by Jasmine Walt
“And so, it is done,” the priest said. He released our hands, smiling broadly at us. “You may now kiss your bride, Lord Iannis.”
Before I could blink, Iannis crushed me against his chest and kissed me deeply. Cheers and clapping filled the inside of the temple as I wrapped my arms around him and kissed him back, savoring the tender, passionate feelings that passed between us. I could hardly believe this was real, but as his arms tightened around me, and the seconds drew out as we kissed beneath Resinah’s benevolent gaze, I began to accept that it was.
I wonder if Resinah really was a special Tua who loved humans and came here to share her gifts with them, I thought. All those clues had to mean something…but did it truly matter? Her wisdom and affection for us spoke for themselves, whatever her origins.
Resinah laughed softly in my head as Iannis finally pulled back. A sense of knowing came over me—there was some connection, but the truth about her origins was more complicated and mysterious than I had imagined. I was glad I hadn’t discussed the Tua’s suggestion with anyone—there was no point in bringing it up and confusing everyone. Let things stand as they were.
“My blessings on your union,” Resinah’s voice echoed in my mind, and from Iannis’s startled expression, I knew he’d heard it too. “May you both live a long and happy life as one.”
Iannis and I both bowed our heads and silently thanked her. Joy swept through us both as we turned to face the crowd—there was no greater honor than being blessed by the Lady, except perhaps from the Creator himself.
“We did it,” Iannis said as the crowd clapped and cheered. “We are finally husband and wife.”
“We sure are,” I said, grinning at our friends, who were sitting up at the front row and waving furiously at us. “Now why don’t we go and enjoy that feast?”
After the wedding, everyone returned to Solantha Palace for the public reception, where we’d be on full display for the rest of the world. As soon as we alighted from our decked-out horse-drawn carriage—following a human and shifter custom, I’d insisted on hanging a sign from the back that read “JUST MARRIED”—I was nearly blinded by the multiple flashes of light from the waiting paparazzi. Iannis and I were whisked away by security and taken to the back garden, where we spent nearly an hour taking more photographs with the palace’s official photographer.
The first half hour was just me and Iannis, but Fenris, Annia, Rylan, and my Aunt Mafiela were brought in for the last half. When we’d planned the wedding, I had been unsure whether this photo session was truly necessary. I would never forget my wedding anyway, and so much posing seemed an excessive display of vanity. However, Nelia and Aunt Mafiela had convinced me that my wedding was not just important for Iannis and me—our union was being watched by shifters and humans throughout the Federation and beyond. Let them see how radiant and happy a shifter and mage pairing could be, they had argued. Our example might help the next unorthodox couple. Besides, our children, and theirs, might like to see how we had celebrated today. So I forced myself to be patient, and posed as required.
“You look wonderful in that gown, Sunaya,” Aunt Mafiela said afterward, taking me by the shoulders and looking me up and down. “It is just your style.”
“Thank you.” I smiled, trying not to roll my eyes. The way she was swelling with pride, as if I were her daughter, you never would have guessed that just last year, she and I had been at each other’s throats, driven to hatred by twelve years of bitterness between us. “I’m glad you came,” I said, and I meant it. I was very happy that those terrible years were behind us.
“Yeah, you’re a real fancy pants now, Lady Sunaya,” Rylan teased, cuffing me on the shoulder. “Guess I won’t be able to mess around with you anymore, now that you’re the wife of such an important guy.” He waggled his brows at Iannis, who simply chuckled.
This time I did roll my eyes, and punched Rylan in the shoulder for good measure. “Just you wait,” I said as Iannis put an arm around my waist and began to gently lead me toward the palace. “I’ll kick your ass the next time we’re on the mat together, Rylan. Lady or not.”
Rylan’s laughter followed us into the ballroom, where we made a glorious entrance. The place was packed with nearly a thousand guests, and they all toasted us as one. Fenris and Annia made grand speeches, making the audience laugh as they recounted anecdotes about us, and nearly making me cry all over again when they praised us.
“You are, and always will be, the kindest, bravest, and most ferocious soul I’ve ever known,” Annia said, her cheeks pink as her eyes shone brightly with love and pride. “And you,” she said, turning to Iannis. “I wasn’t sure about you when we first met, but I’ve learned from working with you that you’re smart as hell, compassionate, and you’ve got a spine of steel under those robes. I can’t think of a more perfect match for my best friend.”
The crowd cheered again, and with that, we broke off to feast and mingle. We spent the first hour receiving endless congratulations from the guests, including Annia’s mother. I hadn’t been certain she would come, but not only had she shown up, she was even talking to Annia again, and the two looked like they were getting along. I wondered if Annia had told her that she’d found Noria and gotten her to safety. The golden collar around Annia’s neck gleamed, and I wondered just how much she’d come to rely on that spirit within. Her skin glowed with a soft, almost ethereal light that I hadn’t noticed before.
“One of these days,” Iannis murmured, noticing where I was staring, “we will get that story out of her. But tonight, we should look toward the future, not the past.”
Later, I sat with Fenris while Iannis was talking to Mina. “Thank you for staying on, saving us the other night, and standing with us on this day,” I said, smiling up at him. He should be on his honeymoon himself, but he and Mina had decided to stay until after our wedding, since Fenris was Iannis’s best man. “How do you feel, now that you’re a married man?”
“Like I am finally complete.” Fenris gave me a broad smile. “I never knew what I was missing before meeting Mina. I only hope you and Iannis are half as happy…but I am sure you are. It was clear to everyone during the ceremony earlier that, despite all differences, you belong together.”
“Duh.” I stuck my tongue out at him. “I’m glad everyone is finally getting with the program.”
Fenris laughed. “Of course, I knew this much earlier—before the two of you had an inkling,” he teased.
We sat in contented silence for a while, happy to just enjoy each other’s company after being separated for so long. “I’m so glad you are no longer under threat, after that pardon for Polar ar’Tollis,” I said softly, pitching my voice so nobody could hear. “Pretending to be your own son was all well and good, but now you’re truly safe.”
“It is quite a relief,” he admitted. “Though I had adjusted to living under the threat of execution, now that I’m married, and hoping to be a father soon, it is better not having to dodge the authorities or use multiple false names.”
“Sunaya,” a familiar voice called. I spun around in shock to see that Deryna was behind us, with Drawe standing shyly by her side. “Congratulations on your marriage,” she said, smiling fondly at us. “I am so glad that you two pulled through. There were times when I despaired of a happy outcome, but I prayed that the Creator would help you escape.”
“Thank you, Aunt Deryna,” Iannis said as I tried to find my voice. He didn’t seem the least bit surprised to see them. “I very much appreciate you two coming out.”
“Is Ennartha here, too?” I asked in a hushed voice. “And…and…” I couldn’t bring myself to pronounce that wicked woman’s name, and desperately hoped she hadn’t set foot in the Federation.
“No, don’t worry,” Deryna said, correctly interpreting my expression. “Ennartha sends her regards, but she never visits Northia, not even for this, any more than her mother would. And speaking of Ta’sradala”—she grinned, an expression that made her look significantly younger�
��“the scuttlebutt is that Ta’sradala has incurred the serious displeasure of the High King for sending you to their realm, and has been forbidden to visit Earth for the next five hundred years. I understand she hasn’t taken it well.”
“Five hundred years?” Iannis and I said at the same time, sounding stunned. We exchanged looks of absolute delight. “You could not have brought us a better wedding present,” I said fervently, and Deryna laughed. Ta’sradala had gotten off lightly, in my opinion, but by the time she was allowed to come back to Recca, our children would be grown. And that was no small comfort.
“And how are you, Drawe?” Iannis asked, crouching down to meet the boy’s eyes. “Are you enjoying your time in Solantha?”
“It’s so big,” he said in a hushed voice, his eyes wide. His gaze darted around the room before going back to Iannis. “I’ve never seen so many people in my life.”
“I’m really happy you could make it out,” I said, hugging Deryna and Drawe. “You two were kind to me when I was alone and friendless, and I will never forget that. But how did you get here so fast?”
Deryna smiled, pulling a gulaya out of her pocket. “My wonderful nephew sent me this,” she said, patting Iannis on the arm. “We arrived just yesterday.”
“Keeping secrets, are we?” I asked Iannis, arching a brow at him.
He only smiled. “I thought it would be a nice surprise.”
“And so it is,” I said, smiling at them all. “I’m guessing you’re staying here at the palace?”
“We are.”
“Good. Then make sure you find Liu, Tinari, and Rusalia,” I told Drawe. “They’re the friends I was telling you about who live here. Tell the librarian, Janta Urama, that I sent you, and she’ll put you in touch. Iannis and I are going on our honeymoon, but you guys can stay here as long as you like. I hope you’ll have a great time.”
“We are planning on staying here for a few weeks before returning,” Deryna said. “I wish you two a lovely honeymoon. You certainly deserve it after everything you’ve been through.”
“And now,” Director Chen, who was acting as tonight’s master of ceremonies, called in a magically enhanced voice as the chatter quieted down, “it is time for the bride and groom to open the first dance.”
Iannis and I looked at each other. “Are you ready?” he asked, offering his hand.
I smiled, wordlessly slipping my hand in his. The crowd parted as a slow, beautiful melody started up and Iannis gracefully led me onto the empty dance floor. The world fell away as I looked into his eyes, and as we swirled and glided across the room, volumes seemed to pass between us without either of us saying a word. After the first minute or so, other couples joined in, and soon we were at the center of a happy throng. Rylan was swinging Annia around with great energy, and Com was smiling at Elania as they danced. Fenris and Mina were pretty lively on the floor together, I noticed with approval. It was like we were all one big, happy family.
The song was just winding down when something odd flickered at the limits of my vision. Frowning, I looked over Iannis’s shoulder at the ballroom and activated my mage sight.
“What is it?” Iannis asked, sensing my tension.
“It seems that Deryna and Drawe aren’t our only unexpected guests,” I murmured. “Nalan and Alara are standing by those pillars behind you.”
I looked at the Tua twins directly, and they both smiled and waved. They had glamored themselves to look human, but beneath the magic, they were just as gigantic as they had been in the Tua realm. As I stared, Broghan popped out from behind Alara and soared across the room in baby dragon form. The guests gasped as he let out a thin stream of flame, forming a heart that blazed directly above us.
“What a charming illusion,” I heard somebody gush. “It will soon be the rage at every wedding, I’d bet.”
“We have come to learn more of the human world,” Broghan said to me in mindspeak as he did a few somersaults. He was stealing the show, but he was way too cute for me to care. “My father has given his permission, as long as my cousins accompany me.”
“Do you think you might act as a guide for us?” Alara asked. “Once you come back from your honeymoon, of course.”
“We have a number of experiments we’d like to perform,” Nalan added, “and could use a native guide to help us minimize the damage.”
I held back a snort. “I’ll think about it,” I told them, then relayed what they’d said to me to Iannis in mindspeak. “I’m kind of torn,” I told Iannis as the song came to an end. “On the one hand, I don’t love the idea of them running around doing ‘experiments’ in our world, but I shudder to think of what havoc they could wreak unsupervised.” Not that I had a chance to control even one of them, but hopefully they would listen to their expert in local culture. They had all my memories, but would they be able to make proper sense of them? Did they have a true idea just how vulnerable Recca’s people were when faced with the might of the Tua?
“The mind boggles at the possibilities,” Iannis said, though he did not sound too worried.
Inspired, I flagged down Rylan and Annia, who were still together on the dance floor. “You complained that your life was too boring,” I told my cousin with an evil grin. “I have just the remedy for that. You and Annia are going to look after some foreign guests while I’m gone.”
They glanced at each other. “I happen to be at loose ends,” Annia said, shrugging. “Why not?”
“What’s the catch?” Rylan asked suspiciously.
“Just that they’ll keep you on your toes,” I said airily. “You get to babysit someone far smarter and more powerful than you, which will be excellent practice for whatever you choose to do afterwards. If you can get through this, you can do anything.”
“Gee, thanks,” Rylan said sarcastically, but Annia looked intrigued. I wondered just how powerful that amulet had made her, and if she could hold her own against Broghan. Amused, I lost no time introducing Rylan and Annia to our interdimensional tourists. They were all eyeing one another curiously and getting acquainted when Iannis pulled me away for one last dance.
“That’s some challenge you set Rylan and Annia,” he commented. “But in our absence, the best you could do. Let’s not worry about what happens until we get back.”
“Right. With any luck, Solantha will still be standing.”
When the dance ended, we turned to face the crowd as one, and Iannis wrapped his hand in mine. “Thank you all for celebrating with us,” he said to the crowd. “Sunaya and I are off to our honeymoon now. Please enjoy the festivities, and drink to our good health while we are gone!”
He pulled out a gulaya from his sleeve and activated it amongst cries of protest from the crowd. The last thing I saw was Director Chen and Fenris’s knowing smiles as we disappeared, and the next thing I knew, we were standing on a sandy beach, looking out at a spectacular sunset. I felt a momentary queasiness, but it quickly passed.
“Holy shit,” I said, looking around. Chills ran up and down my spine as I took in the familiar surroundings. “This is the island where we first made love, isn’t it?”
“Indeed,” Iannis said, scooping me up. He carried me up the beach to where a charming seaside cottage sat, its white stone walls sparkling in the dying sun. “I bought it in your name and had a few improvements made,” he said as he waved the front door open with a bit of magic.
“I can see that,” I said as he carried me inside. I craned my neck, trying to get a good look at the small but cozy space. Everything was done in shades of blue and white, and the smell of salt and verbena and fresh paint permeated the air. “Are you going to give me a tour?”
“Maybe later,” he said, setting me atop the bed. He made my clothes vanish with the snap of a finger as he crawled on top of me. “For now, I believe you promised me a feast,” he said, a wicked glint in his eye.
I let Iannis cover my naked body with his own, savoring the feel of his warm skin and hard muscles against me as he kissed me deeply. His sce
nt seeped into my very pores, and I took in a deep breath as I wrapped my arms tightly around him, deliriously happy at the thought that this man was finally mine. I could feel his raging lust and passion as his tongue tangled with mine, as he skimmed his hands down my curves lovingly.
But just as he was about to slip his hand between my legs, I flipped us over and straddled him on the bed. “What do you think you’re doing?” he asked a bit breathlessly, though the grin on his face told me he knew exactly what I was about.
“Remember,” I said as I slid down his body to take him in my hands. “I promised that I would feast on you first.”
And so I did, until Iannis finally yanked me away from him, then pinned me to the bed and sank himself deep inside me. As the orgasm took me, a ferocious wave of pleasure that had me crying out his name and tearing the bedsheets with my nails, I imprinted the memory into my mind forever.
No matter what happened next, I would always have this. Our first night together as husband and wife, and many more to come after. It had been a long, bumpy ride to get to this point, but I wouldn’t trade any of it for the world.
We finally had our happily ever after.
THE END
Sunaya’s adventure may be over…but Jasmine is still writing books! Click the link below to check out Dragon’s Gift, the first book in her latest fantasy series!
FIND DRAGON’S GIFT ON AMAZON
Glossary
Annia: see under Melcott, Annia.
Apprenticeship: all mages are expected to complete an apprenticeship with some master mage, that usually lasts from age fifteen to about twenty-five. Only after the final exam may they use colorful robes, and are considered legally of age. Sunaya started her apprenticeship at age 24, under Chief Mage Iannis ar’Sannin, when her magic was first discovered.
ar’: suffix in some mages’ family names, that denotes they are of noble birth, and can trace their descent to one of Resinah’s twelve disciples.
