Of course, I’d never tell Ariel that.
“I doubt it.” Her shoulders sank in defeat. “She’s friends with Queen Kalin. She probably hates me.”
“Ariel’s not like that,” I assured her. “Neither is Kalin, for that matter. I think if they got to know you, they’d really like you.”
She shook her head. “Kalin will never forgive me for what I did to Rowan.”
“You saved Rowan after he was captured. Valac would’ve killed him had you not interfered.” I waved my hand as if I were dismissing her concerns. “All the rest of it doesn’t matter.”
She smiled. “I’m really glad you invited me to your wedding.”
“Really?” I raised an eyebrow. I figured she’d be bored.
“I’m really happy for the two of you.” She clasped her hands behind her back. “You obviously love her, and she’s lucky to have you.”
“I’m the one who’s lucky,” I gushed.
“You’ve shown me nothing but kindness,” she replied, as her eyes met mine. “I didn’t deserve it after the way I’ve treated the hounds over the years. But you’ve made me see how wrong I was. I’ve witnessed your great leadership and big heart. Trust me when I say she is lucky to have you. And I’m lucky to call you my friend.”
“Oh, I’ve been here before.” What was it with this family? First with Rowan and now his adopted sister. “This feels like a hug-it-out moment.”
With her hand over her mouth, she chuckled. “Yeah, I don’t think there’s any way of escaping it.”
I opened my arms wide. “Come on already. Let’s just get this over with.”
She wrapped her arms tightly around my neck. When I lifted her off the ground and spun her around, she squeaked. Her body was thin and light. It was like lifting a twig. Laughing, she replied, “All right, all right. You can let me go now.”
I put her gently down. “Man, I’m really hungry. We’d better get going.”
“Didn’t you eat before we left?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.
My stomach growled. “That was like an hour ago.”
She rolled her eyes playfully. “We’d better get you to the air court quickly before you pass out.”
It took us several minutes before we reached the portal. As we strode down the way, she wanted to know more about Ariel. I told her some more stories, and even threw in a few about Rowan. Her eyes fixated on me as we headed over the ash-covered ground. She kept asking for more like she was genuinely interested in learning all about us. I was glad I got to know this side of her. Once she let her guard down, she actually had a nice sense of humor. The easy flow of conversation reminded me a bit of Rowan. I’d have to talk to him soon about her. They certainly had a lot of drama between them, but they needed each other—even if neither of them knew it.
The portal made of circling fire appeared in front of us. She reached out and said, “Let’s go get you married.”
I clasped her small hand in mine. “I’m ready.”
Chapter Fourteen
Rowan
My best friend was about to get married.
I’d always known this day would come. Marcus had been in love with Ariel for years. But the fact that it was happening today didn’t sink in until I arrived in the air court. I stared up at the star-filled sky. The scent of lemongrass filled the air. It was warm for this time of night. I guessed around seventy degrees. Perfect weather for an outdoor wedding. As I made my way up the hill, floating white tealight candles lit the grassy path. Once I reached the top, the crystal castle came into view.
The candlelight bounced off the clear crystal bricks, giving the illusion that the castle was covered in rainbows. It was like something out of a dream. The emerald-colored grass was peppered with pink rose petals. Chairs had been brought out and assembled into two sections. A long runner of white silk ran through the middle. A stage had been built which I assumed was where they’d say their vows. I headed up the steps and ran my hand over an archway strung with a riot of fresh flowers.
“A little to the right,” a voice called out.
I turned around. My mouth fell open. Kalin stood at the end of the aisle in a strapless lavender gown that clung to every one of her curves. The neckline was low, showing off a decent amount of cleavage. I was definitely a fan of this dress. Her hair was in curls, pushed over her shoulder with little flowers tied in. Not too much makeup, but her lips were bright red. As she came toward me, her pale skin glowed in the candlelight. I froze when she settled in front of me. The strawberry scent of her shampoo wafted through my nostrils.
I had nothing.
Not even a joke or snide remark.
I was speechless.
She was that breathtaking.
“The best man stands here.” She pointed to a spot a few feet away. “The bride and groom will stand right below the tip of the archway.”
I still didn’t respond. Instead, I tried to memorize the way she looked tonight. Every angle. Every inch. If Valac cut the mist, how would I ever let her go? How would I live without her? A sinking feeling settled in the pit of my stomach. If I didn’t let her sacrifice herself, Britta’s premonition would come to fruition. I’d be the elemental that caused the end of the world. But what kind of world would this be without her? Not one I wanted to live in.
“What’s wrong?” she asked.
I cleared my throat. “What do you mean?”
“You look like you’re about to be sick.” She ran her fingers gently down my spine. “Is everything okay?”
Now wasn’t the time. She’d obviously put a ton of work into the planning of the wedding. I refused to ruin this moment for her or the happy couple. I’d wait to tell her that Merlin had no other solution for us. If the mist was cut, it would be the end for her. And for me as well. I cupped her cheeks in my hands. A hint of pink surfaced. I pressed my lips against hers in a tender kiss. Her mouth opened slightly and I slid my tongue inside. My hands slithered down her arms, settling around her waist. I poured every emotion I felt into that kiss.
When I pulled away, she asked, “What was that for?”
I tried to answer her honestly. “I missed you.”
She paused as if she were trying to read my mind. “I know what you’re thinking.”
Was it possible she’d already known? The akasha powers were a mystery to most elementals. It wouldn’t surprise me if she’d learned how to listen to my thoughts. Still, I chose to play it cool. “You do?”
She placed a hand on her hip. “It’s the gown, right?”
I relaxed a bit. Smirking, I replied, “You are looking pretty hot.”
“Pretty hot?” she coyly asked.
I held onto the small of her back, and pressed her body against mine. “The hottest bridesmaid in the history of weddings.”
As she threw her arms around my neck, she gave me a peck on the cheek. “That’s what I want to hear.”
A smile tugged at my lips.
Taking my hand in hers, she led us indoors. I thought the outside was nice, but it was nothing compared to the ballroom. The second I stepped inside, I was surrounded by the smell of vanilla and sugar. Tiny lights covered the ceiling like a blanket of stars. Round tables lined the room with flowers arranged to look like large balls of lavender roses. A group of tuxedoed musicians with string instruments practiced in the far corner. On the opposite end, a cake with butterfly designs sat on a table draped in purple and white silk. Each tier of cake was shaped like a square. The whole thing had to be at least four feet tall.
“Do you think Marcus will like it?” she asked. “I know it's girly overload.”
Before Marcus left for the air court, he looked the happiest I’d ever seen him. It was impossible to remove the smile that seemed to be cemented to his face. “If Ariel’s happy, he’ll love it.”
“I had your tuxedo brought over.” She motioned over her shoulder. “You can change in my room. Marcus is already there.”
I glanced down at my clothes. “The leather pant
s aren’t sexy?”
Rolling her eyes, she replied, “Yes, but not for a formal gathering.”
“I’m not sure you can handle me in my tuxedo.” I pretended to wipe something off my chest. “You might pass out from excitement or rip off my clothes. I’m hoping for the latter.”
“I’ve seen you in a tux.” She chuckled. “I can handle it, I promise.”
I strode off toward her room. “You’ve been warned.”
Finding Kalin’s room wasn’t difficult. This was where I slept the night Taron was killed. But I didn’t do much sleeping. I held Kalin in my arms for hours while she cried. Once she actually fell asleep, I tried unsuccessfully to get comfortable on the floor. She had plenty of room in her bed, but it felt disrespectful at the time. Since that day, I’ve snuck in a few times and managed to get a few hours of sleep with her against my chest. It didn’t happen as often as I wanted. Her mother had strict rules when it came to boyfriends in the bedroom. She was fully transparent when she said no sleepovers.
But I’d never been good at following the rules.
When I reached her door, I knocked. I assumed he might be in the middle of dressing, and I had no interest in seeing mini Marcus. He answered in a white tuxedo shirt, fitted black pants, and leather dress shoes. The lavender bow tie around his neck wasn’t tied. Sweat pearled his forehead. “What’s up with you?” I asked. “Did you decide to run a marathon before your wedding?”
He growled. “I’ve been trying to get this bow tie right for the past thirty minutes.”
“That’s all?” I asked, chuckling. “Come here.”
I held the ends of the tie, crossing one end over the other like I tied my shoes. I used my fingers to form the two bows, twisting one over the other. Then I pulled to tighten. Perfect. “How’s that?”
He checked out my work in the floor length mirror that hung on the wall. “This will work.”
Now that we had that under control, it was time to get some answers. “Are you ready to tell me why you’re really nervous?”
He lowered his head with his hands fisted on his hips. “I’m worried that she’s not making the right decision. I mean, the air elementals typically mate within their court.” He let out an exaggerated breath. “What if her parents were right?”
“Are you kidding me?” I asked, punching him in the arm. He couldn’t be serious. Didn’t he know how incredible he was? He was the best elemental I’d ever known. I had more respect for him than any other. She was lucky to have him. “Of course she’s meant to be with you. She loves you. I’ve seen it. There’s no one better for her than you. I don’t care what court she’s from.”
His eyes met mine. “Thanks, man.”
I circled around the room. Someone had brought us a chilled bottle of champagne. I popped the cork, and poured some into two flute glasses. I handed one to Marcus. “Don’t forget, Kalin’s crazy about me. There’s just something about the fire court. The ladies find us irresistible.”
He shook his head, smiling. “You’re ridiculous.”
“That’s what they keep telling me.” I let out a sigh. “Ridiculously irresistible.”
We both laughed.
“In all seriousness, I’m glad you’re here.” He held out his glass to tap against mine. “I’m not sure I could do this without you.”
Our flutes made a sharp clink sound when they connected. “You’re my best friend, Marcus. There’s no place I’d rather be.”
I took my position to the right of the archway as I’d been instructed. Marcus stood next to me. As the music began to play, I patted him on the back. A line of air elementals wore gowns in assorted shades of purple. They strolled down the aisle with bouquets that matched the other flower arrangements. I glanced around the audience. Orion and Marlena were seated together. On the opposite side, Britta sat with several other water elementals. To my surprise, Selene was with several hounds. In the front row on the bride’s side, I saw Ariel’s parents and younger siblings. I let out a sigh of relief. We’d all wondered if they’d show up and support their oldest daughter. I was glad to see they made the right choice.
Kalin was the last bridesmaid to come down. She kept her eyes on me as she headed our way. She was even more beautiful than the last time I saw her. The evergreen tint in her eyes sparkled under the candlelight. She smiled the entire way, finally stopping on the opposite end of the stage. She gave me a little wave, and I winked at her. The music changed. Ariel would be strolling down in the aisle any second, but I couldn’t take my eyes off Kalin. Would this be the only time she’d walk down the aisle? Would I never get the chance to propose? It was unfair to both of us.
After all we’d been through, we should get the chance to live out our lives.
When I heard Marcus gasp, I shifted my attention over to Ariel. She was already halfway down the aisle. Her wheat-blond hair hung down her back in loose curls. Little white flowers had been sewn in. She wore a white gown that was tight around the waist and fuller at the bottom. I was no expert on dresses, but it looked like the bottom had been dyed purple. The train was pretty extravagant. It had to be six feet long, and was held up by flying woodland pixie faeries that smiled and waved at the crowd. I understood Marcus’s reaction.
Ariel really was stunning.
Marcus held out his hand, guiding her up the stage. They held hands beneath the archway. Tears ran down her cheeks. He faced away from me so I couldn’t read the expression on his face, but somehow, I sensed his joy. His elation. It was the strangest feeling. Like it was coming from inside of me. As if we had connected in some emotional way. I shrugged it off. Why it happened didn’t matter. This was their day, and I couldn’t be happier. At first, I thought the timing for this wedding was a bad idea. But as I stood by watching my best friend, I realized this was right.
After all the darkness over the last few months, we needed something to celebrate.
Ariel spoke first. “Marcus, I love you with all my heart. I’m so proud to be standing up here with you. I couldn’t imagine a better person to spend the rest of my life with.” She placed both her hands over her chest. When she bent her arms forward, a glowing orb filled with her essence floated above her crossed palms. For elementals, marriage was more than a promise. Each one of us gave a piece of ourselves to our partner. It’s a bond that could never be broken, even in death. When she pressed the ball into Marcus’s chest, he jolted.
Marcus cupped her cheek, and she leaned into in touch. “Ariel, you saved my life the day we met, and you’ve been my life every day since. I never knew what love was until I found you. You changed my life, and gave me a reason to live. I owe everything to you, and I still can’t believe you’re mine. I promise to treasure you every day of the rest of our lives.” He held his hand over his chest, and removed an orb of his own essence. She shivered when he pushed it into her heart. I glanced over at Kalin. Tears ran down both of her cheeks. I loved her so much it hurt. I wanted to rush over and give her a piece of me. I wanted her to know me in the same way. In every way.
I broke away from my thoughts when the crowd applauded. Their kiss sealed the bond. They were now husband and wife.
Marcus turned around and hugged me. It was so tight, I thought I heard a bone crack. “Easy now, buddy.”
He chuckled as he released me. “Sorry.”
The musicians played at a higher tempo as we made our way down the aisle. Each of the bridesmaids walked with one of the hounds that Marcus had chosen as groomsmen. When it was our turn, I held out my arm for Kalin. Marcus and Ariel would be right behind us.
I pulled a tissue out of my pocket for Kalin. She dabbed the cloth under her eyes. “Is my makeup running everywhere?” she asked.
Maybe a little. “No, you look beautiful.”
“I’m so happy for Marcus and Ariel,” she gushed. “I’ve read about the essence transfer but I never expected it to be so beautiful.”
Kalin had never witnessed an elemental wedding. She’d understood the technical aspects of
the process, but seeing the event in person was something else. It’s really a privilege to be part of such an intimate exchange. “The commitment is much bigger than anything in the mortal world. When you accept the gift from your mate, it will stay with you for the rest of your life. You’ll always sense them inside of you.” Or, so I’d been told. “I don’t know what that feels like, but I’d guess it’s pretty intense.”
She stopped when we reached the end of the aisle. “Would I be able to do the same? I mean, because I’m a halfling.”
“You’re the akasha now.” I tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “I doubt there’s anything you can’t do.”
The crowd had already begun to enter the reception area. As the ceremonial space emptied, I noticed that Marcus and Ariel were still on the stage. He held her in his arms while she rested her cheek against his chest. It was such a tender moment, I looked away. “Come on, Jelly Bean. Let’s give them some privacy.”
She glanced up at them and smiled. “I’m so glad I got to see this.”
“Me too.”
Grabbing my hand, she pulled me toward the ballroom. Tables were set up on the side wall for the wedding party. We sat at the largest one so we’d be with the bride and groom. The upbeat music played while many elementals danced in the middle of the room. Bottles of wine were the first to come out. I took two glasses from a server tray, and handed one to Kalin. The flavor was a bit sweet for my taste. She seemed to enjoy it, drinking nearly half in one gulp. “You might want to take it slow until you get something to eat.” I smirked.
She sat her glass on the table. “I’ve had enough bad experiences with wine to know you’re right.”
I wondered if she were thinking about that shithole, Sebastian. He’d spent weeks poisoning her with wine as he pretended to be her friend. It was perfect timing. She was under non-stop pressure to marry, while her father tried to recover. He acted like he wanted to help her. But the whole time he was weakening her power so he could seize control of the air court. I was beyond happy that he got what he deserved in the end.
Eternal Sacrifice (Mortal Enchantment Book 4) Page 10
