“Ryem sha kyach,” the priest announces, and I can only assume that he has everyone rise and sit because that’s what they do. No other sounds but breathing can be heard.
“Su KechniCarnaxa Althister of Antalis.” I jerk my head away from Ereon’s direction as the priest uses the Antihana version of my title. I didn’t expect it with everything else that is different here, but I smile at the words. “You are in front of Prince Ereon Koshear of Shaston, being presented to be accepted as his wife. Does the Ambassador of Antalis recognize this and wish to continue with theNle Shom?”
My nose scrunches as the words he says don’t sound right. I’m not a gift — I’m an heir in the same manner that Ereon is. Before I can utter a single word to challenge the phrasing, Thylas inches closer, inhaling deeply before speaking.
“The Kingdom of Antalis, with the blessing of King Clennom —” he stumbles over his words and I feel his fingers that linger over mine, tighten — “grantsSu KechniCarnaxa Althister to be wed to Prince Ereon of Shaston.”
The priest nods toward Ereon, who then reaches his hand out in my direction. I reach toward it, but Thylas still holds onto my other in the crook of his arm. I glance back and he is staring at Ereon, who is staring right back. They seem to share a silent exchange as Ereon’s cool fingers take my hand.
Ereon steps closer, lowering his voice so that only Thylas and I can hear. “I’ll take care of her, Thylas. I got you, Princess. Just relax. We’ve got you.” The words touch the edges of my memory as Thylas lets go. The warmth I felt from him recedes as he does. I don’t know where he goes because when the warmth vanishes a soft coolness washes over me. It’s not like the iciness of fear I felt when I saw the priest. This is like floating in the Goddess’ seas. This reminds me of home.
Ereon smiles down at me, pulling me closer to him and whispers, “You’re beautiful, Princess.”
My cheeks flame and I can’t help the smile that crosses my lips. He leads me up the two steps it takes to arrive in front of the priest. We stand facing each other and the priest uses words I don’t understand. It sounds like a prayer, perhaps.
Ereon doesn’t look away from him. His thumbs running across the back of my hands keep me grounded. I want to look around, I want to know what’s being said, but I just stare at him. My heart feels like it’s being pulled but I ignore the sensation thinking it’s nerves. I wish I could remember more about what happened in the last few moon cycles. A loud horn thunders again and I jump. Is it over? The onlookers stand and Ereon releases one of my hands, clearing his throat.
“Sit down.” His tone has changed from the tenderness of earlier to one of authority, a voice that commands obedience, that can elicit fear. It’s stern as he addresses the guests.
“Because Princess Carnaxa is from Antalis, I agreed with her father that we would perform theNoko Maki.” King Atlas curses under his breath but says nothing else. The men and women in attendance sit back down, seeming to grumble as well.
I lean in to the Prince and whisper, “I ... I don’t have a shell.”
A smile widens across his face as he looks at me. “I do. I found them when we were on the beach before we left Antalis.” My brow furrows in confusion. Being a Prince of Shaston who doesn’t believe in our goddess, he had no reason to grab shells for this ceremony … unless he cares for me.
Reaching into a silver pouch I didn’t realize was hanging from a loop on his pants, he grabs something inside and pulls it out. In his hand are two matching shells. They shimmer in the dark light and I can tell that if we were in the sunlight, they would be iridescent and sparkly. Tears brim my eyes at the beautiful gesture. I reach to pick up the large piece, knowing it’s the one meant for him.
“You know the words and how to perform it?” Ereon asks the priest, who nods. I believe it was a nod. It’s hard to tell when he’s just a dark shadow of a presence. “Then begin.”
Ereon removes his armor and delicately grabs the shell meant for me and places it on my sternum, just below the collarbone, and I do the same to him. His tunic, I realize, is one from Antalis but in his house colors. It’s a trueNoko Makitunic. Despite the expectation of fear, I am surprisingly filled with peace and acceptance as Iprepare to say this sacred vow. I know the words just as every Antalian does. I know that if I reject him now, the shell will not set. So I take a deep breath as the priest begins the words we are to repeat.
“A kometo kæ a yotæ.”
“I give you my heart,” Ereon says instead of using Antihana like I do, and I chuckle. He probably can’t speak Antihana any more than I can speak Shalmilish, the language of his sand god. I can feel his heart beating faster beneath my hand that holds the shell atop his chest.
“Akometo kæ a horæ,” the priest continues.
“I give you my body,” we repeat.
His father catches my attention as he starts to stand as if irritated by what’s happening in front of him, but Ereon, with his spare hand, reaches out to grasp mine and I focus back on him.
“A kometo kæ a yanæ.”
“I give you my soul.” Ereon’s smooth voice echoes throughout the room, rendering mine almost inaudible as we repeat the words in unison.
“Sa ahæ ta he mi ke yengo oyomæ pi shall ha ki hoha.” The priest finishes the last bit, and both Ereon and I take a deep breath before repeating once more.
“Two become one and as the waters crash, we shall not be without.”
As we finish the words, the shells beneath our palms glow and a buzzing flows through them. I feel the shell embed itself within my soft skin and watch as his does the same. It doesn’thurt, instead it tickles and sends shivers down my spine. We release our palms and I touch my shell that’s still warm. I look at Ereon.Thank you, I mouth. He didn’t have to do this and yet, he did.
“Well thankRa Syam, that wretched display is over.” The King stands, and the priest bows his head towards him. “Now that you’ve forever deformed yourself, Ereon, we can begin theNle Shom.”
thirteen
Carnaxa
Ithink the ceremony is complete but we are now being guided through a side door. Men are cheering around me as if the King’s awoken primal animals. Women tear me from Ereon’s grip and lead him one way down a split hall and me another, before shoving me into a room.
