Looking down, I unraveled the string and reached inside. My lips parted as I pulled out several strands of diamonds.
“Pretty, isn’t it? It’s not the nicest of necklaces, but I like its simplicity.”
“This is simple?” I stared at the bright diamonds strung across three layers of chains. There had to be at least half a dozen diamonds per chain.
“Compared to the standard in Atlantia? Yes.”
I thought of the diamond Casteel had promised, and my eyes widened.
“Diamonds are also a tradition here.” Vonetta took the necklace from me, and I lifted the hair that she had left down. “They are the joyous tears of the gods given form,” she explained, securing the clasp. “Wearing them means the gods are with you even as they slumber. Did they have such a tradition in Solis?”
I shook my head as I fixed the strands. “Diamonds only represent wealth in Solis. Those who had the means would hold celebrations that lasted days. I’ve never been to one, but from what I know, the Ascended took center stage during the weddings. Not the gods. I can’t even imagine a wedding that takes days to complete. Are they like that in Atlantia?”
“They could typically last a few hours, which is why Kieran would be glad to be missing that part.” She walked around the chaise. “But with my father officiating the wedding, I doubt it will last more than a few minutes.”
“Oh, thank the gods,” I exclaimed as I stood. “I’m sorry. Days or hours is just…it’s too long.”
Vonetta laughed as I roamed into the bathing chamber. “You may luck out with the ceremony, but I imagine that once you reach Evaemon, the King and Queen will demand a celebration in your honor and to introduce you to your subjects. That will last days.”
My subjects. Days-long celebrations.
I couldn’t think of that as I looked at my reflection. The three rows of diamonds glittered in the soft lamplight. The dress and my hair—all of it was beautiful, and it was more than I expected or hoped for…or even what I knew I needed.
I spun toward her. “Thank you for this—for all of this. It means a lot, Vonetta.”
“It’s not a big deal, but you’re welcome.”
It was a big deal to look and feel like a bride when it was real. “Will you be at the wedding?” I asked and then laughed. “I don’t even know where the wedding will be held.”
“I can be if you’d like. And if you call me Netta. That’s what my friends call me, and since I’m attending your wedding, I imagine we’re friends.”
I smiled as I nodded. “As long as you call me Poppy. That’s what my friends call me.”
“That I can do. By the way, the wedding will be here. Outside, actually. They are always outside, no matter the weather, and you won’t wear shoes.”
“Because both need to be standing on Atlantian soil?” I surmised.
“Correct.” She brushed several braids over her shoulder. “And it’s time. They’re here.”
“Wolven senses must be amazing,” I said as my heart started to pound once more.
She grinned. “They are, but I saw my father walk past the window.”
“Oh.” I laughed. “Well, then.”
“You ready?”
Nodding. I started to follow her out but then stopped. “One second.”
Hurrying to the bed, I picked up the wolven dagger and secured it around my thigh.
“Planning to stab him during the ceremony?” Vonetta asked.
“Why does everyone act like I’m seconds away from stabbing Casteel?” I demanded.
“Apparently, you have a habit of it.”
“I only stabbed him…a few times.” I turned, fixing the skirt of the gown. “The dagger was given to me by someone I care about. He was like a father to me, and in a way, he’ll be with me when I do something he never thought I’d be able to do.”
Something I knew Vikter would’ve been happy to see, even though I was marrying the Prince of Atlantia. In my heart of hearts, I knew that all that would have mattered to Vikter was that I wanted this and that I was cherished.
And I knew both were true. They had been true for longer than I realized.
Chapter 37
The sun was high above our heads, the breeze pleasant, and the sandy dirt and grass warm under my bare feet as I walked willingly toward him.
Hawke.
The Dark One.
Prince Casteel Da’Neer.
Other people waited outside in the courtyard. Jasper was there. Naill and Delano stood behind Casteel, to his left. Guardians were on the Rise, keeping watch, and Vonetta was behind me. But all I saw was Casteel.