“You know the value of a marriage like this. The ceremony alone will be worth it.”
“You’re right. I just—” I dragged a hand through my hair.
“Are you doubting your path, now?”
A low sigh tore out of me. “No. I know the tragedy that happens when I don’t follow the warnings of the Truth Teller. I will not be diverted from my path. I’d just like more information.”
“I don’t blame you.” He punched me lightly on the shoulder. “You might not be getting the information you want, but you are getting a beautiful wife.”
He was right about that at least. Sia haunted my every waking thought.
“Let’s get dressed.” I started toward the castle, hoping Sia wouldn’t be in our chambers when I arrived.
Fortunately, she wasn’t. I showered and dressed quickly, then made my way down to the forest where we would be married. The ceremony was taking place in a sacred glen, and Vusario had been right to insist we marry at the High Court. Our marriage would mean more if it was done here, and its power would be far greater. I’d been foolish to think we shouldn’t come.
Many of the other fae had arrived by the time I reached the clearing in the woods. The trees were particularly tall, soaring a hundred feet overhead. Their branches disappeared through the dark clouds, an eerie effect.
As I walked toward the front of the crowd, I could hear people muttering about the strange weather.
“Feels like magic,” whispered a fae I didn’t recognize.
People were starting to catch on.
Would the witch ambush the wedding? Was that her plan?
Tension tightened my muscles, and I leaned toward Dain. “Make sure the men stay alert. We don’t know when the witch will show up.”
“You think she’d come here?”
I shrugged. “It would make an impression.”
He grunted, then turned to speak to our guards.
I took up my position at the head of the crowd. There was a long clearing in front of me—an aisle, though in a loose sense. The audience stood in a line on either side of it, the trees rising tall around them. Fairy lights sparkled overhead, tiny pinpricks of gold that shined bright against the brooding clouds and the setting sun. It was nearly full dark, and they provided the only light.
When Sia appeared at the other end of the aisle, my breath left my body in a whoosh.
She looked…incredible.
Her gown was an ephemeral creation of silver and sparkles. It floated around her like it blew on its own faint breeze, and I’d never seen anything like it.
I’d never seen anything like her.
My heart thudded at the mere sight of her. When her gaze met mine, I felt like it would break through my ribs and land at her feet.
As she stared at me, light began to glow from overhead. It was almost as if the stars were burning through the clouds. She began to glow, and it was the most incredible thing I’d ever seen.
My queen.
18
Sia
* * *
I stopped at the beginning of the aisle, staring at Lore in the distance. We were surrounded by huge trees and piles of flowers and beautiful stone arches, but I only had eyes for him.
Lore stood at the far end of the aisle, attired in an impeccable navy suit that was reminiscent of what human men wore to their wedding but far more beautiful. It was simple and stark, with a cloak that swept back from his shoulders and made him look like the otherworldly, regal king he was.
“It’s go-time.” Meria gave me a little push.
Birdsong sounded in the trees, and I focused on putting one foot in front of the other as I made my way toward him. Overhead, I could feel the power of the stars, and it was appropriate that they should grace me with their presence on today of all days.
People murmured as I passed by, and I realized they were chanting.
This had to be part of a fae ceremony. I had no idea what they were saying, but power flowed all around us.
Leaves crunched underfoot as I stopped in front of Lore. I drew in his scent, letting it steady me.
Wonder filled his eyes as he looked at me.
I blinked, surprised. Was he really looking at me like this, like I lit his world on fire? Our marriage was purely political. I had to be dreaming.
“You look incredible.” His low voice rumbled with awe.
I swallowed hard. Maybe I wasn’t dreaming? I drew in an unsteady breath.
I’d wondered it a million times before, but how the hell had this become my life?
He reached for my hands and held them. Immediately, I felt a sense of connection that I’d never felt before—like we were tied together. Around us, the crowd chanted louder. Their words flowed with a lyrical hum that made it sound like music. Birdsong continued to trill in the air, accompanying their voices like an instrument.