As she made her way out of the hut and down toward the beach, Tamara rested her hand on her belly, feeling little Rashella shift inside. The sound of the ocean soothed her, reminding her of the peace in the Temple of Azelle, and she walked slowly through the soft, moist sand. Everyone had arrived yesterday, creating considerable chaos, but today it was quiet, with people still sleeping off the pre-wedding party of the night before.
“Beautiful morning,” a voice said from her left as she walked past a large stand of palm trees. She glanced over to see an older man, who looked strikingly like Alarin, get to his feet. He spoke in English, his accent heavy but understandable.
“Lord,” she said, trying to bow over her stomach and failing. She’d met Alarin’s father briefly for the first time yesterday and had nearly pitched into his arms when she lost her balance on the uneven roadway. She hadn’t had a chance to spend any time with him alone in the press of friends and family, but had found him incredibly intimidating in even those few moments. Now, dressed in a light Azellian robe, his hair mussed by the ocean breeze as he lounged on the beach, he was certainly more relaxed, but she wasn’t entirely sure he was any less intimidating.
“Galadrian,” he said, coming closer and bracing her with his telekinesis as she wobbled. “You are soon to join our family. We cannot have you call me Lord as though you were some supplicant.”
Tamara tried not to feel too breathless, but with the baby crowding her lungs, stomach, and everything else, it was nearly impossible. She had no intention of calling Alarin’s father anything, much less Galadrian, which sounded far too familiar. “Alarin and I are both so glad you could make it.”
Galadrian offered her a deep bow. “I would not have missed my son’s wedding.”
“And his mother?” she asked, not sure she wanted to know, but knowing she needed to ask.
Galadrian smiled, and the expression bore a depth of something Alarin’s lacked. He has seen pain, Tamara thought suddenly, her empathy sparking even though she could not read his mind at all. Seen it, experienced it, and then moved beyond it to … what is on the other side of pain? Tamara blinked, confused. Where had that thought come from? She pushed the confusion away and focused on what her soon-to-be father-in-law was saying. “Melyssa chose not to come. My daughter, Kyla, however, did.” His nostrils flared. “Despite appearances, you are welcome in our family, Tamara.”
Tamara shivered. The Raderths had not been nice to her on the trip back to Azelle, but they had done nothing overtly hostile; they had simply ignored her. Fortunately, Merran’s sister’s family had more than made up for the Raderth refusal to show any hospitality, welcoming her with joy. “Thank you.”
Galadrian gave her a look that made her think he could see right through her, and Tamara suppressed another shiver. The man had green eyes, not unlike his son’s, but she couldn’t meet his steady gaze. He looked down at her stomach, freeing her from his unnerving regard. “May I?” he asked, and she knew what he was asking to do.
She nodded, shifting so he could have better access. He rested his hand lightly against her stomach. She could feel the communion between them, Rashella growing still under his touch. Galadrian’s hand was warm against her extended belly, and Tamara felt tension wash from her. He was no Healer, but his touch was not far from it. After a moment, Galadrian lifted his head and stared into the distance.
“She will be strong,” he said in a soft sing-song voice. “And in that strength find her weakness. In her weakness, she will learn of her power.” Tamara trembled under his fingers. A slight smile spread across his face and he looked at her. “You will have a beautiful daughter, akila. And she will be welcomed into the Raderth Clan as long as she wishes to claim it.”
Tamara twitched a little. They hadn’t told Alarin’s family the true parentage of Rashella, but Galadrian obviously knew.
He lifted his hand and gave her a surprisingly formal bow. “Felicitations on your upcoming marriage and welcome into the Raderth Clan. I believe there is someone who would like to speak to you.”
Standing at the edge of the palm trees was a familiar figure. Merran slid down the steep slope towards her as Galadrian stepped away, disappearing around the edge of the huts. “Hi,” he said, looking tired as he came to a stop a few feet from her. “How are you feeling this morning?”
“Unnerved,” Tamara replied, staring after Alarin’s father. “Why does he make me feel like I’ll come unglued in his presence? Like all the little parts of me might just go spinning off into the void?”
Merran laughed. “That’s Galadrian,” he replied, the edge of amusement lighting up his face and animating it. “It’s an offshoot of seeing more than most other people do about possible futures, along with the aarya training he underwent so that he could survive the onset of his talent. I think he enjoys his effect on people and cultivates it.”
Tamara shook her head. “He can see the future and he married Alarin’s mother anyway?”
Merran’s grin widened. “Well, there’s no accounting for attraction. How is little Rusha this morning?”
Tamara pressed her palm against her stomach, feeling a sharp little elbow or heel press back. “I’m more than ready for her to be born. Greg, who knows the exact day she was conceived, told me it will be another three weeks at best, if she’s not to be premature. Maybe even six, if she goes full term.” She made a face.
Merran noticed her gesture and smiled. “She’s getting restless, Alarin tells me.”
Tamara nodded. “She’s kicked the crap out of all my internal organs. I don’t think the little imp sleeps at all anymore, and she’s constantly tugging at my psi. She’s as curious as a cat and about as persistent.”
“Who else does that sound like?”
Tamara laughed. “Not me, that’s for sure. She must have gotten that from you.”
Merran smiled, but the expression was a bit distracted. “You ready for today?” he asked, changing the subject and looking up at the deep blue of the early morning sky.
Tamara sighed. “It’s not what I would have expected or thought I even wanted, but yes, I’m ready. And except for being a bit stressed by all this, and more than ready to give birth, I’m happy.”
“Things are turning out for the best, aren’t they?”
“Yes, they seem to be turning out pretty well.” She hesitated. “Tell me one thing, though. You didn’t pay for that charter plane yourself, did you?”
Merran’s soft smile turned into a wide grin. “Why?”
“Because it’s not fair. I mean, you’ve already started up that trust fund for Rashella and me. You don’t have to foot the lion’s share of the bill for our wedding too. You already had to get this island set up for guests at the last minute, and I know I’ve been difficult …”
He shook his head, holding up a hand to forestall her. “Don’t worry about it, Tam. It’s not necessary for you to help. The Council picked up the tab, considering we do have no less than three Council members attending this wedding, several Healers, an ex-Keeper, and more than a few politically important members of the embassy, including myself. I asked the Council for the funds and they gave it to us, although I would suspect Galadrian had something to do with the ease of the donation.”
Tamara sagged in relief. “Thank God,” she murmured. “I didn’t think, well … usually it’s customary that my father or I should be responsible to pay for wedding-related expenses. I honestly didn’t know how we’d manage it, but I also didn’t want you to take on that burden.”
Merran reached out to brush a lock of hair from her face, his fingertips lingering on her cheek. “I would have talked them into it anyway, especially as it is much easier to secure an island like this than it would have been some building in Denver.”
The feel of his hand against her cheek made her breath catch in her throat. Tamara closed her eyes and tilted her head briefly into his touch. “I’m … really sorry things got so complicated, Merran.”
“Nothing to feel sorry abo
ut, akila.” His warm arms pulled her into an embrace, and in response, Tamara wrapped her arms around him as well, feeling his solid warmth. Although the hug wasn’t as tight as normal—her belly was far too big for her to get any good bodily contact with anyone—she could feel Rashella move restlessly and kick. Tamara’s eyes flew open and she frowned. Merran looked down at her. As he released her, a grin appeared on his lips and a laugh in his eyes. “Doesn’t like people hugging her mother, apparently.”
Tamara pressed her hand against her abdomen, soothing her daughter. “You should see how she gets when Alarin tries to hold me. I’m not sure she’s going to have the patience to wait to be born. This baby is ready to face the world and take it by storm.”
“Take it by storm she most certainly will,” he said softly. He added something in Azellian, something she only caught the tail end of. “… may the aarya protect and guide you and our daughter, Tamara. Felicitations on your mating and may your life be blessed with every joy.” He leaned over and brushed a very light kiss against her mouth, then turned and disappeared over a hill.
Tamara stared after his departing figure for a few moments, touching her fingers against her mouth briefly. Something had changed in Merran during their trip to Azelle. He’d found peace, and it was obvious. And though sometimes she still wondered if she was doing the right thing, marrying Alarin and raising Merran’s daughter with him, there were other times, like now, when she could feel some of that peace and know it would all be well. For the first time, she could feel some of what Greg, Alarin, and Merran were talking about when they spoke of alawahea. It is as it is, she thought, feeling the relaxation spill through her. And it is perfect.
Movement caught her eye, and Tamara turned to see someone else loping toward her, the lean young man looking even more mature than the last time she’d seen him on Azelle, having filled out more and starting to come into the promise of his rakish, handsome good looks. He promptly blew the image of dignity that the suit he wore lent to his image by leaping over a bush and throwing his arms around Tamara. He kissed her exuberantly and enthusiastically, lifting her, baby belly and all, and whirling her in a circle. “You got a visa,” Tamara said breathlessly, as soon as he’d released her. “You made it!”
“I told you I would,” her brother said, gripping her shoulders tightly. “Considering half the Council is here for your wedding, it wasn’t all that hard. You’d think you were marrying some fancy diplomat instead of Alarin Raderth.”
“You got the pardon, then?”
“I did. And I didn’t even have to apologize.”
“How did you manage that?”
Justern shrugged lightly. “I have no idea, but Merran twisted some arms and sprinkled some magic and here I am.” He let his hands slide down her arms to rest lightly on her stomach. “And how is my little niece this morning? Good morning, Rashella.” Rashella, with her usual ferocious demand, linked firmly with her uncle, refusing to release him until he broke free, his gray-blue eyes suspiciously moist. “Damn, she’s strong.”
Tamara grinned. “She does have two empaths for parents.”
“And a determination to make everyone who meets her fall in love with her.” Justern brushed a hand across his eyes. “She’s going to break hearts one day. As well as other things.”
“Good to know you haven’t changed any,” Tamara said, punching him lightly on the arm.
“Do you know any reason why I should?” Justern asked, slipping his arm around her shoulders and hugging her.
Tamara leaned into his strength, grateful for the support. “Not at all. Just glad to see you in such good spirits.”
“It’s a wedding. Of my big sister. Why wouldn’t I be happy? Even if you are marrying Alarin Raderth.”
“Would you prefer it was Merran?”
“Even if it were Merran, I would be saying the same thing. There just isn’t anyone who is good enough for my sister.” Justern hugged her shoulders again and released her. “Of course, that cake looks suspiciously good, so I suppose I’ll have to celebrate with the rest of you.”
Tamara laughed. “It’s so good to have you here, Justy. It’s the perfect wedding gift.”
Justern gave her a lopsided grin. “That’s good, because it’s about all I got you.”
Tamara kissed him on the cheek, feeling the scratch of his newly shaven face. “It’s perfect.”
Another voice interrupted them. “Tam? Tam, what are you doing out here? We have to get you dressed! The ceremony is in two hours!” Her sister, Andreya, sounding very much like their mother, Jeanine, came flying across the sand. She came to a halt in front of Tamara and Justern, hesitating. “Ah, hello,” she said, frowning at Justern. “Justern. I … didn’t realize … you were … here.”
Justern bowed elaborately. “Nice to see you again, Andreya. I just got here, so I want to catch up with Greg, Alarin, and Merran before the ceremony starts. I just had to say hi to my favorite sister first. See you later, Tam.” He gave Tamara a final kiss on the cheek, bowed again to Andreya, dropped a kiss on her hand, and then left, disappearing around the corner of the huts.
Tamara watched the blush crawl across Andreya’s face. “Justern? Seriously?”
“What?” Andreya asked defensively.
“I know that look.” Tamara turned her sister around. “The last thing you need to do is get involved with my brother.”
“He’s really hot, so sue me,” Andreya said.
Tamara shook her head. “Not my brother, Andreya. Leave him alone. The last thing he needs to do is get kicked off the planet again. Besides, Dad would kill you,” she warned. “After tearing my brother apart into little pieces. You’re not legal, Drey.”
“Oh please,” Andreya retorted. “Dad isn’t going to notice anything today except you.”
Tamara shook her head. “Yes, well, he’s my brother, Drey, and you’re my younger sister. Isn’t that a little too weird?”
“He’s only nineteen, right, and not related to me, is he?”
“Well, no, but you’re only sixteen. Way too young for him, Drey. And it’s still weird.”
Andreya laughed. “He’s only three years older than I am, Tam. I have friends who have done a lot more than flirt. You’re just trying to distract yourself from your nerves by focusing on me. Stop worrying about me. We have to get you dressed, and Kari’s waiting up at the hut to help, so why are we still standing here talking?”
Tamara trotted across the sand beside Andreya, toward the hut to get ready for her wedding. Andreya and Kari helped fit her into her dress, which had a high waist that didn’t precisely hide her stomach, but didn’t emphasize it either. Kari smiled, the shine of tears in her eyes as Tamara stood in front of the long mirror. “You’re so beautiful, Tam,” she said, and gave her friend a hug. “Glowing and radiant. I’m so jealous.”
Tamara smiled back at Kari. “Don’t be. You’ve got Damiar.”
“I know,” Kari replied, dashing away tears carefully so as not to mess up her makeup. “But everything will be different, now that you have a husband and a baby.” She kissed Tamara on the cheek. “Well, enough about how things will change. You’ve got a wedding to get to, so I’m going to take my place,” she told Andreya. “See you out there in a few minutes.”
Andreya gave the dress a final tug as Kari left the room. “There. As perfect as I can make it.”
Tamara turned to her sister. “I wish Mom could be here to see this,” she said softly.
Andreya cocked her head and smiled, her expression sad. “Me too. I like to think she is looking down on us and wishing us well. Wherever she is now.” She straightened her own dress and cleared her throat. “Everyone is waiting for us,” she announced, “so let’s get you over to Dad and get this party started.”
Tamara followed her sister out to where her father waited, looking very distinguished in his tux. “You look beautiful, honey,” Peter said as she came up to him. He kissed her cheek lightly. “Alarin’s a lucky young man.”
/> “Thanks, Dad,” Tamara said. “Are you really okay with me marrying him?”
“I’m happy to see you so happy,” Peter said gently, as she placed her arm through his, holding the bouquet of flowers in front of her. “I am so proud of you, sweetheart. Your mother—both of them—would be so proud of you, too.”
Tamara blinked away tears and turned with her father. Walking slowly down the aisle to where Alarin stood waiting for her, looking extremely handsome in his tuxedo, she felt the look of love exuding from his eyes. Beside him stood Merran and Greg, each one of them wearing tuxes and identical smiles of joy. The urge to cry vanished, and a soft smile appeared on her face, remaining there throughout the day. Nothing, not even the sight of Andreya’s flirting with her half-brother, or the awareness that he might just repeat old patterns, could wipe it away. Her own private triangle had been laid to rest, and for this day at least, she knew everything was perfect in her world. What had Merran called it? Kyarinal: All that was possible had indeed become possible.
Let’s Stay Connected
To stay connected, please be sure to find me online by visiting my website at www.SaraLDaigle.com. You can also contact me at [email protected]. I would love to hear from you!
And one last favor …
If you have enjoyed Triangle, please be sure to leave a review online.
Thank you!
Also by Sara L. Dangle
Tamara Carrington always felt different. One event in high school left her wondering if maybe she really was a freak, although she’d managed to leave that experience in the past—buried deep within her psyche. With the arrival of exchange students from the planet of Azelle to her college, Tamara’s long-buried memories threaten to erupt. As Tamara’s emotions build and her friendship with the Azellians grows, so does the knowledge of secrets within her own family.
Triangle Page 31