by RJ Metcalf
Weston nodded, and Finn finally came out from the limited shelter he’d been waiting beneath.
Brandon caught Weston watching him from the corner of his eye. “What?”
Weston’s cheeks puffed and his mouth opened then closed. He grimaced and shot what looked to be a contrite frown toward the palace. “It would be good if Ben and Geist see Jade this evening.” His lips twitched as he glanced at Brandon and Zebediah. “And both of you, for that matter.”
“What happened?” Electricity blazed along Brandon’s nerves, as if preparing him for a battle. “Is she injured?”
“No, she’s perfectly healthy.” Weston chuckled. A glimmer of a smirk dimpled Weston’s cheek. “She’s just got some news for you.”
Chapter Seventy-Two
Weston
Weston ached to put his head in his hands, or better yet, lay his head on the delegate table, and just sleep. Finally, his meetings were done, and the matters of the day taken care of. He stood, the last to leave the delegate room for the night. “Niles, I’m going to bed. Let’s go.”
Niles yawned and opened the door before Weston, then froze.
“Niles? What’s wrong?” Weston tried to shake off the mental fog as he reached for his sword, angling himself to see past Niles.
Older. More worn. Dressed in Aerugan military blacks, and his blond hair longer than Weston had ever seen it. A new shadow had been added to the ones previously in his eyes, and yet he held himself with the same grace and poise that Weston always remembered.
Andre.
Andre was standing in the doorway.
Andre was supposed to be dead.
“How?” Weston’s voice wavered as Andre’s lips twisted in an almost bitter smile. Everett had said that Andre was dead. That Weston shouldn’t be waiting for Andre at all. That he wasn’t coming back. That he’d been silenced.
Andre bowed, and Weston surged forward, knocking into Niles in his haste. Niles steadied himself with the door as Weston pulled Andre into a fierce hug, tears burning in his eyes.
Weston gripped Andre’s jacket as if his friend would fade away if he let go and buried his face against Andre’s shoulder, uncaring of the bone that rubbed against his forehead. Alive. Andre was alive. By what miracle, Weston couldn’t guess, but that didn’t matter. Not now. He swiped at his eyes, taking a step back to take in his silent friend through still-blurry eyes. “I—how? Just, how?”
Andre’s smile became a near-grimace, and he pulled away from Weston’s hug, lifting a hand. He flipped it in a gesture, and it took Weston a solid ten ticks to make sense of what Andre was doing.
“Wait. Andre,” Weston held up his hand, a slow horror building in his chest, oozing out to chill every cell of his body. Silenced. “Can, can you speak?”
Andre’s eyes softened in compassion. He shook his head and opened his mouth just enough for Weston to see his severed tongue. Weston’s stomach flipped and black spots swam in his vision. Andre grabbed Weston’s arm at the same time as Niles did. The two—bodyguard and former tutor—exchanged looks that Weston couldn’t quite interpret before they supported him on either side, walking him down the hall and toward the wing of his room.
Weston grimaced and swiped his hand over his face. “I can walk myself, thank you.”
They let go, their reluctance clear. Weston turned to Andre, grateful that so few were still up at this hour and thus there hopefully wouldn’t be too many rumors spreading about Weston’s double escort out from the meeting. “I don’t remember all the sign language I’d learned those years ago, but please, tell me all that’s happened to you.”
Andre’s eyebrow quirked, and he pointed at Weston, then lifted his hand over his face, closing his fingers into a fist by his chin.
Weston understood that much. “Yes, I want to sleep, but I’d rather talk to you. We can go to my room, no other people, and then you have a place to sleep for the night.” A fresh thought rippled through Weston, and he snapped his fingers. “Have you see Jade yet?” Andre shook his head and Weston loosed a low whistle. “It’s a bit late now, but I’ll take you to see her first thing tomorrow.” A giddy, almost-hysterical laugh bubbled within him. “She’s going to cry.”
Andre gripped Weston’s shoulder, gently tugging him until they were eye to eye. Andre signed and Weston’s tired, emotional brain took a few moments to process what Andre said. “You’re here for me?”
Andre nodded and supported his fist before lifting it as if giving it to Weston. “Help you.”
Weston stared, trying desperately to hold back the tears that threatened to spill over for the second time this evening. Andre had returned from the dead. To help him. Weston didn’t have to posture anymore. He didn’t deserve such a faithful friend. But his chest warmed in gratitude. If there was anyone who could help him during this transition into power, it was Andre.
And despite all odds, despite what he’d been told—what everyone had been told—Andre was here. For the first time in days, genuine hope flickered to life in Weston. His best friend was back.
Chapter Seventy-Three
Jade
Jade peered around the hedge, tracing the edge of the canopy with her gaze before letting her scrutiny drop to those gathered in the palace garden. Two years ago, this place meant bitter memories because of Weston. Now, no matter what happened tomorrow or the day after, or the month after, it would be a special place, fondly remembered for all her days to come.
“Back up, don’t let anyone see you!” Krista whispered harshly. She tugged on Jade’s hand and grinned at Jade’s discomfiture. “Nervous?”
Jade pressed her hands against her fitted white corset, her fingers gliding across the sleek satin as she tried to catch her breath. She touched the black dagger on her hip—the only spot of darkness in her otherwise ivory ensemble. Her concession to wartime. Her acknowledgment of the dangers they all faced, the burden she carried as princess and soon as a Monomi. There were some who’d surely say it was bad luck for the bride to wear any black on her wedding day, but Jade wasn’t superstitious.
Superstitious, no. Anxious, yes.
Brandon paced nearby, waiting for the music to shift, giving them their cue. Black pants and a matching jacket with dual coattails, a regal burgundy double breasted shirt with golden embroidery, and a black top hat banished all similarities to the stained, filthy bandit who’d nearly killed her just a few short months ago. He resembled the king he was supposed to be. As if he could sense her study, he looked up, meeting her gaze. A dozen conflicting emotions flickered across his expressive face.
She flicked her hand, motioning for him to come closer, feeling her nerves spike as well in the music. It was almost time. He came within earshot, and she immediately spoke, her voice low. “Thank you.” He blinked and she hastened to explain. “For dissolving my engagement to Weston. For making this happen.”
The crease in Brandon’s forehead eased, and his eyes misted as he reached out, barely brushing his fingertips against the red curl that Francene had let down by Jade’s cheek.
He shook his head slightly and cleared his throat. “For my daughter, anything.” He stood awkwardly for a moment, and when she didn’t push him away physically or with her words, he leaned over, brushing a featherlight kiss against her forehead. “Your mother would be proud of the woman you’ve become.”
Jade had nothing she could say to that. Not when her mother was just out there, just beyond the hedge. But she knew what he meant, and it somehow stuck in her throat, the words that she wanted to say. The acknowledgment of how they’d grown, just a little, just enough for this healing to start.
Krista hustled over, her gloved hand sliding over Jade’s satin-and-lace covered arm. “Ready?”
Jade turned slowly, at once ruing her gown with the many delicate trimmings and beading, but also eager for Zak to see her in it. He’d seen it once before, when she’d been fitted to marry Weston. But not since. The seamstresses Weston had sent to Jade had worked all day and all night,
reworking the gown to be unique and special just for this moment.
Brandon hesitated, his body leaning forward, then back, as if he’d considered a hug, then decided against it. He nodded toward the seating where the crews of the Phoenix and Sapphire were gathered, as well as the delegates and nobles that could spare to be taken from the preparations of war. “I’ll see you on the other side.”
Krista arranged Jade’s voluminous skirt, then jittered in place, her eyes glowing. “If I’d known that having you two sneak out in the middle of the night would result in you getting married, I would’ve kicked you out long ago.”
Jade stifled a laugh, then froze as the violin music dropped and a drum joined the beat. Her breath seized, and she touched her fingers to her throat. What if she tripped? What if Zak didn’t like her dress? Had she played with her hair earlier? Did she mess up all of Francene’s work? Would anyone speak out against her wedding?
After this, she would be expected to go home with Zak. That sent a thrill of excitement through her veins, matching the music. No more having to be cautious of propriety. No more boundaries to stand back of. No more escorts. Just her … and Zak.
Krista stepped back, cautious of her own trailing sapphire blue gown. She lifted her hands to the aisle. “After you, blushing bride.”
“I’m not blushing.” Jade moved without hesitation now, suddenly eager to turn the corner and start the ceremony.
“Well, you definitely have more fire to you now than a few minutes ago,” Krista remarked. Her grin turned sassy as she used a finger to nudge Jade’s tiara into place. “I wonder what thoughts brought about that change?”
Jade bit her lip and ignored Krista, feeling her cheeks heat up all the same at Krista’s audacious observation.
Jade started down the aisle, Krista just a few paces behind. The violin and drum each rang out, different, and yet complementary in their song. Her breath caught as everyone stood. Strands of gas lights lined the path for her to follow, bathing the gathered crowd in soft luminescence. To the right, seated amongst the red-tipped winter bushes, sat a mixed assortment of both airship crews that she’d flown with, Zebediah being the one exception. Zaborah’s discomfort at being in a dress shone plain as day, even to Jade all the way in the back. Jade smiled at her Aunt Becca and Uncle Michael where they sat next to Grandmother. Aunt Garnet, Esther, and Zandra were all going to be upset to have missed this. But there was no chance of waiting for them to make it out here. Geist stood between Ben and Kerlee, and Kerlee shot her a quick wink. She wrinkled her nose at him, her small laugh puffing into a cloud of vapor. Raine and Finn stood to Ben’s right, and Jade couldn’t help but immediately notice the uncomfortable tilt of Raine’s shoulders, as if she was embarrassed to be there. Jade gave Raine a sunny smile.
To the left were the dignitaries that Jade hadn’t gotten to really know yet. But Francene, Violet, and Weston waited near the front, providing Jade the friendly faces that she wanted. And in the row in front of them, Brandon and Uncle Andre. She focused on Andre, his entire face lit with a joy for her that practically radiated off him.
Skin tingling, she finally looked directly ahead of her, briefly making eye contact with her mother before Jade felt herself be ensnared by Zak’s green eyes. He followed her every step, a tremulous smile light on his lips. Resplendent in Monomi black, the only weapon he wore today was his sword at his hip, his belt of vials replaced with the silver sash denoting his restored noble rank. Jade’s vision blurred as the emotions threatened to overwhelm her for the first time that day. For once, finally, something right.
Two things right, actually. Seeing Briar stand behind Zak caused a happy tear to slide down Jade’s cheek. She swiped it away, beaming at Zak. They’d made it. They actually made it.
He reached out, grasping her hands in his, the heat from his skin soaking into her. His eyes sparkled. and he dipped his head just close enough to whisper, “you look ravishing.” She bit her lip, trying to contain her smile from bursting into anything larger. Her cheeks already hurt from too much happiness.
Samantha lifted her slender hands to the assembly and motioned smoothly for them to sit. The hidden bards quieted their strains, leaving just the peaceful rhythm of steady rain to beat on the awning overhead. Samantha settled her hands on both Zak and Jade’s shoulder. “We welcome you, friends from near and friends from afar, family close and family distant, witnesses and spectators, to the joining of this woman to this man.” Samantha’s voice hitched. “Do the parents bless this union?”
Zebediah and Brandon stood in an even, practiced motion. Both nodded their ascent.
“I give my blessing,” Brandon said, enunciating each syllable clearly, his voice filling the garden.
“As do I,” Zebediah stated.
“And you know I’ve given my blessing for years now,” Samantha whispered conspiratorially, a twinkle in her eye. Her grin faded into a somber expression. “Adeline Grace Doldras Jade Stohner. You wear the mantle of the crown princess of Doldra and bear the responsibilities to your people. Do you vow to take on the added duty of Guardian, protector of all common people? To stand by this man’s side, both in wartime and in peace, in famine and in bounty, in the trials as well as the blessings?”
Jade squeezed Zak’s fingers, trying to contain all her thoughts, all her excitement, her love, in one simple touch. “I so vow.”
Samantha grinned before facing Zak. “Zak Monomi. You bear the weight of Guardian, you who seek to protect all the common people. Do you vow to cherish, support, and protect this woman as she performs her duties as crown princess, and eventual queen of Doldra? To stand by this woman’s side, both in wartime and in peace, in famine and in bounty, in the trials as well as the blessings?”
Zak’s gaze was as steady as a lush mountain in the dawn of spring. “I so vow.”
Samantha overlooked the crowd, and Finn stood, making his way down the center aisle. He held out a hand to Zak, and his other to Jade. Zak pulled a deep green stone flecked with silver from his pocket and set it in Finn’s hand. Jade plucked her maroon-and-gold striped rock and handed it to Finn. He turned to face the people, lifting each mineral in the air for everyone to see.
“What began as two, let it be one,” Finn intoned, bringing his hands together. A flash of light burst through the cracks of his fingers, and he lowered his hands, revealing two stones, each a perfect blend of green-and-silver and red-and-gold. He gently placed the still-warm earthen reminders in Zak and Jade’s hands. “May these be a symbol of your unity. Let it never be broken.”
Samantha’s eyes gleamed, though she radiated peace. “A kiss to seal what now is.”
A sensation of nervous giddiness flowed through Jade as she looked at Zak through her eyelashes. They’d kissed before. But this was the first time with witnesses. The first time that they could be freely affectionate, without any repercussions or concerns. This was the start of something new and beautiful.
She clenched her stone in one hand as Zak’s fingers interlocked with her free hand. He’d already pocketed his marriage stone, and now his fingers skimmed the back of her cheek as he dipped in toward her. His lips ghosted over hers, barely breathing out, “Wife.”
“Husband.”
Pure joy radiated from him as his lips slanted over hers, sealing their marriage vows. One side of the audience clapped politely, while the other side filled the air with cheers and Geist’s wolf whistles. She giggled, inadvertently breaking the kiss. Mirth shone in Zak’s eyes. He pecked her lips a second time, and she laughed outright, unable to contain the sibilance bubbling within her.
It was done. Against all odds, contrary to all that they’d been told to expect, all that they’d battled through, they were married. And nothing could destroy or tarnish that joy.
Chapter Seventy-Four
Ben
Ben lingered on the edge of the packed ballroom, content to watch Jade and Zak’s wedding celebration from the side. It was hard to transition from the stress, chaos, and bloodshe
d of the Hollows to this formal celebration that still had so much politics tied to it. But Weston threw a nice after-party, and Jade’s bright smile made the slight discomfort Ben felt well worth it.
An older lady in a shiny navy blue dress and far too much perfume sauntered past Ben, and he stepped closer to an arched window in hopes of fresher air. The woman passed where Geist and Kerlee stood by the food buffet, and Geist’s face contorted in an expression of pure pain. He grimaced at the lady and shook his head, then moved toward where Jade and Zak were greeting foreign dignitaries.
Ben leaned against the window, the chill of the glass through his jacket a welcome respite from the heat of the room. He crossed his arms, and his fingers brushed the soft green handkerchief that Finn handed him without explanation earlier. What Finn expected Ben to do with it, he couldn’t guess. But he’d pocketed it all the same, certain that his friend had a reason for it. Whatever it be.
Ben took his time, picking out those he knew in the crowd of strangers. Michael and Rebecca danced with a throng of party-goers, Samantha talked with Ellie Stohner and Finn, and Raine—Raine was walking directly toward Ben.
Tonight she wore a dress unlike he’d ever seen on her before; a long cobalt skirt with white lace on the hem, a blue velvet corset, and a fitted half jacket that Sara probably knew the name of. She was stunning. But she flinched from contact with anyone who was close enough to brush against her, and when she met his eyes, her gaze slid away, shadows lurking where sass used to dwell.
The cold from the window no longer felt so good. He pushed away from the glass to bow to Raine, unsure of what to say or do now that she was seeking him out after days of avoidance.