Page 93 of The Howling
“Gloriana has been married five times.” Kaitlyn hands me what has to be the Yeavering equivalent of a pain au chocolat.
“Fivetimes?”
“I wear them out.” The witch chuckles. “Not really. Sometimes these things work and sometimes they do not. Yours is one which will work,” she says kindly. “I married all mine on a whim.”
“Is that why you’ve been checking out the unmated Barghest?” Lilburn says.
“I might not have youth on my side,” Gloriana says, lifting her chin, “but I can still look, can’t I?”
“With the Barghest, there’s plenty to look at,” Kaitlyn admits, her cheeks colouring. “They’re not so interested in clothing on the top half, are they?”
“Or the bottom,” Gloriana says happily. “Must be all that turning into were-hounds which means clothing is optional.”
By the time Bessie knocks on the door, my nerves are all but forgotten.
“Before I get you dressed, there’s someone outside who wants to speak with you,” she says, eyeing the basket of baked goods.
“Help yourself before Lilburn eats everything.” I point to the food.
I’m not surprised when I find Reavely in the passage. He’s wearing clothing which is probably the most formal I’ve ever seen on him. Tight trousers, naturally, with gold piping down the side of each leg and a pair of long boots which look like they’ve been painted on. Over a white shirt, he wears a dark jacket with intricate gold braid stitched down the front and on the arms. It fits him snugly, emphasising his broad shoulders and slim waist.
Frankly, he looks like a king.
“I probably should say something about not seeing the bride before the wedding, but I suspect bad luck doesn’t matter in the Yeavering.”
“I wanted to give you something,” Reavely says somberly. “After the wedding.” He twists his hands. “If you don’t mind.”
“I have everything I need.” I take hold of his arms as his eyes trail down my body, pausing at my stomach.
He swiftly captures my mouth, pulling me into a long, deep kiss which makes my toes curl.
“Have my heart, little deer. I wanted to make sure you had it, to carry it with you today of all days,” he says. “Because you don’t belong to me anymore. I belong to you. Now and forever.”
WYNTER
Bessie has worked wonders with my dress. Not only does it fit like a glove, but it feels like I’m floating in air. I’d expected it to be tight and uncomfortable, and the fact it isn’t made me cry.
I cry at everything at the moment, so no one was unduly bothered.
Gloriana weaves a mixture of herbs and wild flowers into my hair while marvelling at my tattoos. She’s so interested I offer to find out what I can do about creating one for her.
Lilburn takes my hand and leads me out of the bedroom and down the stairs, with Kaitlyn and Gloriana in tow.
“I trust you’re happy for us to be your honourable females,” Lilburn says.
“I couldn’t ask for more honourable females.” I smile, trying not to cry again.
The hall is, as I’ve been forewarned, filled to the brim with all the creatures of the Yeavering. I spot Fenrother and Alice near the back. She has a not so small bundle in her arms and waves happily at me. Fenrother raises one lip which could be a smile, or he could have wind. It’s always going to be difficult to tell.
The throng parts as Lilburn and Kaitlyn move ahead, and a slow hush descends on the masses as I pass through them, heading to the far end. Above us, new banners flutter in a slight breeze. They are a deep blue, stitched with the wolf’s head of Reavely’s pack and a white rose, which is the symbol I chose for myself.
I’m not entirely sure if I’ll make it down to the end, given how hard I’m finding breathing, when Kaitlyn takes hold of my hand. She squeezes it.
“I know it’s hard, but you’re blazing a trail for all the humans, all the witches, and all the warlocks in the Yeavering. It’s showing everyone there is life without the Faerie, and they need to know that,” she says quietly. “No pressure.”
“No pressure.” I set my shoulders.
I love Reavely, and no matter what else this wedding is supposed to symbolise to anyone, it is for me to tell him how I feel, publicly, like his pack prefers.
