Something thick gathered in my throat, and I wondered who I would become in that time? Would my father even recognize me? Would I recognize myself?
“Issi is my greatest treasure,” my father added, and while I looked at him, he kept his eyes upon Adrian. “I trust you will place her safety above your own.”
It was the second time he’d asked Adrian to ensure my well-being. It was a little ironic given that my father could do nothing against the vampire king if he decided to harm me, save go to war.
“Without a second thought,” Adrian replied. “She is my wife.”
Those words were like a strike to my chest. They should have sounded false, but they didn’t. I stared at him, half in disbelief. I did not expect him to respect our marriage vows so fully, especially when I was still plotting ways to murder him.
The thought brought a smile to Adrian’s lips, and I scowled. I would have to figure out what triggered his mind reading or a way to veil my thoughts. Was that possible without magic?
“It is time, Isolde,” Adrian said.
Up until this point, I thought I could handle leaving my father, but suddenly I was faced with the reality, and it hit me so hard, it stole my breath. My throat closed up, and my eyes burned as I faced him.
“I will see you soon, Issi,” Father said and kissed my forehead. I closed my eyes against his affection, wanting to memorize this moment. It felt as if it would be the last time I inhaled his scent, felt the warmth of his touch, heard the sound of his low, rugged voice.
I swallowed thickly.
“I love you,” I whispered through lips that quivered.
“I love you,” he replied, and I tucked those words into my heart, spoken so softly and so rarely, as I held his calloused hands for what felt like forever. Slowly, I let my fingers leave his, immediately wishing I could return to his side even as I backed away. I turned and faced Adrian, whose stare was curious and remorseful, and took his outstretched hand. He said nothing as we walked side by side, exiting the castle at the very front where a crowd had gathered beneath the night sky to watch my departure—a mix of guests from High City and courtiers.
Once again, I could not help feeling that this event should be filled with more celebration, and if I had become a queen to any other king, that would be the case. Instead, my people looked on in fear, disappointment, and horror.
My father followed and stood atop the steps as I descended them, only to meet Nadia at the bottom. Her eyes were swollen and red from crying, and she dabbed at her face with a white kerchief.
“Dear girl,” she said and drew me into her arms. I had managed to keep a cap on my emotions until that moment, when a cry burst out of me. It was only for a moment—a strangled sob that I grabbed on to and shoved deep down as Nadia whispered against my ear, “Remember what I told you.”
Then she kissed my hair and released me.
I moved on from her, turning toward Adrian, who waited patiently beside two horses. Both were gorgeous steeds with shiny, black coats. I approached the one Adrian stood near and stroked his nose.
“Their names are Midnight and Shadow,” he said. “Shadow is mine.”
“And who did Midnight belong to?” I asked. Adrian had not planned on returning to Revekka, least of all with a bride. An extra horse usually meant a death. The question was, had it been a vampire or a mortal?
Adrian did not answer but instead said, “Come. We must depart.”
I took the reins from Adrian and grabbed a tuft of mane with the same hand. With my other, I grasped the cantle of the saddle and placed my foot in the stirrup, pushing off the ground as I swung my leg over. Once I was settled, I stared down at Adrian.
“What place do I take in line?” I asked.
“You ride beside me,” he said. “It is where you will be safest.”
My brows drew together. “I am safe with my people.”
“Perhaps you were as princess of Lara,” he said. “But today, you are queen of Revekka.” He left my side and then mounted his own steed. “We will ride until sunup,” he said.
Daroc, who appeared to be the only vampire who had accompanied Adrian into the city, rode ahead of us, and as we fell into step behind him, I looked over my shoulder one last time at my father, who stood wreathed in the lantern light at the front of Castle Fiora, poised and regal and alone.
Eight
When brides departed with their new husbands, people gathered to offer gifts—small things like flowers, polished stones, and gold and silver coins.
For me, there was nothing, not even a crowd gathered within High City, though when I turned my head from left to right, I saw people peering through windows and from behind their doors. They were curious but afraid—both of the dark and of Adrian.