But then George’s whole demeanor softens, and a smile breaks across his face. “Yes, Keldarion, you have my most joyousand enthusiastic blessing. Because you are a good man, and you have made my daughter happy beyond measure.”
“George.” A lightness rises in my chest, like the first glimmer of stars appearing after the clouds part. I can’t help myself.
I grab him in my arms and hug him.
He pats my back gently. “Anya cannot be here, so I will speak on her behalf. Keldarion, you are a worthy mate for our daughter.”
89
Rosalina
“Marigold,” I say sternly, “you’re going to ruin your makeup.”
Marigold dabs at the corner of her eye with a handkerchief. “It’s only you look so beautiful. Winter has never been so grand. Though I could kill that Keldarion for only giving me a single afternoon to plan a wedding!”
“You did an amazing job.”
“Of course I did.” Marigold gives me a lavish grin.
I’m standing with her behind the broken gates of Keep Wolfhelm. Shattered pieces of the ice wall lie around us like the ruins of a long-fallen kingdom. A light dusting of snow falls from pillow-white clouds. I smooth out my dress.
Mydress.
With being proposed to and having a wedding on the same day, I was more than expecting to pick out something white-ish from my wardrobe. But of course, Flavia, the official seamstress of Castletree, would not have that. I run my gloved hand down my gown. Tiny crystal embellishments catch under my fingers. The bodice shimmers as if she somehow stitched starlight into the fabric. The full skirt tumbles down in rich layers of white.
I spot my reflection in a piece of the ice wall beside me, fractured and faint but enough to make me pause. I have no idea how Flavia pulled this off, but I have never felt more like a princess than I do right now. The cape she added at the last minute—to protect me from thehorridWinter weather—drapes over my shoulders, pale blue as the morning sky after a storm. Silver embroidery winds like frost on a windowpane. The clasp at my throat, a single snowflake made of crystal, glints in the afternoon light, sending small rainbows across the frozen surface.
Beneath it, I wear a diamond necklace, the one Keldarion gifted me during my first ball in Winter. Back then, I had no idea he was my mate or how deeply his affection already ran.
I take a deep breath, the cold air sharp in my lungs. “I can’t believe I’m getting married,” I murmur, my words forming a thin puff of white mist. It feels strange to see myself like this, draped in such finery, regal and composed. I’m so far from the girl in a long sweater working at a bookstore, looking out at the rain.
I never belonged in Orca Cove, not really. I felt so out of place in that world. But here, I truly belong.
This is where I’m meant to be.
“I should take my seat now, dearie,” Marigold says, then she reaches into the deep pocket of her apron and pulls out a small white hare. “Astrid wishes you a very happy wedding.”
Lip trembling, I give the little rabbit a pat on the top of her head. “You’ll be better soon, my friend,” I whisper. “I promise. I just have to take a walk while all of Winterstaresat me.”
“Don’t be nervous. You’re dazzling, dearie! Like someone bottled the aurora borealis and poured it over you. If I were snow, I’d melt looking at you.”
A laugh bubbles out of me. “Thanks, Marigold.”
“And it’s not just you who looks good.” Marigold smirks and waggles her brow. “Mr. O’Connell is a vision. No wonder you’re gorgeous. Look athim. Here I was, thinking Winter was cold, but you two are warming it up.”
“Okay, okay, Marigold,” I giggle and throw my arms around her.
She trots away, and I turn to where her gaze had landed. My father walks down the steps of Keep Wolfhelm. His brown-gray hair is slicked away from his face, and he’s wearing a whole suit, with tails and a cravat. The fabric is deep blue with golden embroidery, and at his breast is pinned a sapphire rose.
Tears prick my eyes, but I swallow them down.
He stops a few paces from me and seems to be holding back his own tears. “My girl.”
“Papa.”
He embraces me in a hug. “You look beautiful, Rose.”
I hold him tight, so grateful he’s with me. After everything we’ve been through, all the trials, we’re together. But there’s still a part of me that aches. “I wish Mom was here.”
