by Ciara Knight
Images from my dreams flooded my mind. Last night, I dreamt about an epic battle. Ships were hidden beneath the sand. As they rose up into the sky, assassins rappelled out of them...it was a bloodbath. Everyone died. It was probably just a dream, right?
My father pinched the bridge of his nose. No, I believe it’s the truth. But how? Your mother assured me you didn’t receive her gift. She was unique, a one-in-a-millennium type of power. There are only a few recorded in history. Could it have been implanted by Mandesa?
No, I don’t think so. Why would she? And why would it only surface now? Besides, I don’t think it was me. Rather, it was Mother who spoke to me, using the images.
“What?” Catching himself, he returned to telepathy. She’s dead. How could she contact you?
I don’t think it is actual contact, but a memory triggered by specific events. I remember her talking to me all the time when I was little. Of course, it didn’t make any sense. Even now, I don’t remember everything she said. Only bits and pieces. It’s possible the dreams were from her and that means their prophetic.
Were you in the dream? At the battle, did you see yourself?
I prodded into the deep crevices of my mind. No, I didn’t see myself. It was like watching a vid. Why?
The future’s changed. What was implanted in your memory was based on the statistical analysis of variables existing at the time. Remember when I told you there was a hypothesis that you could technically change the future with one minute difference?
Yes, but you said there’d be consequences.
Even after your mother’s death, I ignored your mother’s prophecy when I refused to abandon you. When Mandesa captured us, I realized I could escape and you’d live. But if I kept you as I wanted, we’d both die. My refusal to let her minions take you almost caused my death. Even now, I don’t know how I survived her torture. If I hadn’t left you when I escaped, there wouldn’t be a Triune.
You mean she died to save me, but believed I’d die?
Yes, but she hoped I’d make the right choice and thereby change the future.
My mind spun with the infinite possibilities. You, or Ryder, Raeth, or any of my friends could’ve died. I thought the prophecy said the Triune would save the Neumarians.
They will. Lanena predicted if you survived, the world had a chance. Your being here has changed everything.
So, my dream helped us.
Yes. Lanena knew her sister better than anyone. The memory of the prophecy that surfaced in your dream is a warning. Even from her grave, your mother’s fighting to save us.
Will the outcome still be the same? Will we all parish at Mandesa’s hands?
Hopefully, no. Lanena’s warning’s allowing us to prepare.
Chapter Twenty-One
Leaving the command center, I headed for my quarters with Father’s words ricocheting in my head. The only thing I was confident of was that Mother had more courage than the most famous general. Her prophecies foretold that Mandesa would murder her because of me. Yet, it hadn’t mattered. She’d loved Father and me completely. Her heart open, she’d insured when I needed it most that I’d feel her presence guiding me. That took more courage than any battle.
Now, with Mandesa backing us against the wall, I needed to channel her courage. There wasn’t a choice anymore. We had to go on the offense. Strangely, facing Mandesa didn’t frighten me—I’d waited years to free myself from her. No, what terrified me was losing people. Those I loved and those I led. I recognized not everyone would survive. We were fighting a war, but if we didn’t fight, the planet’s children didn’t have a future. That meant secreting them away to where Mandesa wouldn’t find them, and winning the war at all costs. Should we lose, the children would still live, but they and their off-spring would suffer the most horrific post-war circumstances.
I opened the door to our quarters, entered, and closed it behind me, then froze.
Ryder leaned against the wall. “You have that look again.”
“What look?”
He moved to me, wrapping his arms around my body. “Like the weight of the war’s on your shoulders, like one wrong move and your world will fall around you. It won’t, you know. I love you, so does your father, Raeth, Penton, Dred, Annie, Laos, Briggs, and so many others.” He chucked my chin. “Wipe that disbelief off your face. Your gentleness and caring has touched more lives than you know.”
“I’m not gentle. I’m a soldier.”
“My soldier. My love. And we’re getting married immediately.”
“Your hair. It’s longer,” I said, brushing strands from his eyes.
His forehead tightened into several lines. “What?”
“Your hair. It’s grown out. I hadn’t noticed. How did I miss that?”
“I was a coward and kept myself scarce. But that time’s over. I’m never leaving you again. Where you go, I go.” He lifted me then, holding me tight against his chest, he walked over to our bed. He lay me down on it and settled himself over me. “Raeth’s worried you think she’s angry at you. Like anyone, she lashed out when she thought the man she loves had died. By the time she’d calmed down and wanted to talk to you, you had shut her out. She misses you. I told her we’re getting married.”
I pulled back, my heart swelling. “What did she say?”
Ryder dropped a kiss on the tip of my nose. “She wants to know what she’s to wear as your Maid of Honor?”
“Her uniform?” My giggle sounded more like a snort.
A familiar surge of warmth seeped into me. Not only his gift, but his love for me was merging with my essence.
He peppered kisses over my face as he murmured, “Let yourself go, Semara. Trust me with your heart.”
I released all doubt and the gut-wrenching fear of failure, letting my soul fly free. Grinning, I grasped his face and brought his lips to mine. Finally, I felt whole.
Last night, our kisses and touches had been about anger and forgiveness, pent-up desire and passion. Today, the passion was there, but so too was a welcome home, a slow coming together. His taste, joined with his fresh, earthy scent of hope and devotion, calmed yet invigorated me. It saturated my senses and an unceasing want exploded.
His lips, tongue, and hands excited and caressed me. Strong hands dipped beneath my vest and shirt, touching bare skin. The room spun. Good thing I’m flat on my back, I thought. I reached for his belt, only to have him pull my fingers away as he broke our kiss.
Breathlessly, he moaned. “Marry me. Today.”
“Yes. Father can marry us. But I don’t want a lot of people there, only friends and family.”
Ryder’s eyes blazed with a joy I’d never witnessed. “Sounds perfect.”
Father, are you free for the next hour?
Yes.
Good. Ryder and I would like you to marry us.
Silence.
You told me to open my heart, I challenged. Marry us, now. I want him to be my husband before we go to war. And please summon the others.
I’ll take care of it. See you in my quarters in thirty minutes.
“We’re set. Father’s going to get the others and we’ll all meet in his quarters.” I took in a shuddering breath.
“You’re sure?”
I grabbed his vest. “Listen here, mister. You asked me at my birthday party in front of everyone, with rings and all. So, don’t second guess yourself now. In thirty minutes, you’re marrying me and making me the happiest woman on this planet for as long as we have together.”
His lips curved into that boyish grin that always weakened my knees. “Yes, ma’am. And I gotta admit I kinda like it when you’re forceful.”
Heat radiated my cheeks.
“Are you, my warrior, blushing?”
“I’m General Bellator’s daughter. I don’t blush.”
He lifted me from the bed and looped my arm through his. “Let’s get married.”
After another smoldering kiss, we entered the main corridor just as Penton and Raeth rounded the corne
r. Pulling free of Ryder, I rushed up to them. “Raeth—”
Laughing, she squeezed my hands. “Later. W-we have my best friend’s wedding to attend.” Snickering, she slid her arm through mine and urged me to go faster. “Semara, you know I l-love you like m-my sister, right?”
“Absolutely, and I love you, too.”
“And n-now you’re going to be m-my sister for real,” she said between giggles.
Ryder clapped Penton on his shoulder. “Up for being my best man?”
Smiling, Penton arched an eyebrow as he eyed Ryder. “Of course, I’m up to it.
Still chuckling, I glanced at Raeth’s brown uniform—one of the three she owned—then at my green one. At least we didn’t clash. “Thank goodness you’re dressed for the occasion,” I chuckled. “How’d you know what to wear?”
“Just lucky, I guess.”
Together, we hurried to my father’s quarters, stopping as Bendar hobbled toward us from the other end of the hallway.
I shot Ryder a sheepish look. “Excuse me for a moment.” I ran down the hall, meeting Bendar halfway, and knelt so we’d be at eye level.
“Marry today?” Bendar’s rust-colored beard rose high on his cheeks. “Happy for you.”
I took his hands in mine. “Would you like to make me even happier?” At his nod, I kissed his cheek and asked, “Will you give me away?”
His mouth dropped open, his lips making a rare appearance beyond the beard. “What about father? He should.”
“No. You raised me, taught me to be strong, helped me stay true to who I was meant to be.”
“But—”
“Don’t worry about Father. He’s marrying us. But like a father, you cared for me all these years, bandaged my cuts and bruises, showed me love. Please, tell me you’ll give me away.”
Bendar stared at his feet. “I caused pain. Hurt you, father, and mother.”
“I saw what happened in a dream. You were lied to, led to believe you were saving Mother. Your heart’s always been pure. Please, stand by me and give me away as I start my new life.”
Bendar squeezed my hands. “Can’t say no. Never could.”
“Thank you.” I hugged him then stood and together we joined the others. As we entered my father’s quarters, I saw him standing toward the back of the room, holding a silver cup.
In the center of the room, Annie hopped from one foot to another, clapping her hands and singing, “Semara’s gettin’ married. Semara’s gettin’ married.”
Laos strutted up to Ryder with an Arteres swagger. “Mom says finally.”
I stood there for a moment, absorbing how wealthy I was as I basked in love, family, and friendship.
A whisper of movement ruffled my hair. I looked around the mess hall for the source, but saw nothing. Then my mother whispered, This is why you will win the war.
Chapter Twenty-two
Bendar’s hand trembled and I smiled at his tear-streaked face.
Father’s mind brushed mine. Bendar never imagined you’d forgive him. Your asking him to stand by you makes him feel that in some small way, he’s redeemed himself for your mother’s death.
I glanced at my father. He redeemed himself by loving and protecting me. I survived Mandesa because of him and the memories you gave me. I love you both. I bent and kissed Bendar’s forehead. “Thank you for today and my life.”
He swiped his gloved knuckles across his nose and straightened. “I give Semara Bellator into Ryder Arteres’ loving care and in marriage.” He must have practiced saying it, because he managed it smoothly. He glanced up at me, his chest puffed in pride, and smiled.
I returned his grin then handed Raeth the wildflower bouquet, and with Ryder, turned to face my father, standing before us.
He cleared his throat. “It is in these dark times through love, and the union that grows from it, that hope springs and, shining its bright light, reminds us what is important. Yes, this ceremony is below ground and without the usual pageantry of a Neumarian ceremony, but our ritual of family and friends witnessing this rite remains strong. As general of the European Neumarian Rebellion, it is my pleasure to join you, Semara Bellator and Ryder Arteres, for the rest of your days and beyond.” He turned to Ryder. “Declare before family, friends, and your Neumarian ancestors why this union should be granted.”
Ryder lifted my hands and kissed my fingers. “When we met, I judged you as a spoiled princess, having no value except to grace the crowds with your beauty. In less than three minutes, you proved me wrong. Together, side-by-side, we have experienced battle, hardship, the loss of friends, and, even for a while, the loss of my gift. Yet, you never lost faith in me and always stood ready to help. Your inner beauty transcends that of your physical beauty. Your warmth and gentle soul calm the most frightened among us.”
He paused and once again, pressed his lips to my fingers. “I’ve dreamed of a bond like that of my parents. In you, I have found the one person who could make that possible. While these are not peaceful times, the love we share will guide me safely through the darkness ahead. Today, I make a promise to you that for the remainder of my days, I will do everything possible to ensure your happiness.”
Beside me, Raeth sniffed.
With a soft, proud, smile, Father looked at me. “Semara, it is now your turn.”
I nodded and looked into Ryder’s eyes. “When we met, I doubted there were two people who could be more opposite than us. You challenged me at every turn with your brazen behavior, opinions of me, and belief that a spiderat had more value. Yet, for all your actions and words to the contrary, when needed, you shared your gift without hesitation and saved my life repeatedly. You educated me, taught me to survive, and showed me the truth. I was Neumarian, and we weren’t evil. We fought Mandesa for our future. One where we can live and love in freedom.”
I lifted his hands and kissed his fingers as he had mine. “You are a handsome man. Yet, it pales in comparison with your inner strength, generous heart, and steadfast character. All of which were shown in how you fulfilled the impossible task you were charged with as a young boy—to keep your stubborn sister not just alive, but out of trouble and safe.” Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Raeth wink. “Today, I’m blessed to become your wife, with the knowledge you will do the same for me and our children. You complete me, ground me, and give me the courage to continue loving.”
Ryder cleared his throat and swiped his eyes with the back of his hand. My father did the same. So much for strong men. I thought Raeth and I were the ones who were supposed to cry.
“Do any have reason why these two should not be blessed by the ancestors of our people to unite as one for all their remaining days?” Father asked, his eyes scanning those present.
My breath caught in my throat, willing no one to speak.
At the silence, Father retrieved the silver cup from the table behind him and ran his finger around the rim. “This marriage cup was Lanena’s and mine. It is with great joy that it will be yours as well. It symbolizes eternal love, the unending circle of life when two souls merge. The liquid inside represents life’s tears.” He held it out before him and waited for Ryder and me to grasp it in unison with our right hands. “In taking this cup,” he continued, “and drinking from it, you seal your vow of love and commitment to our ancestors, that you each put the other above transitory personal wants and willingly meld your hearts and souls to one another for the rest of time.”
With our gazes locked, Ryder raised the cup to my mouth, and I took a sip of the dry wine. Then I pressed it to his lips and he sipped.
My father took the cup and placed it back on the table. “You may now place the ring upon her hand.”
Standing to Ryder’s right, Penton placed one ring in Ryder’s palm. Grinning, he slipped it on my left ring finger. “I know this is more of a human tradition, but it’s one my parents believed in, a sign of their love for all to see. I hope you will wear it in honor of our vows.”
“I will wear it happily.” I retrieved
the lattice bronze ring from Raeth and slid it over his knuckle.
“I, Harrison Bellator, General of the Neumarian army, proclaim Ryder and Semara Arteres’ united in marriage, heart, and soul.” Then, giving Ryder a look of mock-seriousness, he said, “You may take your bride and leave us until tomorrow.”
Laughing, Ryder wrapped his arms around me and covered my lips with his. Surprised at the public display of affection, I gasped. My skin heated and the last of the cold inside me melted. Releasing me, he turned us to the doorway, Laos and Annie leading the way out of his quarters to the mess hall. Within minutes, everyone surrounded us, kissing and hugging us, offering their congratulations along with more than a few bawdy suggestions.
After cutting the cake, that read Happy Birthday, and eating a slice, the tables were pushed against the wall. Several men with handmade instruments, yet oddly similar to the ones utilized in Fallon’s saloon back in the Mining Territory, played a deep, soulful tune. Ryder swept me out onto the floor, every step and twirl in perfect time with the music. When a new tune started, he handed me to my father then I danced with Bendar and finally Penton.
As Ridgecroft and McCormick wove through the throng toward me, Ryder scooped me into his arms and I sighed in relief. “See you all tomorrow,” he called out as we headed for the door. Then laughing, he trotted to our quarters. “I’ve finally got you to myself, Semara Arteres.”
Giggling, I smacked his shoulder. “Put me down, you crazy man.”
“Not a chance. I’m carrying you over the threshold as humans do, and then I’m not releasing you till morning.” He pressed his palm to the ID scanner and the door opened, then he kicked it shut.
His brown eyes smoldered with want as he set me down. When the lock on the door clicked into place, my heartbeat quickened, my breathing shallow with the promise of his touch and kisses.
Removing his gun belt, he never broke his stare. “We don’t need these, not tonight. We’re husband and wife, not soldiers,” he rasped, his voice deep with need. His nimble fingers slid the strap from the buckle of my gun belt, grazing my inner thigh. I inhaled deeply, steadying myself. “Wife.” He unbuckled the other strap then removed my holster, all the time his touch igniting an inferno inside me.
