Joel leaned against a pillar, the cold marble pressing against the back of his formal mage robes. The sounds of the celebration rose around him, parading through the open space and bouncing off the vaulted ceiling high above. Light from the golden chandeliers shone down, illuminating the ballroom and chasing every last shadow from the floor. But not the shadows enclosing his heart.
Joel’s eyes moved across the room, taking in the sights of the wedding reception. Two long banquet tables had been constructed for the occasion on either side of the ballroom, each of them able to sit fifty or more people. They both brimmed with food and drink—from roasted quail, blackened pork, winterberry pie, and various breads, cheeses, and wine, the variety was enough to impress even the most privileged highborns. Joel curled his nose as the savory smells reached him. He hadn’t the appetite to indulge—not today or any day since his return to Arden three sennights prior.
His gaze skimmed the dais at the front of the room where the wedding party sat at a smaller table covered in lace cloth. Nawaz Arrio looked handsome in his brocaded doublet and ruffled sleeves, but his mood was as dark as the brass buttons trailing from his neck to belt were shiny. He could have been attending a funeral service if his frown was any indication.
Nawaz raised a goblet with trembling hands and took a hurried drink. Joel sighed as he watched. He looks as miserable as I feel.
Sitting beside Nawaz, Heidi’s beaming smile and elated laughter were a sharp contrast to her husband’s forlorn demeanor. In her chiffon gown, sparkling with pearls and fine glass beads, she was a lovely sight to behold. A silver circlet sat atop her head, shining with sapphires that matched her blue eyes too perfectly to be coincidence, and when she raised a dainty hand to touch Nawaz’s shoulder, flowing lace sleeves cascaded down her sides like the wings of a swan.
Heidi squeezed her husband’s hand before turning to converse with her cousins, Neetra’s twin children, Inan and Inez Adelwijn, who sat to her immediate right. If Nawaz noticed her affections, he chose not to respond, opting instead to stare into his half-empty goblet as though he was transfixed by the wine inside. Joel frowned. Heidi seemed clueless of Nawaz’s agony.
The wedding ceremony earlier had gone about as well as could be asked. Nearly two hundred guests packed themselves inside the Temple of the Sun to watch Nawaz and Heidi say their vows to one another. Despite Heidi’s apparent glee, the ritual had been somber and hasty. A priest blessed the pair and braided, golden rings were exchanged, and then the entire procession trudged through the snow to the palace, where the newlyweds were now being honored in the same ballroom where Gib and Joel had stopped the assassin almost three years prior.
Joel’s stomach clenched when his gaze fell upon his former companion. Gib sat near the head of one of the lengthy banquet tables, with Tayver and Calisto flanking either side. The three brothers conversed among themselves as they ate. As the mage watched, Tayver quirked his brows and grinned devilishly at the other two. He must have said something funny because even Gib’s face lit up. Joel wrapped his arms around his frail shoulders and looked away. He couldn’t bear to watch any longer. Gib’s handsome smile and boundless eyes would surely undo him.
They’d been avoiding each other since the afternoon when Gib had come to the Adelwijn estate. Joel had been mourning the death of his mentor and pushed Gib away when he’d offered companionship. I pushed him away a second time. Even if I do miss him now, it’s too late— Joel shut his eyes, willing the tears to stay where they were. I was careless with his emotions. I shut him out. I rejected him. He has every right to never speak to me again. His bottom lip trembled as he dared take one final glance at Gib. It’s too late to reconcile now, isn’t it?
The clang of silverware tapping a wine glass ripped Joel from his dark thoughts. He glanced up in time to see Hasain stand, drawing attention to himself. The ballroom grew quiet as the young lord raised his chalice into the air and turned to face the dais.
“Lords and ladies, friends and family, I would like to take a moment to make a toast.” Hasain flashed a haughty smile to the newlyweds, and Joel cringed at the pain he saw in Nawaz’s eyes. “To my good friend Nawaz Arrio and his beautiful bride, Heidi, may your marriage be long and fruitful, and may The Two bless you and keep you happy.”
If Hasain expected Nawaz to respond, he was surely left disappointed. Clenching his jaw, Nawaz only nodded once, solemnly and without any trace of comradery. Heidi raised her own goblet, seemingly oblivious, and thanked Hasain for his kind words.
Raw anger sprung to life in Joel’s chest as he recalled the conversation between Koal and Hasain he’d overheard while still in Teivel. Hasain had shamelessly pushed for the marriage with no concern for Nawaz’s feelings. Even now, the Radek lord’s behavior spoke volumes about his true intent. In the back of Joel’s mind, he wondered where Kezra Malin-Rai was today. Did she share Nawaz’s heartbreak?
Music drifted to where Joel stood, and all around him, people left their seats to dance. On the dais, he watched his own mother and father rise from the table. Koal took his wife’s hand and together they walked onto the open floor. Joel almost smiled when he heard Mrifa’s laughter. It was a small comfort to know she was happy again. Koal’s absence had been difficult on her.
Joel raised a brow when he noticed the King himself was making his way to the dais. People on the ballroom floor moved aside for him, watching with curious glances of their own. The royal family was present—after all, Queen Dahlia was the aunt of the bride—but so far, they’d remained inconspicuous, choosing to sit near the far end of the banquet table as to not draw the attention of the newlyweds’ guests.
As King Rishi stepped onto the raised platform, Heidi broke down into giddy titters. Joel watched as the King gave a small bow to her and extended one hand. They exchanged words, though Joel couldn’t hear what was said over the din. A moment later, Heidi left her seat and joined the King. Together, they swept onto the floor, Heidi gushing at the attention everyone paid her. Joel shook his head. He supposed he’d never hear the end of this. Heidi will never forget that the King of Arden asked her for a dance. And she won’t let anyone else forget either.
His gaze returned to the dais, where Nawaz still slouched in his seat and stared with vapid eyes into the crowd. With a deep sigh, Joel made his way to the table. He knew Nawaz wasn’t in the mood for merriment, but perhaps Joel could offer some small amount of comfort if only because, to an extent, he understood the pain Nawaz was going through.
Joel cleared his throat as he neared. “Hey.”
Nawaz glanced up, blinking in confusion, as if he hadn’t noticed Joel’s approach until he’d spoken. For a moment, Joel feared the other man might not reply at all, but finally, Nawaz sighed and croaked out a simple, “Hey yourself.”
Well, at least I got him to talk. That’s a start. Joel set a hand on the table, absently stroking the decorative lace cloth covering the fine cherry. “How are you?” He winced after he said it.
Nawaz’s lifeless stare spoke more than words ever could.
With a sigh, Joel dropped all pretenses of false gaiety. “I know none of this is how you planned. I’m sorry.”
Nawaz grunted, setting down his chalice with an uneven clunk. “Life doesn’t always go as planned.”
“I can attest to that.”
Joel hadn’t meant for the words to roll off his tongue with such bitterness. He knew he was supposed to be offering support to his friend, but in that moment, all he could think about was his failed romance with Gib. This wasn’t part of our plan. We were supposed to be companions forever. How did we ever become so broken?
“Why haven’t you spoken to him?” asked Nawaz.
The sudden question startled Joel. “W–who?”
Nawaz’s crystal eyes speared him. “You know who.”
Joel had to place a hand upon the table to keep from turning around and looking for Gib. “It wasn’t meant to be. I pushed him away. I’m sure he wants nothing to do with me now.”
Heidi’s laughter reached the dais then, and both men turned to watch as King Rishi placed a light kiss on the back of the young bride’s hand. Heidi gushed, her powdered cheeks flushing with color.
Nawaz slumped lower in his chair, his mood utterly somber again. “Don’t stop fighting for what you want. Don’t let him walk away or you’ll regret it forever. You’ll wind up a fool like me.” He watched Heidi bitterly out of the corner of his eye.
“You know this isn’t her fault, right?” Joel asked in a gentle tone, grateful to be handed the opening to direct the conversation toward something other than his own failed relationship.
Nawaz rubbed at his temples but didn’t immediately respond.
“I know you’re not excited about this marriage. I don’t even fault you for being upset,” Joel continued. “But Heidi is my sister. Please, if you can’t love her, at least—at least be kind. She’s not to blame.”
Inez, who’d remained quiet until that moment, leaned around Heidi’s empty seat to place a hand on Nawaz’s forearm. “You’re right,” she said, voice vicious. “Neetra is to blame.” Beside Inez, her twin brother, Inan, nodded mutely in agreement.
All four of them turned to glare at the High Councilor, who lounged at the very far end of the long table, sipping from a chalice and looking rather proud of himself. Inez was right. This was all Neetra’s fault. He’d pushed for his stepson to marry Heidi, just like he’d pushed the King to send envoys to the Northern Empire. If not for Neetra, Nawaz would still be happy. Cenric would still be alive. There wouldn’t have been any reason to leave Gib. Lives wouldn’t have been shattered beyond repair. Raw anger seeped into Joel’s veins as he watched his uncle take another swig of wine. He wished someone would smack the smirk right off Neetra’s face.
“I suppose congratulations are in order.”
Joel turned in time to see Liro saunter onto the platform, a drink in hand. Nawaz drew back in disgust.
Liro’s haughty leer was even more despicable than Neetra’s. He raised his goblet in a mocking gesture and glared down the length of his nose at Nawaz. “Just look at the lofty position you’ve fallen into. Living free of charge beneath my father’s roof, marrying a girl far above your own deplorable social class—great feats, considering you faced disownment only two sennights ago.” Liro laughed. It was an ugly, sinister sound.
Any other time, Joel would have expected Nawaz to defend himself, but now the young lord only sighed in defeat, a true testament to just how broken his spirit had become. Joel could barely stand to look at his deflated eyes. I have to stand up for Nawaz. He would do the same for me.
Joel turned on his heel to face his older brother. “This is a time for celebration. If you aren’t here to wish Nawaz and Heidi well, I suggest you leave now.”
Liro’s sneer only grew wider. “But I am here to give well wishes, just like everyone else, although—” He paused, casting a look around the room. “I couldn’t help but notice Nawaz’s good friend, Kezra Malin-Rai, is absent. Funny, that. I figured such a loyal friend as she would be first in line to bless your marriage.”
Inan audibly gasped, and Inez was quick to squeeze Nawaz’s arm, offering a small measure of comfort. She kept her smoldering eyes fixed on Liro, but her words were meant for Nawaz. “Don’t listen to him. He’s just trying to cause trouble. He’s only jealous because his own prospects are so few. Surely there’s no woman in all of Arden who can tolerate his presence.”
Liro turned a fierce scowl on her. “Watch your clever mouth, you little bitch!” He stepped closer, leaning precariously over the table. “My uncle would do well to marry you off next. Perhaps a husband would help rein in that despicable tongue of yours.”
Inez clenched her hands into fists and started to stand, but Inan set a hand on her shoulder and shook his head. “Inez, don’t.”
Nawaz gripped his chalice so tightly Joel wouldn’t have been shocked to see it break in two. The young lord’s eyes glinted dangerously as he measured Liro. “It’s fortunate for you, Liro, that my bride wouldn’t enjoy the sight of her eldest brother’s blood spilled across the ballroom floor.”
Liro’s own eyes went wide before narrowing into angry slits. “What did you say?”
Nawaz smiled, but it held not a trace of warmth. All benevolence he possessed had long since withered away. “If I had it my way, I’d cut your tongue from your mouth before you could even raise your voice in protest.”
The uncomfortable silence that followed was almost harder to endure than the young lord’s candid threat. Joel held his breath, staring back and forth between his brother and Nawaz, preparing to intervene if one or the other suddenly leapt across the table. They glowered at each other, Liro seething, and Nawaz so still it sent an eerie chill rushing up Joel’s spine.
Heidi’s lilted voice rose above the lull. She was making her way back to the table, though she’d stopped to talk with Neetra’s servant and the man who had all but raised Nawaz and the twins, Bailey.
Nawaz never took his eyes away from Liro, though he surely must have known his wife was approaching. “Leave,” he whispered, the word falling from his mouth like the hiss of a serpent. “Now.”
Heidi and Bailey were right behind them, still conversing, but within earshot. Joel’s stance went rigid, and he even contemplated turning around and leading Heidi away from the confrontation. She didn’t need to witness a brawl at her own wedding celebration.
Liro finally seemed to notice them too. Locking his jaw, he bowed mockingly and turned a cold gaze onto Heidi. “I’ll take my leave now.” He stormed away without saying anything more.
Heidi looked around the somber table. “Is everything—all right?”
Nawaz sighed and his shoulders sagged once again. “Everything’s fine. Come sit down.”
Heidi hesitated at first, but after a gentle prod from Bailey, she made her way back to her chair.
More guests were beginning to approach the dais now, so Joel said his farewells. As he turned to leave, however, Nawaz leaned across the table and caught his arm. “Remember what I said. Talk to him.”
Joel gave a breathless nod and turned his back to the dais. Nawaz is right. I can’t live inside these walls of stone forever. He scanned the room, seeking out Gib.
He caught a glimpse of his companion, standing on the far side of the ballroom. Gib looked lovely in his fawn-colored jerkin and white tunic. His curls were almost long enough to graze the tops of his shoulders now. Strands of gold mingled with the darker shades of brown beneath the light of the chandeliers, matching his chestnut eyes as though The Two Themselves had planned it that way.
Joel’s stomach twisted. Gods, I miss him.
He took a step but stopped short as Marc and Lady Beatrice made their way through the crowd and promptly engaged Gib in conversation. Joel planted his feet on the red velvet carpet. He didn’t want to intrude. I’ll just wait until they’re done speaking.
“Hello, Lord Joel Adelwijn.”
The tenor voice, despite being soft, caught Joel off guard. His gaze fell away from Gib.
Kirk Bhadrayu stood before him, dressed in a flowing white robe and a blue sash that wrapped around the slender trunk of his body. His eyes retained warmth, though the smile that flitted across his lips was hesitant. Joel couldn’t fault Kirk for that. The last time they’d exchanged words, Kirk’s best attempt at a friendly interaction had been met with cold resignation.
Joel inclined his head in greeting. “Lord Joel Adelwijn? I wasn’t aware we were on such formal standings.”
A more genuine smile spread across Kirk’s face. “Apologies. I didn’t want to be rude.”
“You look well.” Joel nodded toward the young man’s attire. “I see you’ve been fitted for your student mage robes. The Ardenian colors suit you.”
Kirk looked briefly down at his garment. “Do you really thin
k so? Kenisha told me I look like a barbarian.”
A chuckle burst free from Joel’s throat before he could think to stop it. “A barbarian?”
“Indeed.” Kirk grinned sheepishly. “Though she looks like a love-struck fool. Look at her over there! I can hardly stand to watch!” He motioned across the ballroom.
Joel followed his gaze and was surprised to see Kirk’s sister howling with laughter as she danced with a young man. “Huh. I do believe that’s Weapons Master Roland’s son.”
“She’s been hanging off his arm all afternoon.” Kirk scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest. “I’ve never in my entire life seen her so smitten.”
A sly grin crept upon Joel’s mouth. He leaned a little closer to Kirk and conspired jokingly, “You best stay watchful or you might be attending a second wedding ceremony this year.”
“Ha ha. You’re hilarious.”
“On rare occasions, perhaps.”
Kirk glanced away from the dancing long enough to make timid eye contact with Joel. The trainee’s fair cheeks flushed pink. “It’s nice to see your smile again.”
Joel could feel his own face growing warm. He played with one of his sleeves to spare himself from having to meet Kirk’s gaze. “To be honest, I’d nearly forgotten how to.” He let out a deep sigh. “Thank you.”
“No, thank you. Your country is delightful. I’m so grateful to be in Arden.”
“Our country,” Joel reminded him. “You’re a part of it now, too.”
The song ended and many of the dancers on the floor took a reprieve. Kenisha trotted back to the banquet table with her suitor, her lips moving rapidly as she engaged him in cheery conversation. Joel had to admit, he’d never seen her in such high spirits either.
“I suppose I should go meet her ‘friend,’” Kirk muttered under his breath.
Again, Joel was surprised by how easy the laughter fell from his lips. “For what it’s worth, Roland Korbin’s son is okay. I mean, I don’t really know him, but I don’t think he’d take advantage of her or anything.”
Nightfall: Book Two of the Chronicles of Arden Page 39
