Page 36 of Ties of Starlight

Unfortunately, Idonea's dress wasn't going to fully cover the deathmark.

She ignored the way Lady Asa's eyebrow quirked up at the sight of it as Idonea slid into the tub prepared in one of the buildings that was still standing and had four walls. Idonea just hid herself in the water as best she could, flushing at the way the two elf servants gave her figure disapproving looks.

Her undesirable shape had caused her enough problems, especially at the ruins. She didn't need to be reminded of it.

She focused on getting cleaned up as quickly as possible and with the three elves’ assistance, she was dried off and getting into the dress as the sun began to go down. Lady Asa sat her down on a chair and the two servants began styling Idonea's hair. Their comments about its flat black color under their breath were not unnoticed. Lady Asa began doing the appropriate makeup for the ceremony. Similar to the paint Agnarr's chosen had for the wedding, her temples were colored with shimmering dark blue swirling with purple as well as her eye lids and her jaw. No Star Elf these days had the natural markings their race had used to have, so they had to paint them on for old rituals like this. If anything, it was more authentic since Gytha had painted the markings on her face anyway since she’d been completely human.

Idonea’s hair was wound up into braided crowns and pinned into place before being covered with a thin net of tiny pearls that shone like stars, almost making her hair look like a full elf's. Almost. Idonea could never truly pass as one of them.

Her human blood was always too strong.

Too violent.

That's what Captain Bror had written about her past life in his account. Her human blood contained a thirst for violence that had erupted at the slightest provocation.

It was why she'd had to be put down for everyone's safety.

But this time she would be better. She would be perfect. Well... if that were true, she'd be married to Olaug. Clearly, she wasn't.

But she would at least not mess this up like she had last time. No more blood on her hands.

She was brought out to the stairs leading up to the middle of the ruins where everyone was gathered above. Elves from neighboring villages had traveled a long way to witness it in addition to the court that had traveled with them. They were all gathered around the old market square.

They were all looking at Nyrunn. Those who hadn't yet heard the news were gaping at their king standing in the position of Agnarr's chosen. Actually, even if they had heard the news, this was something that could only be seen to be believed.

Idonea was still struggling to believe it.

She paused for a moment, staying in the shadows and watching her husband.

Nyrunn had his hands clasped behind his back as he looked up at the sky. The expanse was painted orange and gold even as the moon and the stars began to come out; the warm light washed over him, and the little gold and white stars shone, reflecting the light against his dark purple ceremonial clothes. The cape around his shoulders fluttered softly in the breeze. Nyrunn… he held himself so differently than Olaug did. His shoulders were rigid as he ignored the crowd around him, or maybe more specifically, Frode. He was so solid. Olaug was almost always moving, never sitting still.

Nyrunn closed his eyes as the breeze rustled his dark purple hair, sending a few strands across his jaw. Idonea’s breath caught in her throat. Had she really looked at himbefore? Had she looked at him since this had all started and actually seen Nyrunn instead of not-Olaug?

Had she ever looked at him and seen Nyrunn and not Bror?

Lady Asa came up to her. They still had a minute or two before she needed to climb the stairs for the Heava Dance.

Lady Asa’s voice was soft as she said, “You’ll be in good hands with King Nyrunn.”

Idonea startled. “What?”

“For the dance. I promise, he really is a good dancer.” Asa reached over, tugging one of Idonea’s sleeves back into place. She smiled. “He’s been practicing. In case he didn’t tell you what he’s been up to. Why he comes back to your tent late most nights. I don’t know if anyone else has caught him, but I saw him the other night, in the shadows, away from the main camp.”

A good excuse to avoid her as much as possible.

Idonea watched Nyrunn open his eyes.

Who was he?

“Good.” Idonea’s voice came out raspy and dry. “That’s… good.”

“Surely you’ve seen King Nyrunn’s charming side now?” Asa’s lips curved into a smile.

She could feel the phantom sensation of his hand on hers, his fingertips brushing her jaw. Her heart began to pick up speed. Warmth flooded her face.

She grabbed her skirts and started for the stairs.

“Idonea—” Asa reached for her arm, but Idonea dodged her, twirling on her heel and out of the way.

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