“Is that supposed to happen?” he asked.
She nodded. “You can do a lot more than distract guards with fake rabbits now.”
Someone sent up magic to return the candles to their original places. The crowd didn’t settle right away, expecting that to be the end of the ceremony. They quieted when they realized Leo and Evelyn weren’t leaving.
“Evelyn, my love,” Leo began, stiffly repeating the words from Haydn’s letter. “Fate brought us together, and vows have made us one. We are stronger united than we ever were alone. I freely share my heart, mind, body, and soul. Will you accept my magic as your own?”
Excited whispers buzzed through the room.
“Yes,” Evelyn answered.
Leo placed one hand at Evelyn’s waist to steady her and the other hand at the base of her neck. Golden light burst forward and Evelyn nearly doubled over at the force of it. Another tremor rumbled below, rain splattered down, and wind rushed past.
I’m receiving magic in the reverse order from Leo, minus the Fire I already have.
The air calmed, then briefly filled with the scent of roses and the flavor of apples. Chimes sounded all around the room. A rainbow appeared, connecting the dais to the highest point of the glass ceiling. It was all gone seconds later.
Evelyn swayed, suddenly lightheaded. She would’ve lost her balance if Leo hadn’t been holding on to her.
“You’re okay,” he whispered, looping a hand around the back of her neck.
“I think seven abilities was a lot of magic to get all at once,” she said faintly.
“This was your idea!” Leo teased.
Technically, it was Haydn’s idea. But that argument won’t help anyone.
Camille addressed the crowd. “Honored guests! The kingdom gained a new, very powerful queen today. The ceremonies have concluded and you are invited to join us in revelry outside. Thank you for being here to support your king and queen.”
Guests filed out of the glass dome for gossip and dancing. The dining tables had been removed, leaving an open dance floor under the stars.
Leo guided Evelyn to an empty seat and kneeled in front of her. “How do you feel?”
She blew out a breath. “Like I drank a whole bottle of Lord Robert’s wine. Maybe two. Are you okay?”
“I feel like I ran to the border and back. Elemental magic hits a lot harder than Perceptual magic.”
Camille and King Tristan appeared next to them when most of the guests had gone. Leo stood up, while Evelyn braced her elbows on her knees and held her head.
“What did you do?” Leo’s mother hissed.
“I made our marriage equal,” Leo said.
“You could’ve killed her!” Evelyn’s father scolded. “What were you thinking? Forcing that much magic?—”
Evelyn groaned. “He didn’t force me to do anything. I asked for this.”
“Butwhy?”
“Why shouldn’t I have as much magic as my husband?”
“It’s already done,” Leo said firmly. “We will join everyone outside in a few minutes.”
Camille walked away, but King Tristan sat beside Evelyn. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, Father. I feel better already. Go enjoy the party.”
“I’ll take care of her,” Leo promised.
