Page 29 of Heir of Draga

Varan couldn’t help but be impressed with all the detail after only two days of planning.

Nadyah was escorted by Ian next in her gown of sapphire, and the two made sure to never once look at each other. Varan knew without a doubt there was something going on between them, but he would keep the courtesan’s secret. After all, she had called him her friend. And to hear it had been the icing on the cake to such a wondrous day.

Then finally Asher came with Veri dressed in blue and turquoise. The pair was a sight to behold. So much dark power between the two of them.

Varan felt his breathing quicken as the attendants lined up. The time was finally here. The music dipped and became more dramatic. The doors were swept open one last time for Adelina and her two mothers, one on each side.

His breath caught and tears filled his eyes as he inspected her from head to toe.

She wore an exquisite lace dress in pinks and creams. A pink veil covered her upswept hair, trailing to the ground and then disappearing into the palace. Diamonds glittered in her hair, at her ears, and on her wrists – adding to the glittering shine of the mark between her breasts. A diamond tiara caught the last of the fading sun and made her look like a goddess.

But it was her eyes that caught and held him. So bright and vibrant and shining with their amethyst facets. It was the way she looked at him, burning straight through to his soul, stripping him bare before her so she could see all of him.

And she still wanted him – needed him. Adelina loved him and Varan could hardly believe it after everything. She had chosen him to be her husband and never once would he take advantage of that or take it for granted. So easily could it have been for their paths to separate forever. Varan thanked Ladra for the luck she granted him.

There was something heady and intoxicating about Adelina’s love and desire. Despite everything that he was, everything he knew she’d seen over the cycles in his court, Adelina still wanted him.

Then she reached the bottom of the stairs and neither one of them was able to look away from the other. They’d barely even blinked the entire time she approached him from the palace.

The Queen Mother kissed Adelina’s cheek and went to sit by the reigning Queen in the front row. Elara had tears streaming down her face as she hugged Adelina and Varan’s heart went out to the female. This was the first time she was able to really be a part of her daughter’s life.

Then finally Adelina walked up the stairs, keeping her gaze on him.

Varan held his hand out for her and Adelina paused at the top of the stairs, handing the bouquet of black rosaneras to Veri so she could take his proffered hand. Her lips quirked up in a smile when she noticed his submissive position.

As she stood next to him they stared at each other, both of them grinning like fools as the priestess began the ceremony in the Ancient tongue.

“This union blessed by the Three-Faced Goddess will join your two souls together – until the end of your days.” The priestess picked up the ceremonial knife from the small table before them and held out her hand.

Without hesitation Varan offered his arm and the priestess made a long slice. Blood welled, bright and red. Then she did the same to Adelina and she didn’t even flinch.

“Blood of your blood,” the priestess intoned in the Ancient tongue. She pressed their wrists together and then tied them with cream-colored spidersilk. The fires dyed it a warm orange-red from the glow. “As we join your souls we join your body as one. The blood and bone of your body will shield her, the blood and bone of your body will protect him. Any pain will be shared to ease the burden – physical or otherwise.”

The priestess took a small bowl from her assistant and placed it on the table before them, handing the small acolyte the bloodied blade. A dash of powder and flames burst from the bowl. She pulled their arms forward and let the blood drip into the fire. Somehow the chemical reaction turned the fire a strange orange-purple.

The priestess continued and her words seemed to blur together. Varan couldn’t stop staring at the female who was about to become his wife. The words were simply a formality – he was already hers in every way that mattered.

Her Draga eyes glittered when she smiled and Varan was incredibly relieved to see how happy she was. There was no sign of regret or fear, no smell of it anywhere, only that dark jasmine that twined around him like a feline around his legs.

When the priestess instructed, Adelina held out her other hand and Varan took out the ring he’d had made for her. The emerald-cut diamond burned in the firelight – Calix’s best and last work, or so he’d threatened. The sun was completely gone from the sky as he slipped the jewelry onto her finger.

Adelina did the same with the ring she’d made for him, three small diamonds on the gold band. Varan couldn’t help his grin. Of course she would make something a bit flashy.

The endless crowd of people faded away when they repeated the vows in the Ancient tongue together – more demanding and binding than any oath they could ever possibly make.

“My body will be your shield, my heart will be forever yours, and my soul is bound to yours as the goddess witnesses. I will take your pain and replace it with joy. You are the star of each night, you are the face of my sun, and the crown of my company.”

“You are the moon to my stars,” he told her.

“You are the sun to my soul,” she said with a breathless whisper.

“I am yours and you are mine. May the goddess witness,” they declared as one.

Adelina’s sweet voice was clear and strong and Varan felt his heart swell as the words they spoke felt tattooed on his soul – his heart.

There was a breath as they felt the oath settle between them. Adelina staring into his eyes, hardly breathing as her lips parted. The weight of it felt right against his chest. Varan grinned and suddenly sound rushed back. He realized they weren’t actually alone; the wedding still had to be completed.

As they’d practiced Varan turned Adelina to face the crowd and raised their bound hands, their joined blood dripping down their arms. Thousands upon thousands of voices shouted and cheered and his people were the loudest of them all.

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