Page 13 of Dreams of Ash and Smoke

“Hadeon?” I question him, looking up into his hazel eyes. In his military uniform, he is still so handsome.

“You didn’t think I’d let you walk alone, did you?” He smirks before putting on a stoic face and walking me down the aisle that was littered with loose flower petals. “Don’t worry, I asked for permission.” And it seemed true. Dryston doesn’t look at him with disdain at this moment.

He looks pleased as we walk. Everyone stares, as they did when a bride walks.

When we make it to the front, he hands me to Dryston and stands on my side of the room.

The archbishop greets everyone, going through his speech on marriage and our duty to the Gods and to each other. My eyes meet Eryx’s watchful gaze and after the initial shock disappears, I remember he hadn’t reserved his seat for the wedding. What made him change his mind? Something burns inside me before I jerk my eyes back to Dryston.

It feels like it takes forever but while Dryston watches the archbishop, I watch him.

He gave Hadeon permission to walk me down the aisle. He put thought into the fact that I was an orphan who was going to walk alone. This is the man I am marrying. The one who knows everything about me, who treats me as his princess and who will treat me as his wife as I rule beside him. He might not be in love with me. But, he does care for me. And in this world? That’s all I can ask for. We’re not mates, no. But the chance of finding your mate are slim, a rare commodity.

We will have a grand life together. A great rule and reign. One for the history books.

“Verena Woodall, repeat after me.”

And I do.

“I, Verena Woodall, vow to respect you and cherish you. I vow to help you when you are sick, support you in your health and yourdecision. I vow to stay true to you, to stay loyal to you, and to obey you as my husband. May the Gods bless our union.”

Dryston had already said his first, now it was time for the marriage unification ritual.

Dryston is handed a marcam, a utensil used to permanently mark us for the wedded rune so the Gods bless our unification.

He pulls the sleeve up and away from the skin and starts to draw the eloquent silver mark on my forearm. But, as he does, the birthmark on my hip flares into a burn so harsh, a hiss leaves my lips. Dryston can only assume the pain comes from the marcam but that feels like nothing compared to my hip. When he is finished, I do the same to him and hand back the marcam to the archbishop. The burn less evident but very much still there in an ache.

“In the power vested in me by the God Sorin, I hereby announce you husband and wife in the eyes of the Gods. You may kiss your bride.” Dryston greedily pulls me to him and slaps a sloppy kiss on my lips in front of everyone.

Cheers erupt and while I should be happy, my hip burns and suddenly I do not feel like celebrating.

* * *

After celebrating with everyone, Dryston and I are in his room, alone.

I stand off to the side of the room, my hands resting in front of me as I hold myself out of comfort.

“Why are you so far away from me?” He asks, waltzing over in a playful mood. It makes me want to fall for it. I love when he’s in this mood. It helps me forget the punishments and the anger.

His hands grasp mine, pulling them from my body and pressing my body against his. “We’re married now, Verena. We must consummate this but I do love you.” He speaks before moving his lips to brush against my throat. He places a gentle kiss there.

Maybe he’s right. Maybe now that are married everything will be better,easier. I’ll be queen shortly enough, practically am now without the actual power since I haven’t been vowed in like you are during the coronation. I know we love each other— we’ve been friends since childhood. My body relaxes at his lips pressing sweetly to my neck, my jaw, and finally my lips.

He has an almost metallic taste to him but I know it was residual from his High Fae powers. I power through it and kiss him lovingly back.

It will be different this time. It has to be.

I melt into Dryston’s embrace, letting myself be consumed by the love and hope that his touch brings. As his lips move against mine, a sense of peace washes over me, momentarily pushing aside the weight of my worries and doubts. The world outside this room fades away, leaving only the two of us entwined in this moment of intimacy and connection.

But as our kiss deepens, a nagging voice at the back of my mind begins to whisper, reminding me of the challenges that lie ahead. The brewing tensions between our kingdoms, the shadows of past betrayals, and the looming responsibilities of ruling a realm on the brink of war—they all threaten to shatter this fragile illusion of happiness.

I push the thought back, enjoying this moment with him. Who knows if it will last?

But reality comes crashing back all too soon. As Dryston’s hands move with a familiar urgency, a sense of unease creeps over me. The weight of my unspoken fears presses down on me, suffocating the joy that moments ago felt within reach. I pull away slightly, searching his eyes for any sign of the boy I grew up with, the one who used to chase me through the palace gardens and share in my dreams of a better future for our people.

But all I see now is a man hardened by the expectations placed upon him, by the burdens of his crown and the secrets he must keep. I see a stranger wearing Dryston’s face, and it fills me with a sense of apprehension I cannot ignore.

As his hands roam eagerly over my body, I feel a sense of detachment settle over me. This is not how it’s supposed to be. But, I see no room for negotiation or compromise, only a fierce determination that sends a shiver down my spine. I lay back as he urges me to follow his lead.

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