelings on it.”
The new independent council had been voted into existence while they were traveling through the forests of Eldridge. Knowing timing was of the essence, she’d spoken to Althea as soon as they’d returned, requesting that her name be considered for a position on the council. She’d been approved quickly enough that she suspected Althea had orchestrated some preliminary discussions pending her cooperation.
“Well, that’s good. As much as I look forward to working with you—and arguing with you—in a new capacity… I need your help with something more immediate.”
Celina laughed and shook her head. She had nothing on Cass when it came to arguing with Morgan, but there was no doubt they would do just that at times.
“What do you need?”
