Page 110 of Blood and Fate

A loud squeal from the second row drew nearly everyone’s attention. Adalyn stood, bouncing up and down, silently clapping her hands together. Satori shot the little girl a grin and a wink, and Kais’ heart did another flip. She was perfect. What had he done to deserve this gift from Shala and Miram?

And then, after an age, she was there, standing in front of him. Her father took both of her hands in his and kissed them. When he released her, Satori dipped into a low curtsey, and then her father moved to his seat. She turned to where Kais’ own father stood and offered him a deep curtsey as well. Finally, she turned to Kais.

Kais’ heart thundered as he stepped down and offered his arm to Satori. She slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow, placing her other hand gently on his chest, smiling as his heart raced beneath her palm.

She spoke so only he could hear, “Calm down.”

He took in her hair, braided through with leather, her warm chocolate eyes, and her soft pink lips as he placed a hand over where hers rested.

“I couldn’t even if I wanted to. Have you ever had a dream come true?”

Her gaze became more intense, as though she was peering into his soul. “Yes.”

A quiet cough brought their attention to the High Rector. He looked at Satori, meeting her gaze with intensity.

“Are you ready, Your Highness?”

His brow rose, and Kais appreciated the man checking in. Clearly, he had no wish to repeat the previous disastrous ceremony. Kais respected that he would make certain this was Satori’s choice.

Even though he was already sure of what she would say, he still held his breath as she answered.

“With all my heart.”

Air puffed out through his lips, and she shot him a teasing smile.

Kais barely registered the vows or the questions or the guests, his sole focus on the woman before him. There were certainly points in his life where he expected he would never marry. There had never been anyone who he thought he could spend a lifetime with, even with pressure from his father. But after he’d met Satori, he knew if he couldn’t have her, he would have no one.

With the prophecy from Kezia he expected only heartache. And yet, here they were. There had, of course, been heartache, but it had led them here, and he had no complaints.

A quick prod to his back had Kais snapping out of his head and back to the present. Satori was grinning again.

Teague’s voice in his ear made it clear why. “Kiss her, sir, before someone else does.”

“Don’t you want to kiss me?” Satori teased as Tessa giggled behind her.

As if that were a possibility. He took her words as a challenge, giving her a slow shake of his head and a wide grin. Stepping into her space, he slid one arm behind her back, the other into her hair, savoring each place where they made contact. He brought his mouth down to hers, and she opened to him as he worked his lips over hers, and everyone else faded away. He decided then to kiss her like this every single day he had the opportunity.

A soft rumble of something like awe went through the crowd, and Kais and Satori looked up to find that a gentle breeze blew through the entire room, swirling flags, hair, and dresses.

“Is that us?”

He grinned down at her and pulled her close. “I think so.”

He kissed her once again, not caring how many people watched.

EPILOGUE

In the five months since Kais and Satori had been married, the change in the land was already remarkable.

Once Henrik was gone and Satori’s father was free from his drug-induced suggestions, the change was nearly immediate. The King had been appalled at the state of the land and had immediately begun to remedy it. They’d had people delivering stores and supplies all over the land for months.

Covington had never really been affected since it was so close to the castle, though the influx of travelers had dwindled. But now, the streets bustled. It was as if the town was refreshed. Tourists poured in, wishing to see the roses in bloom.

The Rose Ball was scheduled for four days hence, and from the looks of it, it would be a large celebration. It was by invitation only this year, and many people from Kais’ land had been invited, as well.

Satori couldn’t help but stop and take it all in. They had worked hard, and it was rewarding to see the results.

Kais turned to her. “Why are you so happy?”

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