by D. R. Grady
Her packing had still needed finished then, and now, it was. Clad in her wedding finery, with her hair upswept in a confection of curls, poked with white flowers from the conservatory, she admired the blooms. They matched her bouquet and Raene’s, who agreed to be her matron of honor.
“I’m ready.”
“Yes, I believe you are.” Her mother didn’t explain her statement.
Stefana sent her a questioning look which her mother either ignored or missed.
By then Raene bustled in, wearing a gown similar to Stefana’s, only with green ribbons and the color leaned toward cream rather than white. Her hair was dressed in a similar manner.
“You didn’t get both dresses in white?” Her mother frowned at Raene’s dress.
Raene cocked an eyebrow. “Have you seen me in white?”
The frown furrowing her mother’s forehead disappeared. “Oh yes, of course. Pardon me, Raene. I’m not as ready for my daughter to marry as I imagined.”
Both Stefana and Raene grabbed her, as gentle tears leaked from her parent’s eyes.
“The marriage isn’t the scary part, Mum.” She wiped the tears off her mother’s cheeks.
“No. The queenly bit is going to be a lot more challenging.” Raene knew this firsthand.
“We’re going to be rather busy in the next little while.” Stella sniffed, and blotted her cheeks with a tissue. Her shoulders straightened. “We must head to the cavern.”
“I’m marrying in the cavern?” Alarm spiraled through her.
“Yes. The location has been switched because Aern and Fricassa wished to witness the nuptials.”
“Oh, I never even thought of them when I choose the library.”
“Neither has taken offense but were thrilled when Lajos switched the venue. Aern understood why you chose the library, but he and Fricassa feel more comfortable in the cavern.”
She shuddered. “The damage Aern could cause in the library…”
Raene squeezed her eyes shut. “Let’s not go there right now.”
Bubbling laughter escaped her throat. Stefana clapped a hand to her lips. “Aern’s contribution, in the library, would be amusing.”
A reluctant smile stretched Raene’s lips. “Yes. It would.”
They left her bedchamber and were greeted by Ari, who hurried toward them. She turned and accompanied them to the cavern. “Have you ever been here?” Stefana asked the female Aasguard.
“Numerous times. I’ve enjoyed visiting with Aern and Fricassa.”
Her color was high, but Stefana figured that had everything to do with her jog to locate them. She caught movement from the corner of her eye, and that movement became the warrior Kellen.
His sword gleamed in the overhead lights as he took up the rear of their little train. She glanced at Raene, but she remained in low voiced conversation with Stella.
Stefana concentrated on keeping the white hem of her wedding gown from brushing too many surfaces.
“We didn’t think this through.” Her mutter went unnoticed by her companions.
Except Ari’s lips curled up. “White is not at all practical.” She gestured to her own subdued grays and blacks. The colors Aasguard warriors favored.
“No. But it’s a nice wedding color, isn’t it?” Stefana smoothed a hand over her hip and was satisfied with the manner in which the material settled into place.
“Yours is a beautiful dress.”
“Thank you. I’m thrilled to be marrying your brother.” She could state this with all honesty. While she had feared being forced into marriage, and no one could argue this was her lot, at least the man was her choice. Once she’d come to that conclusion yesterday, she had settled into marrying Lajos.
“We are thrilled to welcome you into our family.” Ari sounded and looked sincere.
Stefana’s heart flipped, but in a good way.
By then they had reached the path leading to the cavern. Rounding the bend, there on the same table where their bouquets had resided for Raene’s wedding were those designated for Stefana’s. She scooped up her larger one with a hand that shook slightly.
Raene took up the other and they exchanged glances. “It’s going to be beautiful.” Confidence infused Raene’s words and that helped to straighten Stefana’s spine.
She didn’t question whether it was right to marry Lajos today. He had felt right from the very beginning. While this had frightened her, they were normal, maidenly fears.
Yet she didn’t doubt her choice of husband now. An Aasguard warrior knew a thing or two about bravery, loyalty, and grace. All of which when combined with marriage, should produce a solid, happy union.
She clutched her bouquet as her father hooked her hand through his arm. Her mother stationed herself on Stefana’s other side while Raene took her place in front of them. Both royal dukes appeared at the mouth of the cavern entrance and Haines smiled at her.
He was a beloved friend and she returned the favor. The Duke of Larkswallow, who would conduct the wedding ceremony, was a little bent from arthritis these days, but he also ranked as a dear friend.
Now he checked her over, assuring himself she was not being forced and then he and Haines preceded them into the cavern. The space lacked the crowd of Raene and Vidar’s nuptials, because they hadn’t formally announced the marriage, and Stefana didn’t need the added pressure.
The crush of spectators had been a necessity at Raene’s ceremony, but Stefana and Lajos were leaving in the morning, so no need for the usual pomp and circumstance. She had been adamant about that to Larkswallow. He gloried in the state, but, with Lajos’ full backing, Stefana had stood firm.
While he hadn’t agreed, Larkswallow had acquiesced to their wishes.
After the day they’d both experienced, she couldn’t have withstood all the postulating and gesticulating. Short and simple worked far better. At least for now.
They’d have to perform this all over again in their new realm, but tonight they would begin their wedded state with little fanfare.
Her heart thumped when she caught sight of her groom. He stood tall and straight in his wedding garb. It was the first time she had seen him out of his usual warrior “uniform.” Her breath caught in her throat. So much so that she stopped simply to gaze at him.
Both of her parents sent her looks, but she was caught up in the silvery-blue gaze across the way. They ensnared her and beckoned.
She had every intention of answering.
Her father tugged on her arm.
The spell Lajos had cast broke, and she stepped forward, toward him.
When they reached where he stood, she handed off her flowers to Raene because she wanted to hold his hands. He seemed to be of the same mind because he didn’t give her much time to do so.
Warmth and security swirled around her the moment he touched her. His body leaned toward her, his gaze engulfed her, tugging her into his sphere. Once there, she would never be released.
Stefana did not fear this.
Her hands tightened on his as she cleared her throat.
It took Larkswallow three attempts to gain her attention. In the end it was Lajos’ gentle squeeze on her fingers and the amusement that lit his eyes before she realized the duke spoke to her.
“Pardon me.” Her murmur brought additional amusement from those gathered.
Aern’s chuckle made her dart a quick glance at him. He wore a bowtie, one similar to the one circling Lajos’ neck. Fricassa, the green dragon, wore a frilly scarf that matched the colors in Aern’s bowtie.
She sent them a grin, because their joy in the occasion was obvious. This pair also planned to leave here for a new land they knew nothing about.
This would be an adventure for all of them.
Larkswallow, after being assured of her attention, began on the reasons why a man and a woman joined their lives together in holy matrimony. The man intoned these words often enough, he likely had them memorized by now. Why he clutched the parchment in his hand was beyond her.
“None of that until I say so,” Larkswallow stated testily.
Their witnesses all twittered.
Lajos didn’t appear to mind in the least. His hands enveloped hers perfectly, as though he was satisfied with her gesture of affection.
They exchanged their vows and rings then. Lajos surprised her with a ring every bit as lovely as the one Raene wore. “Vidar gave Raene one of our grandmother’s rings. This was our mother’s.” He slid the sparkling sign of commitment onto her finger. It comprised a wide band like Raene’s with several rows of gems.
She gaped at it before Larkswallow indicated she was to repeat what he said for Lajos’ ring. Clutching the band, there hadn’t been much time to resize it, but the ring had arrived right before she dressed.
Now she repeated her vows, then slid Lajos’ ring on his finger. It fit him perfectly, and somehow matched hers. He already knew her great-grandfather had last worn this ring. Like Lajos, he had been large and a superior warrior. A military expert, she had chosen this one because the two men would have much in common.
“You may now kiss your bride.”
Lajos hauled her close and connected their lips. Her toes curled within her slippers at the depth of emotion there. She returned the fervor, digging her fingers into his hair.
They parted and stared into each other’s eyes.
“I now pronounce you man and wife.” Larkswallow paused, as though he wished to also announce their new titles, but he didn’t have the authority. It probably rankled him.
Accepting hugs and words of encouragement from those few invited to their ceremony, Stefana couldn’t begin to sort out her thoughts and emotions.
Aern kissed her cheek. “Figured you and Lajos would end up together.” He sounded satisfied with their union.
“You didn’t bother to tell me.”
“No reason to. Nature has a way of sorting herself out.” Aern shrugged.
Fricassa nudged her mate before she leaned down for a hug. “Congratulations, love. You’ve got yourself a fine husband. I should know. I’ve spent centuries with him.”
“You’ll fill me in on everything I need to know about him, correct?”
“Of course, lovey. We girls have to stick together.” Fricassa’s husky voice suffused with happiness and mischief.
“You and Aern won’t be able to stay long with us, will you?”
Fricassa soothed her with a gentle snuffle. “There’s no need to rush anything. We’re coming to help you sort out the treasury, which sounds as though it needs no guarding. But also to make certain you’re protected.”
Stefana felt a lot better about their impending future.
When she came face to face, or rather, face to chest, with the warrior Kellen, she thanked him for his service.
“I am Aasguard.” His easy answer was so typical of his breed that she smiled.
“Still, we’re grateful for you to take over for Aern and Fricassa for a time.”
“I’ve nowhere else to be. It’s nice to have an easy assignment for a change.”
“Are you fully healed from your wounds?”
“Mostly.” His expression didn’t waver. He didn’t appear in the least bit concerned about the wounds that would have been fatal to most people.
“We’re appreciative.” She made certain he was not left in doubt as to their gratitude.
His smile warmed her as he inclined his head. Stefana noticed his gaze lighting on someone on the other side of the room.
Ari. She laughed at something Vidar said and his expression turned what might be a little melancholy.
A warm hand gripped her elbow and she jumped. “We haven’t even been married for five minutes and you’re already speaking with other Aasguard warriors?”
Tugging her new husband from the warrior in question, she kissed him. It didn’t take long before he crushed her against him.
“Lajos, I’m wondering if Kellen and Ari might be interested in each other?”
His head jerked back. “Kellen and Ari? Really?” He blinked a few times before his probing gaze homed in on his sister, and then the quiet warrior who would guard the Montequirst treasury.
“I don’t know.”
“It’s not illegal or anything is it?”
He smiled. “No. But we’re all feeling our way.”
“And we’re taking Ari with us.”
His shrug couldn’t have been more blithe. “They have crystals. If they wish to communicate, it is possible.”
She bit her lip, but he was correct. This man could read intentions.
“Stefana, they are Aasguard. All they know is duty. Right now, they both have a duty. Neither would wish to do anything other than fulfill that duty. It is ingrained within all of us.”
“Okay.” She slid her hand around his arm as her parents approached them.
“Trust me, they are fine.”
However, his gaze lingered on his sister.
Once everyone departed after their wedding, Lajos offered his new wife his arm. She took it with the sweetest smile yet, and a little uncertainty. His heart skipped a beat.
They made their way through the passage and then into the castle proper. Taking the steps up, Stefana didn’t pause until they reached the corridor where her family resided.
He steered her past it.
She peered up at him. “Where are we going?”
“We have a new suite. This will be ours whenever we visit.”
Stefana blinked those large dark eyes. Then they filled with tears. “That’s so sweet of Raene and Vidar.”
Wrapping an arm around her, he tugged her into his side. “Yes. They thought we might enjoy these rooms.” He shoved open the door and gestured for her to enter.
“Lajos, it’s beautiful.”
He followed her and glanced around the space, done in various shades of purples and grays. It spoke to him, and from her reaction, her as well.
Lajos shut the door and followed her through the rooms. The suite boasted two closets, and a massive, luxurious bathing chamber, a small bar for coffee, tea, and water, and a nice sized sitting room. Another small space he deemed as appropriate for a nursery completed the suite. He didn’t mention his nursery idea.
Far too soon.
The line of Stefana’s shoulders throughout the evening had begun to droop. The dark smudges under her eyes told him all he needed to know.
“Why don’t you use the bathroom first?”
She nodded, before collecting a small bundle from the bed. The hem of her wedding gown swished as she disappeared into the room. She didn’t linger in the bathroom. He had only just finished securing their suite when she returned.
She eyed the bed uncertainly.
“I typically sleep on this side.” He pointed.
“Oh good. I usually sleep here.” She indicated the other side.
“You’re swaying.” Peeling back the covers, he offered her a steadying hand while she crawled into the bed. Tucking her in, he made a bet with himself that she wouldn’t still be awake when he returned.
Then, with reluctance, used the bathroom. He wore pajama bottoms so as not to shock her maidenly sensibilities when he returned. And racked his brain for instances when a couple married this hastily.
Shutting out the lights, which he’d snapped on for her benefit since he could see in the dark, Lajos finally followed his bride into the bed.
There he reached for her, pulling her into his arms because he wanted to hold her.
She settled against him as though they’d done this hundreds of times. Despite a breathy exhalation, she remained asleep.
Weariness crept over him then. They had both been so busy today, and would be even more so in the future, the need for rest shouldn’t be a surprise.
Moments later, he followed her into the land of
dreams.
The next morning, Stefana sitting upright in bed jerked him awake. Rubbing his itchy chin, he forgot to shave last evening, he peered up at her.
“Oh no.”
Sitting up beside her, he gathered her close. “What’s wrong?”
“I . . .we . . .” She floundered. Then cleared her throat. “We didn’t have any sort of wedding night.”
“Sure we did. We slept. That’s what we both needed.” He enjoyed the bright pink in her cheeks.
“Married couples are supposed to . . .” She trailed off again.
“That’s an option.” He didn’t miss the little shiver that undulated down her spine. “But this happened rather fast for us.”
The tautness running throughout her body eased. “It has. There hasn’t been time to process it all.”
He had to kiss her. She was right here and his wife, conveniently located beside him.
“There are no rules when a couple marries. We chose what works best for us. Last night we both needed sleep. Today is going to be a challenge.”
Her hair tickled his chin. “Yes. I’m both looking forward to, and dreading, today.”
“That’s to be expected.” He glanced out the window. The first rays of dawn inched across the sky. “While it’s appealing to stay in bed, we need to rise.”
He felt her turn to gaze out the window as well. Her heartfelt sigh matched his. “We certainly don’t have time to linger this morn.”
They both eased out of bed and disappeared into their respective closets. Hers was more spacious and sprawling while his was taller and suited perfectly to his needs. He made note of the space because this same design would work well for their new home.
Now he wished he had paid more attention to the place while rescuing Stefana from Ostard. The palace hadn’t been his focus in that moment. Plenty ostentatious, if he remembered correctly.
They met in the bedroom again, and he approved of Stefana’s dress. Not a dress, but more flowing with trouser-like legs that pretended to be a skirt. Well suited for riding on the back of a dragon and for whatever faced them when they arrived in Swiftland.
