Page 82 of Queen of Serpents and Shadows

“I’ll take that as a compliment,” Cora said from next to me.

My cheeks heated. “I’m not covered in blood and dirt for a change.”

“You’re gorgeous when you’re covered in blood and dirt, as long as it’s not your blood, but I never even imagined what you’d look like as a queen.”

That took away my ability to speak.

“We’re here to escort you to the ceremony,” Vanth cut in.

“It’s time?” Cora asked, glancing to the window.

“We’ll be right there,” Lagina said before shutting the door on the men outside. She turned to Cora. “It’s time for your veil.”

Cora was tense when she nodded, then followed Lagina. I hadn’t even noticed that Lagina had brought a veil into the room when she arrived. It was sitting on the little table next to all the makeup.

Cora sat, then Lagina carefully pinned the veil over her crown. Covering her face and her hair with the sheer, white fabric. When she was finished, Cora stood and it was as if she’d transformed. The veil making her into a bride. My eyes stung, but I held in the tears, knowing Cora wouldn’t want me to cry.

“I’m ready,” Cora said.

“Who would you like to escort you?” Lagina asked, her voice a little choked sounding.

Traditionally, our father would escort her. If not him, the next male family member would step in. We didn’t have anyone for that role. I imagine she’d have asked her mother, but that option had also been stripped from her.

Cora stepped up to Lagina and looped her arm through our eldest sister’s.

Lagina nodded, and I could see the shimmering, unshed tears in her eyes. I knew she couldn’t speak or she’d lose control, so I went to the door and opened it. “We’re ready.”

The men moved aside, letting Lagina and Cora walk first. We followed them. It was an unusual procession. Cora should have had friends in beautiful matching dresses. She should have spent all day yesterday being pampered and making offerings to the gods. She’d had most of the traditional preparation taken from her, but she never once complained. She wasn’t the same person I’d left behind when I traveled to Konos the first time. But I supposed I wasn’t, either. None of us were the same.

We walked to the kitchen so we could use the back door to the gardens. The ceremony would take place in the orchard and everyone who’d sheltered within the shield of the palace grounds was invited. It was just like the Choosing, only this time, we were celebrating life.

31

Ara

The gatheredAthonians erupted in cheers as we walked down a flower petal strewn path toward the waiting platform. Strips of blue and gold silk were draped across the top, creating a shimmering canopy. Behind the platform, we could see the sun dipping low into the horizon as it made its descent to night.

Bahar stood patiently, a look of pure devotion in his shining eyes. He wasn’t aware of anything around him. His attention was completely focused on Cora. Warmth spread in my chest and I felt hopeful for them. Next to him, a priestess in a white peplos waited silently for the bride’s arrival.

I noticed the few dozen dragons who’d traveled with Bahar. He left most of his men and his brother behind totry and retake Drakous while the king was occupied here. We’d be fighting a difficult battle on both fronts against the fae.

Music began and I forced myself to the present moment. This might not be the wedding Cora imagined, but I was determined to make it special for her. Fixing a smile on my face, I looked around at the faces of these gathered. The vampires from Thebes were standing to one side, the Athonians keeping their distance from the group. Soldiers in uniforms and citizens were intermingled, everyone striving for a view of the bride. A perfume of jasmine and tuberose filled my nose, their scents thick in the warm evening air.

Aunt Katerina was standing about halfway down the path in a formal teal peplos. Cora paused, releasing Lagina so she could give the older woman a hug.

“You’re going to be a wonderful queen.” Aunt Katerina said, her voice thick with emotion. She held her in her arms for a few heartbeats, and when she stepped back, she wiped tears from her cheek. “You make all of Athos proud.”

Cora kissed our aunt on the cheek, then whispered something I couldn’t hear, before looping her arm through Lagina’s again. We continued along the flower petal strewn path.

We reached the platform and Lagina held Cora’s hand as the bride climbed the steps. A breeze made Cora’s skirt ruffle and flow as she stepped onto the platform. Lagina released her hand, then moved to the side next to me and Sophia. Ryvin, Vanth, and Argus joined the crowd nearby.

As Cora faced Bahar, he looked like he’d just had every wish he’d ever made come true all at once. Cora’s expression was similar. It made my heart swell to see the joy in their expressions. I knew she’d dreaded this, but I was so grateful that she wasn’t anymore.

The priestess lifted her hands, indicating that the ceremony would begin. She began by dedicating the ceremony to Hera, the goddess of marriage, then she guided the couple through making offerings of oil and wine. A jeweled knife was used to cut a lock of Cora’s hair, another offeringto the goddess.

“This union will not only unite two great kingdoms, Athos and Drakous,” the priestess said, “but it unites two people who will become one. As a symbol of your connection, please join hands.”

Cora and Bahar took hold of each other’s hands and I noticed a pink flush on my sister’s face.

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