Page 134 of When Wishes Bleed

“Thank you.”

Tauren and I spent the afternoon together. We walked next to the lake, threaded through the woods to the amphitheater, and made our way back to the Night Garden, where we slipped inside the glass walls that were open ever so slightly. The wind was cool, but the sun glorious.

Spending time with him was like a breath of fresh air.

Gone were the moments of uncertainness, the jealousy he and I both experienced. Before, we were consumed by trying to divert the approaching tragedies and the knowledge that both of us were powerless to stop them.

Now, there was only him. Only me. Only calm.

I knew that life never allowed these moments to linger, so we needed to savor them while we had the chance.

The only constant in life was change itself.

When the sun dipped lower and dusky pinks began to streak across the sky, Tauren walked me to my room, the one he’d had designed for me. Courier Stewart had delivered the things Mira insisted I take with me. Given the girth of the dress bag hanging on the rack in the corner, I knew she’d sent a gown worthy of the coronation ball.

I showered and dried my hair, then applied a light dusting of makeup. Once I was satisfied and unable to stand the suspense any longer, I walked across the room to examine the dress.

The zipper purred as it parted, and I pulled the sides open to reveal the gown. The top was strapless, covered completely with tiny, glittering onyx beads. The dress was wider than the bed in this room, comprised of so many airy layers of tulle, I knew it had taken Mira’s spiders many hours to weave together. I pulled the dress from the bag and let the layers relax.

In the bag’s bottom were heels, encrusted in the same glittering beads as the dress’s bodice, and a familiar box. I removed the lid and clasped the necklace Tauren had given me around my neck.

The stones matched our hand-fasting ribbon, one half of which was wound around my wrist. The other half was tied around Tauren’s.

I took a deep breath, releasing it slowly. I still couldn’t grasp that he came for me, bending his traditions to honor mine.

Never had I felt more at ease about a decision. Accepting Tauren’s hand was natural. It felt right. I just hoped the Kingdom’s citizens approved of his choice, and of me.

Two knocks came at the door. I knew that knock. I tugged on a robe over my dressing gown and went to answer it.

“Brecan?” I asked, opening the door for him.

“Sorry to interrupt. I know you’re getting ready. I just wanted to tell you that I’m happy for you.” He gave a small smile, hovering just inside the door frame.

“Truly?” I asked.

He nodded. “If he makes you happy, then I heartily approve.”

“He does. Thank you, Brecan.” It meant so much that he was okay with the pairing. Brecan – my oldest friend. At times, my only friend. I had been afraid that my choice jeopardized our friendship. “I’m glad you all came to watch and support him in becoming King.”

Brecan snorted. “That’s not why we’re here. I mean, I like the guy and all, but we’re here to watch as you are crowned, Sable.”

My mouth opened slightly. “I don’t understand. I think you’re mistaken. This is Tauren’s coronation, and the ball is to celebrate the new King,” I stammered.

“That would be the case had the future King not hand-fasted and pledged himself to you,” he replied patiently. “But you’re his now, which means you will also be crowned.”

My heart began to thunder. “Are you sure?”

He nodded once. “I’m sure.”

My mind raced. Did Tauren tell him that? Why didn’t he mention this to me? Does he assume I know?

Mira appeared behind Brecan and slid into the room. Her eyes widened. “You aren’t dressed yet?” she squeaked, taking hold of my hand and dragging me into the wash room. “Wait in the hall, Brecan,” she ordered.

Brecan chuckled but obediently left the room, closing the door behind him.

Mira got down to fashionable business and quickly helped me dress. She slid a flat iron down my hair, making it shine and stretch an inch further than it naturally lay, thanks to my unruly waves.

She added a hint of rose color to my cheeks and lips and shadowed my eyes until I looked beautiful, but elegant. Fierce, but merciful.

---