Page 99 of Kiss of Ice

The wedding was to take place in the Temple of the Angels, a short distance away from the palace. From the wedding plan, she knew Kam was already there, waiting. After the ceremony they would travel back to the palace together, before appearing on the balcony to greet the crowds as man and wife.

Wife.Her stomach lurched, the butterflies inside wheeling about in a frenzy. She forced herself to breathe slowly, trying not to hyperventilate.

At every corner a band or choir played, filling the streets with a riot of sound. Hundreds of viewing crystals hung magically in the air, turning to follow her progress. They would be relaying images of the wedding to people all over Nush’aldaam. She’d heard the scryers had managed to extend their transmission range all the way to Palissandra. Even the Vetali would be watching the wedding.

Another wave of anxiety swept over her. She twisted the ring nervously on her finger, desperately wishing her mother was with her. The crowd screamed and yelled good luck messages at her and she forced herself to keep smiling.

They reached the temple and the carriage pulled up. A footman jumped off the plate at the back and hurried to open the door, helping her out. The roar of the crowd grew louder as people caught their first glimpse of the wedding dress. Ren clutched her bouquet tightly, hoping her nerves weren’t obvious.

The temple stood at the top of a set of wide stone steps; a truncated pyramid with a flattened top, it was flanked on each side by four enormous angels carved from rare blue Arjhani marble. Legend had it that every corner of Nush’aldaam came within their unflinching gaze.

A red carpet had been painstakingly laid up the steps to the enormous doors of the temple. Inside, Ren knew, the dignitaries and aristocracy of Nush’aldaam were gathered on either side of the aisle waiting for her arrival.

And standing patiently at the altar with the Temple Priest was Kam.

Don’t throw up. Don’t throw up.Gods, she wished she’d eaten something now. She felt hollow and light-headed. And her side was beginning to hurt again.

Conscious that she was surrounded by both people and viewing crystals, she did her best to look serene and composed. Then she started up the steps.

She was concentrating so much on putting one foot in front of the other without tripping over her dress that she didn’t immediately register the figure waiting for her at the top.

“Daughter. You already look like an Empress.” Salaq smiled superciliously as he greeted her. She stopped, anger replacing her anxiety.

“What are you doing here?”

“It’s tradition for a father to walk his daughter to the altar on her wedding day. It’s what people would expect.” He glanced meaningfully at the hovering crystals and she kept her voice low.

“I thought I made my feelings clear. I want you to stay far away from me.”

He leaned forward, as if giving her some last minute fatherly advice.

“I will never stop at what I want, daughter. And I’m far too close to my goal to let a silly besotted girl get in the way. So unless you wish to make a scene, do as you’re told.” He held out his arm. “Shall we?”

She supposed she could have refused, or called for the guards to have him hauled away. But he knew her too well. He knew she wouldn’t want to cause a stir or embarrass the Emperor. Not with the whole realm watching. Wordlessly, she took his arm.

The royal band struck up the anthem as they entered the temple. As one, the members of the congregation rose to their feet.

Ren was very conscious of their stares and whispers as they walked down the aisle. Her father placed a hand over hers and it felt like an anchor weighing her down. He smiled and nodded at the lords and ladies to either side and she wanted to shriek at his hypocrisy. He was a lying, scheming traitor and she would never be free of him. Never. Panic unfurled in her chest.

And then she saw Kam.

For a moment, the world slowed. Everything melted away; her father, the temple, the crowds watching. All she could see, all she could focus on, was him.

He was wearing a silver brocaded jacket over a white silk tunic and close-fitting trousers. He locked eyes with her and his mouth curved into a devastating smile. Her heart stuttered.

I love him.

Gods. Where had that come from? Confused, her steps faltered and her father tugged her forward impatiently. Kam’s face darkened as he saw his hated enemy walking next to her.It’s not my fault,she wanted to scream. But it was too late. Kam’s expression cooled as they halted in front of the altar.

Salaq bowed.

“Your Majesty,” he said. “It will be an honour to become your father-in-law.”

Kam gritted his teeth, aware of the watching eyes.

“I will take great care of her, Lord Salaq.”

“I’m sure you will.”

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