Page 194 of Song of Her Siren

“After all you’ve done for our mother,” Helian said, “it would be an honor if you officiated our wedding.”

Gadea looked at Helian as if she was seeing him for the first time. I knew they’d had disagreements in the past, but I was hoping they’d put it behind them now. “I did it because I love her.”

“I know you do,” Helian said, swallowing as he turned a tender gaze on his mother, “and she loves you too. I consider you part of our family now.”

“Oh, Helian!” Cassandra ran to her son, kissing his cheek.

He kissed her back, laughing while beckoning Gadea forward.

While he and Gadea hugged, Cassandra clutched my arm, whispering in my ear. “Thank you for loving my sons.”

I gave her a gentle hug. “Thank you for doing such an amazing job raising them.”

Cassandra kissed Ash and Finn. “Are you two okay?” she whispered.

“More than okay,” Ash answered. “Our mate deserves to be queen.”

Words couldn’t express my relief at Ash’s support. I kissed his cheek and whispered in his ear. “Don’t worry. You and Finn will be there for the honeymoon.”

He flashed a wolfish grin. “Damn right, we will be.”

“Very well.” Helian swept me into his arms and called to the crowd. “Let’s have a wedding!”

Several cheers rang out, but I couldn’t help but notice the worry in Shiri’s eyes, her gaze darting to the hall where Malvolia had disappeared.

“Shiri,” Drae said, nudging her side. “What’s wrong?”

She gave me an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry, but I should go to our aunt.”

Our mother made a snort of disgust. “Why?”

Shiri’s expression turned accusatory. “Because she’s all alone and upset.”

Our mother waved away her concern. “No doubt she’s fucking those three young mages I saw her fondling earlier. I just saw them heading toward her suite.”

Derrick laughed out loud. “Back to her old ways, I see.”

Mother rolled her eyes. “Was there ever any doubt?”

* * *

Shiri

MY SISTER’S WEDDING, though hastily arranged, had been nothing short of a fairy tale. We’d converged in the pretty garden beside the throne room. My nieces looked like little cherubs in ruffled gowns, dragging a reluctant Teddy down the aisle while throwing flowers.

Cassandra and I were my sister’s bridesmaids, while Finn and Ash stood beside Helian. Our fathers gave Tari away, and Gadea officiated. They switched out the ceremonial wine for juice and then ended the ceremony in a heartfelt kiss.

We returned to the throne room for a lively reception. My head was swimming from all the wine. My glass was never empty, thanks to Nikkos, who I realized was definitely trying to get me drunk. I let my mates lead me around, introducing me to various lords and ladies whose names I would most certainly forget. Occasionally, I’d catch my sister’s eye, raising my goblet to her while she curled up in her new husband’s lap. She raised a tart to me, then took a big bite.

I spun around when someone tapped my shoulder. Imagine my surprise and delight when I looked into the eyes of a familiar gray witch. I didn’t recognize her at first without the beehive wig, face paints, or feathered yoke. Her hair was pinned back in a simple braid, emphasizing her pretty, tapered eyes, and she wore gray riding leathers, of all things, tight trousers that emphasized her slender curves.

“Veronica!” I gave her a tight hug. “I’m so happy to see you again.”

Her smile was dazzling. “And I you.”

I pulled her into our circle, shocked to see her, considering Malvolia had banished her from court.

My mates offered her polite greetings, though Drae’s cheeks flushed as he quickly glanced away. I squeezed his hand, giving him a reassuring smile. He had nothing to worry about. She’d collected his feathers years before he’d met me, and I was already over it.

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