Not the bad.
Not the good.
That thought sobered him as he realized for the first time that Lil was mortal.Hewould live forever.
She wouldn’t.
His stomach shrank with something he’d forgotten to think about.
The priest took their arms and wound a decorated ribbon around both their wrists. Caleb paid no attention to the man’s words. He was too busy panicking.
What would happen to him once Lil was gone?
“Caleb?”
He blinked at her whisper. “Aye?”
“You didn’t answer the priest.”
“Sorry. I was overwhelmed by your beauty.”
She tsked at him. “Love you, too. But you need to tell our priest that you agree to marry me.”
“O-of course! Why else would I be here?”
“You stand here of your own accord?” the priest asked.
“I do. Of course, I do.”
With a smile of his own, the priest nodded in approval. “And you, Lilliana?”
“I do.”
“Then the gods are pleased. We pray that your union is always a happy one, blessed with many healthy children.”
Lilliana was so happy that she was practically dancing by his side.
The priest stepped forward with a bright green cloak that he placed around Lil’s shoulders. “May Verlyn protect you and keep you safe.”
Then he did the same for Caleb who had to force himself not to balk. He was quite sure his father would protest this if he was here. No doubt, he’d set them all on fire.
But the old priest didn’t know, and Caleb didn’t want to disillusion him or his misguided belief that Caleb’s father was a decent, giving god. Perhaps he was. After all, Jaden could have killed Myone, or turned her in.
Instead, he protected her and his grandson.
Maybe the old bastard did have a heart.
Or maybe, like him and Xev, his father had changed. Who knew? And the last thing he wanted to think about right then was his father. Lil was the most important thing in the world, and she was what he needed to focus on.
Their future together.
Caleb kissed her lightly on the lips as the door to the temple opened again to the public. People came rushing in with their offerings. Singing and dancing, they placed garland necklaces around Lilliana’s neck and his.
Even Xev and Myone received their benedictions.
He had no idea what to make of them. “Why are they so happy?”
Lil smiled at him. “It’s solstice. I told you. It marks the new year and new beginnings. They’ll have a bonfire later and we’ll let go of our past grievances to start anew. That’s why I wanted this day for our marriage.”
