Arranged

by Spears, Jessica

  "I have to change," she said, still clutching her bag. That was all she really owned. Naliya held up a pile of clothes, bowing low so as not to meet her eyes. As soon as Alison had taken them, she rushed out of the room, trying to stifle a sob.

  After a moment, Alison realized they were the same clothes that she had arrived in, all those weeks ago. Larius stepped out of the room so she could change. The clothes had been washed and folded. There was a tear in her skirts, but she put them on anyway, knowing her society would not accept the Vidarian outfit she currently wore.

  When she had done up her dress as best as she could, she felt almost suffocated by the pounds of clothes she had on. Taking one last look around, she sighed all the way to her soul; surprised to find that she would miss this place.

  Larius quietly led her to the Ou'tani waiting in front of the palace to take her away. Adalia followed them out, crying into Vin's shoulder. She could hardly look at Alison. Right before Alison mounted, Adalia threw her arms around her. "Why a-are you leaving?" she wept.

  Alison couldn't stand to see her beautiful silvery eyes wet with tears. "Your brother has sent me away," she said lowly for fear that she would begin crying, again.

  "That can't be! He loves you!" she said firmly.

  Vin touched Adalia's shoulder, pulling her away. "Take care, Alison," he said before pulling a sobbing Alison to him in one last embrace.

  Larius gently ushered Alison to an Ou'tani. As soon as she was positioned on it, he mounted his own, leading the way.

  As they rode toward town, she could hear the music from the festival, softly at first then growing louder. She knew that they would party until the sunset. As she looked up to the Limbra bubble, she realized the sun was almost fully risen. She must have slept a long time.

  Naliya had told her that at noon the great Eclipse would be the strongest and Ahanu's power would flow over every being in Vidar.

  Alison's heart sank at the thought of the dance she had practiced so hard but would never be able to perform. She wondered how Qwinn would announce that the wedding was canceled. No wonder the Vidarian's hated humans.

  They rode right through town and straight toward the gates. Maybe Vidarian's looked at her, but she didn't know. She was staring at the huge gates. Only a day before, she would have given anything to have them opened. Now, they opened with no hesitation and she would never be allowed to return.

  Tears fell hot down her cheeks as so many thoughts swam in her mind, screaming to be heard. As they drew closer, she was forced to put her hands over her ears to try to stifle the chaos. She grit her teeth, trying to shove the thoughts back and do what she was told, but her ears were ringing and her stomach tied in knots.

  "Stop!" she yelled, suddenly feeling short of breath. She wasn't sure if she was yelling at her mind or at the traveling group. Nevertheless, everything seemed to freeze in that moment. The only sound that could be heard was the sound of her pounding heartbeat. Her green eyes lifted to the open gates; freedom. However, her heart felt crushed. It was time to choose.

  Her mind told her to run while she could, she would be able to take care of herself on the surface now that she had her father's papers.

  Her heart told her that home was back the way she had come and that if she left now, she would leave a piece of herself here.

  So many doubts clouded her thoughts. Could she really survive on her own on the surface? Did Qwinn really want her to leave? Was Adalia right, did he love her?

  Larius turned and began to speak to Alison, but she could not hear him. Instead, she grabbed the reins and did the most impulsive thing she'd ever done in her life; she turned the Ou'tani back to town and galloped toward the palace.

  Her travel pack bounced at her side, but she didn't even register it. She knew that Adalia was right; somehow, she'd known it all along. Qwinn loved her or he wouldn't have come after her. And she loved him back, with all her heart.

  She sped through the town, passing many villagers who were carrying all sorts of food to the festival that was already in full swing.

  As she rode back to her prison, she realized that sometime within the last few weeks, she fell in love with this town and all its people. She had the opportunity to be free on the surface, but that was not freedom. Her heart belonged here, in this underground world of monsters and magic, where she was loved and wanted. This was her freedom.

  She knew Larius must have been following her, but she did not once look back. For the first time in her life, she was sure of herself. She loved Qwinn and spend the rest of her life with him, learning about these people.

  A smile of pure joy bloomed on her face as the palace came into view. No one was around, so when her Ou'tani slowed she leapt off, very un-lady like. She landed with little trouble, thanks to her new dancing skills, and ran up the stairs, lifting her skirts as she climbed the steps to the door.

  With all her might, she pulled the door open just enough to squeeze through.

  A servant eyed her strangely, but before anything could be said, she was running again, climbing more stairs, two at a time. "Qwinn!" she yelled as she ran toward his room. "Qwinn!"

  She threw open his door and frowned; no one was there. Without a moment to lose, she began to run toward the last place that she had seen him, her room.

  By now, there were a few servants watching her run around like a fool in her seemingly hundred-pound dress. But she could care less, she needed to find him. "Qwinn!" she yelled as she threw her door open.

  He sat up from her bed and dropped the dirty outfit she had left behind. It looked as though he'd been crying. "Alison?" he whispered, as if he were afraid he was hallucinating.

  She hesitated for a moment, battling the doubts screaming back to life in her head. Before she could think too much, she rushed across the room and threw herself into his arms.

  For a terrible moment, he did nothing. He didn't move, he didn't surround her in his arms, he didn't even say a word. Alison's heart paused as she waited, feeling as if she'd offered herself up for sacrifice.

  Then the terrible moment faded as he hesitantly wrapped his arms around her waist. "What are you doing here?" he breathed into her hair.

  She held him tighter. "Don't send me away."

  "But…it's not safe for you here. You'll only get hurt."

  "I'm safer with you than on my own," she said, pulling back just enough to peer into his dark eyes.

  He studied her closely, trying to keep his emotion in check.

  "I love you," she said clearly, to be sure there would be no confusion.

  He swallowed hard as he processed what she said. Then a smile bloomed on his face that lit the entire room. He picked her up off the floor and spun her. "And I love you!" he exclaimed, setting her down and claiming her mouth desperately, stopping all other words.

  She held him tight, relief and joy singing in her heart; this was where she belonged.

  "Marry me?" he asked, pressing his lips tenderly to her forehead. "Not because you have to, but because you want to."

  Alison smiled. "Yes," her answer practically resounding off the walls.

  Qwinn laughed happily as the door swung open.

  "Alison?!" Adalia gasped, hurrying into the room, followed closely by Vin and soon after, Naliya.

  Alison faced all of them, holding onto Qwinn's hand, because she wasn't ready to fully detach from him. As her eyes took in all the smiling and hopeful faces, she realized that they had become her family. "I'm home," she said softly.

  Adalia flew across the room and nearly tackled Alison. "I am so glad!"

  Vin nodded approvingly and Naliya smiled ear to ear. Larius entered the room and leaned against the doorframe, watching the happenings with a knowing grin, as if he had no doubt this is how things would end.

  ALISON HAD BEEN GONE from his grasp for only moments, but it was too long for him. Even as she hugged Naliya, he slid his arms around her waist and pulled her to him. She felt so small in his arms and so delicate; he knew her to be
the complete opposite. She'd been through more than anyone should go through and she still managed to show him a genuine smile that reached her eyes and made them sparkle like emeralds.

  His heart throbbed heavily with his love for her. He kissed her, right there in front of everyone and didn't even think twice about it.

  Adalia cleared her throat, "I hate to interrupt," she said with a smile, "but we have to get Alison ready for the festival."

  Alison pushed away from him and gasped. "Oh no, I've ruined the festival!"

  "No," Qwinn answered.

  Adalia grabbed Alison from him and began to drag her away. "We have a just over an hour until noon. We still have time to prepare you if we leave now," she said, tugging her towards the door.

  Qwinn had half a mind to stop her. It would be a lie if he said he wasn't afraid to let her out of his sight; perhaps she would disappear and he would find it all a dream.

  "What about the soldiers…" she said. The sound of sorrow was heavy in her voice, causing everyone to pause. "They won't be able to go, because of me."

  Qwinn frowned. "It is not your fault."

  Adalia let her arm go as worry etched her face and she looked to her brother for help.

  "If I wouldn't have run−" Alison started.

  He silenced her by pressing a finger to her lips. "My men fought valiantly and for honor. They banished the Torin menace from our lands and saved their future Queen. We are free, because of you. If you had not run, their King would have had more time to heal and perhaps attack us before we were prepared." He ducked his head so that he could see her eyes. "You have no reason to blame yourself. It is my fault…. I should have told you why you were here from the beginning… now you're back," he smiled. "I would change nothing that has happened to bring us together."

  Alison nodded. Qwinn did not know if she believed him, but she smiled up at him, trying to ease his mind, no doubt. Despite their situation, Adalia was right; they had much to prepare and little time to do it in.

  He hated to leave her uncertain and swore to himself that he would take care of this as soon as the festivities were over.

  As if reading his mind, Adalia stepped forward and gently guided Alison away. As soon as the women were gone, Qwinn stood before Vin. He studied the man, wondering how he could so misjudge him. "There is not enough that I can say to thank you for protecting Alison."

  Vin bowed his head. "Your thanks will suffice."

  Qwinn raised a brow. "Is there not something you would like as a reward?"

  Vin fought a smile then cleared his throat and met Qwinn's eye. "Your sisters hand in marriage."

  Qwinn knew this request would be a possibility, however, now that it faced him, he hesitated. Vin had proven himself, however a union between him and Adalia would mean a union between the families. "My father is better fit to answer this request," he said.

  "Yes, however, you have the ear of your father," Vin smiled confidently. "Let's talk about this later. You have your marriage to prepare for."

  Qwinn was thankful to be taken off the hook, if even just for a moment. He would need to discuss this matter with his father.

  Vin and Larius bowed and left the room. After a moment, Qwinn realized he was still in Alison's room. Adalia must have taken her to the dancer's tents to prepare.

  Qwinn looked down at himself and found that he was still in half of his clothes he wore to war. Blood splattered his shredded pants. The healer had his shirt and torn armor removed so she could get to his wounds. The first thing he needed to do was bath.

  He gently brushed a hand across his new scars; they rose almost pink against his dark chest. They would forever serve as a reminder.

  Servants put musk herbs in the water so that he would smell fresh. He bathed quickly. Another servant braided some new feathers into his hair and brought him newly pressed linen; his sash was tied with gold and his slippers felt crisp and new.

  He rushed around the palace, almost as much as the servants did, to make sure everything was in order. Jabr kept insisting that he return to bed and rest, however, an less than an hour later the wedding was underway.

  Every member of Vidar was in attendance and the dancers performed while the crowd waited. Merchants opened booths where traditional foods were sold and treats. Some sold scarves of new colors or small tambourines to join in the music.

  Horns blared as Qwinn walked through the main streets to the center of his Kingdom. His people bowed before him. A servant led Qwinn's father after him, though his father did not need a guide to move. The council members followed them, creating a long procession of people.

  Adalia and her troupe were just finishing a traditional dance. She motioned for Qwinn to join her on the stage. He climbed the steps and came to stand beside Morinell, the seer and healer that he nearly owed his life to. Bartus joined at her side and smiled encouragingly at Qwinn, who felt that if he gave up an ounce of his controlled composure, he might throw up.

  After all the battles with gore beyond his imagination that he'd fought and won, it was a wedding to a human that made a great King such as he so nervous that he quivered. His stomach rolled with butterflies.

  Mentally, he kept reminding himself that Alison had agreed to the wedding, but he couldn't help but be anxious to see her. He needed to reassure himself that she had not run again.

  His eyes lifted to the Limbra orb; it was almost noon. She had to hurry if they were going to do this the right way.

  Suddenly, a silence came over the crowd as Alison walked into the square, surrounded by dancers playing tambourines and bells and singing a lovely melody. Naliya and Larius followed closely behind.

  The crowd parted, allowing the troupe through and Qwinn felt his jaw go slack. Alison stunned him; she was dressed in a rich purple skirt that seemed to change to blue, green, yellow, and then back to purple. It flowed almost as smoothly as water as she walked. The top she was wearing crossed in the back and front, creating a unique design; showing enough skin to tease him. Her hair was braided with beads and feathers that brought out the green of her eyes.

  Adalia danced down the aisle before Alison, throwing flowers as her ankle bracelets jingled. Alison smiled shyly as every eye turned to watch her enter and Qwinn swallowed hard as she walked slowly toward the platform. The music played happily and triumphantly, telling a story of love and life.

  His heart swelled, almost painfully; he never imagined feeling this full, this right. Every doubt was cast out as his bride sauntered toward him.

  His eyes flitted to the Limbra and could almost see the planets aligning. A half shadow covered the sun; they were pushing it for time, this had to be done just right.

  ALISON BREATHED IN SLOWLY, trying desperately to control her nervousness. She felt so many emotions that it was making her lightheaded. However, as her eyes met Qwinn's she knew she was making the right choice; her life would never be the same without him.

  As she drew closer, Adalia motioned for her to climb the steps to the platform. Now Alison's mouth went dry; this was what she feared the most, the dance.

  Adalia had informed her of how the procession would go and the dance came before the union, to display the agility and skill of the bride…to prove her worthy of the King. When everyone was in accord, the union was more powerful.

  Every eye in Vidar was on her, as it had been since she set foot in Vidar. The only thing that had changed was that now she wanted their acceptance. She needed to impress them, but most of all; she wanted to be sure that Qwinn knew she was a worthy wife.

  She climbed the steps to the platform and could hardly bring her eyes to meet his. She stopped herself from wiping her sweaty hands nervously on her outfit. Then the familiar drumbeat began and Qwinn shifted to watch her closely.

  Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Adalia smiling encouragingly from the side of the platform where she joined the drum players in playing a tambourine.

  Alison took a deep breath, feeling its calming effect travel through to her e
ntire body. She held firm to the fact that she had practiced enough to know this by heart.

  Licking her lips, she took her position and on the correct beat, began to move her arms to join over her head. She guided her foot to slide behind her and bent back, as if trying to lay. A big drumbeat and she sprang up, spinning lightly on her toes. Her dress flowed out beautifully around her. It was then that she realized that the design of the dress was made specifically for this dance. Following her steps, she curled in on herself only to bloom into a beautiful array of limbs and colors of her dress.

  As she swayed her hips, she felt her confidence begin to grow; everything had gone perfectly so far. She shot Qwinn a smile, beginning to allow the beat to consume her so that she didn't have to concentrate on the moves and just let them come naturally, as Adalia had taught her. The look on Qwinn's face spurred her on; there was a light in his eyes. He seemed astounded by her.

  Pride swelled in her as she continued to dance. She spun again, the crowd of Vidarian's becoming a blur before her eyes. For that moment, she couldn't see judgment or hate or joy in their eyes, they simply became one people; her people. The beat sped up and so did she. She whipped around, making use of most of the platform and allowing herself to flow.

  The end of the dance drew near and with it brought her most difficult move.

  She licked her dry lips and readied herself. She felt a burst of confidence and knew that Adalia probably had something to do with it. Accepting this jolt, she bounded a few steps then leapt, landing lightly and quickly falling into position for her back flip. In truth, she had not practiced this many times without a guide to hold her as she flipped. Without wasting her momentum, she sprang and arched her back, her hands flowing through space, waiting to touch the ground. For a moment, she held her breath and it seemed that the entire Vidar held theirs, watching.

  Alison's heart beat in her ears as she prayed she would land it. It was time to prove to herself that she was capable of doing this.

  Her fingers touched down on the platform and she gracefully guided her legs back over, her dress billowing behind her in a rainbow, until she landed on her feet. Her heart skipped nervously until she realized she had landed fully balanced! She stood, her arms curling above her head as she smiled out over the people.