But as I stand here, anticipation stirring at what’s to come, those dreams come roaring back. Dreams of a perfect dress, the elders blessing the ceremony, calling on the matesCella and Gerfor their blessings. The flower crown I would wear, handpicked by me and Nafre for the special day. Taylay bearing witness.
None of this is happening today and yet, it’s still perfect. The long-forgotten garden beside the hut on the edge of the village far from the palace is quiet, misshapen and lovely. There are weeds blooming, a small spray of blue parrot tulips that were the former queen’s favorite by the edges, surrounded by tired guards and a small, wooden, broken fence.
The night is slowly giving way to red, dawn breaking overhead. Fee goes through her mother’s old clothing, nothing decorative or opulent but well-worn and cherished.
She pulls out a dull red dress, the skirt thin and light. When she shakes it out, dust blooms in the room.
“My mother loved this dress,” she tells me, holding it up. “Whenever we came here, she’d always change into it. I think it’s the right dress for the day.”
“It’s perfect,” I promise, smiling. The flowers, some tulips, other long ferns, sit on the dresser, picked by the princess and me as soon as I agreed to the marriage. Another bouquet of herbs meant to evoke happiness was picked by my father, next to it.
I could be taking vows in a closet. The wedding doesn’t matter to me, only that it’s done to help Kaden. To save him. I can’t imagine how exhausted he must be, how taxing it is to stay in this in between—too weak to fully contain the curse but not done fighting to succumb.
The Fae in question prowls through the garden, wincing every so often. He still fights and because of that, I hurry to take the dress.
“My mother would approve,” she comments, helping me slid the torn nightgown and step into the new outfit. She pull the edges tight, tying them with a flourish. “I’ll braid your hair.”
I do as instructed, sitting on the bed as she sections off three pieces of my hair. She braids two strips against my skull before nimble fingers add a third. “It’s a tradition for the Dark Fae for the marrying couple to braid two separate strands, then together into a third to show their bond,” she explains as I gaze out the window. “Unfortunately, this might be the only tradition we have today.”
“This is as nontraditional of a match as we’ll have, Fee,” I assure her, shrugging.
“I know.” Her brows furrow, finishing the braid behind my ear. “I just had this idea for when you two would marry.”
Smiling gently, I prod. “What did you envision?”
“Nothing ostentatious,” she defends. “Just a small ceremony inthe throne room. Both of you crowned. Kaden finally getting the honor he deserved.” She steps back, grabbing the flower wealth.
“He gave the kingdom so much. He should be celebrated.”
Fee places the flowers on my skull, tucking loose hair around the ends to secure it.
“I wanted you to have it too, blood summoner.”
My mouth drops open, cheek warming at her care. “Me?”
She looks to the ground, busying herself to fix the hem of skirt, sliding worn boots to my toes. Anything but to look at me. “I know how hard it was in that Coven. How alone you felt.” Shrugging, she stands, hand on her sword. “Kaden never said it, but I know he felt similar. Our kingdom would honor you both. Not be frightened of you. You should get to experience that.”
Tenderness spreads from my chest and outward at Fee’s matter-of-fact words. Her care, her concern for her older brother is palpable, but she’s included me into those who she considers family. I’ve never felt so connected, loved, even when I was with Nafre and Taylay.
Grabbing her hands, I smile. “When this is over, we can do a bigger ceremony. With all the traditions.”
Fee smiles wistfully. “Right. When all this is over.”
We walk together to the exit, her sword still covered in blood. No one has had a moment to change, to think, and yet they’ve come together for this. A speck of something good in a dark world.
My heart soars, even as I stare at my mate.
I pray toEnyofor this to work. For his life to be spared from this curse.
Baris comes up my side, nodding once to Fee. Since I’ve healed, he’s moving more, though gaunt and pale. Wherever he’s been has not been kind to him. “May I have a word with my daughter?”
Fee doesn’t say anything, just gives him a glare of warning before taking her spot in the garden.
Turning to him, he holds my hands, fingers paper thin, scarred and nails dirty.
“This isn’t how I thought your day would go,” he says sadly. “I thought you’d have one good memory before all of this occurred, but as always, the Gods are not always nice to us under their domain.”
“It’s more than I thought I would get.” I shrug. “I expected to be alone.”
