“They might have had something to do with it,” she admitted, giggling.
Sebastian shook his head, half a groan, half a laugh. “What have I agreed to?”
“You agreed to me,” Kara teased, brushing her nose against his.
“That I’ll never regret.” He pulled her close, kissing her softly.
A voice disturbed them.
“Sebastian, Kara? You both out here?” Tobias called.
“Does he remember?” Sebastian asked urgently.
“I don’t know,” Kara answered, hiding her bloodied hands inside the sleeves of her dress.
Tobias appeared in the courtyard, his expression calm. He smiled at the sight of them. Easy, natural. Not the face of a man who remembered burying his son. Sebastian heard Kara’s voice in his mind.
He doesn’t remember. Maybe it’s just us.
He nodded and sent one thought back, hard and certain. Sebastian felt a slight burn in the scars as he cast the Caldris magic. Bearable.
Then we tell no one.
Kara had used forbidden magic. She didn’t need to give the Council another excuse to drag her to trial. This was their secret to protect, whatever it took.
“Are you well, Kara?” Tobias asked, taking in her blotchy and tear-stained face.
“We were talking about Gregor, father,” Sebastian lied smoothly.
Tobias nodded once, grim-faced, a soldier’s understanding. “A good fighter I’m told. I’m sure Durent will feel the loss.”
“Yes, they will,” Sebastian agreed.
“I came to tell you, Kara, your cousin has arrived. Apparently, there are wedding preparations she insists on helping with,” Tobias said.
Kara’s face lit up. “Alys is here?”
“Yes, she’s waiting in the hall,” Tobias smiled. “Although I’m told your father is most unhappy about it.”
I don’t give a damn.
Sebastian’s mouth curved in something between a smirk and a snarl. “Let him be unhappy. The Council pardoned us. The Arcanth was returned, and Vallenna still stands. If he’s the only one who can’t see that, that’s his problem.”
The bond between them sang, complete and joyful. It hummed with the quiet promise that no Council, no father, not even death would ever come between them again.
“Come on,” Sebastian said, voice softer now. “Let’s go find her.” He looked down at her. “But we’re getting you some food on the way.”
“I’m fine–”
“You’re eating,” he said, tugging her towards the kitchens.
CHAPTER 48
THE VOWS WE KEEP
May the Four keep your love strong like the Earth, uplifting like Air, unstoppable like Water and burning like Fire.
–Traditional Lyran Wedding Blessing
