All at once Edric’s heart grew still within his chest. He could feel Neomi stiffen, their heads turning to see the faces of those left to determine their fate. Gadiel and Callum held their positions at the door, lips pressed tightly together, observing the occupants of the room in curious fascination. The King retained his place at the throne, silent, joined by Aiva’s quiet form on the dais. Okivra stood only a few feet from the Queen, his broad figure seeming to challenge anyone who might speak out against them. Through the silence all eyes gravitated to where Onuric remained, the scowl on his face softened, yet visible, sneering at the nervous stares that came to rest on him. Begrudgingly he turned away, waving toward the Queen dismissively.
“It is decided then,” she announced, a hint of relief noticeable in her tone. “Arrangements will be made accordingly. Princess Aiva and Prince Callum have already consented to take up residency here in the palace and offer their home in Escovul to you both as a nuptial gift. In turn, I would like to offer something as well.” Stepping back, the Queen swept the room with her strong gaze, making sure she had the attention of everyone present before continuing. “As you both will become the governmental authority of Escovul, it is my honor to bequeath my title as Duchess of Escovul to the Lady It’aryn. The position should assist you in finding your footing amongst our society.”
Gracefully she made her way to the dais, resuming her place at the King’s side. Despite her collected exterior Edric could see the smile in his mother’s eyes. He wanted to return the joyous expression. Every inch of his body tingled from the excitement of knowing that his wish was granted. Neomi would be his wife. If only the vows could be exchanged now! He didn’t care about a fancy ceremony or the fine garments worn for such an occasion. All he cared about was that they would be together.
His tension returned to see Okivra step forward, the hardened features of his face revealing no joy at the announcement of their union. He remained there, staring Edric down for several long, torturous moments before the creases on his face eased, a twitch of what almost looked to be a smile curling at the corners of his mouth. “Treat her well, Prince,” he stated firmly, clasping Edric’s shoulder with an impressive grip. “You may have saved my people but that will not spare you if I find that you have done anything to hurt my daughter.”
“You never have to worry about that,” Edric smiled, pulling Neomi in close, his arms wrapping around her in a tender embrace. She returned the pressure of his arms, leaning in to kiss him gently on the lips, oblivious to the watchful eyes of their family and friends. Edric knew he didn’t need the threat of harm to keep him from hurting her. She was everything to him. His ice goddess. The answer to his prayers that he had almost given up on until he met her. And from this day onward, there was nothing that would ever come between them again.
Neomi stood in the hallway of the Escovul palace, watching her reflection in a long mirror which hung as a decoration amongst the artwork on the wall. Her face was decorated with the strange paints utilized by the Vor’shai women, outlining her eyes to bring out their brilliant blue hue. The laces of her bodice were pulled tight, making it difficult to breathe, though she couldn’t be sure if it was the restrictive garment which made her feel faint, or if it was her nerves at what she was about to do. It was easier to blame it on her clothing.
Ovatai women would never dream of wearing such bulky fabric. The gown inhibited her ability to walk with any amount of freedom. Diamonds glittered from the silver choker that hugged her slender neck, matching the tiny teardrop shape of her earrings clipped near the base of her earlobes. Her sleeves curved delicately to fall slightly off her shoulders, pearls strung throughout the lace trim and down to the tightly cinched belt at her waist. To stand out from her pale skin, they had ordered the fabric dyed a soft shade of blue. Delicate cerulean-colored flowers decorated the curls in her snowy hair that the Queen had taken such care to make sure wouldn’t fall with any ease. She looked like a piece of art sculpted for display in some prestigious museum.
There was never so much pomp and circumstance involved in an Ovatai wedding. Neomi felt more like a jester preparing to perform than she did a bride. Staring at her reflection, it all seemed surreal. Only a few weeks ago she had been in Ethrysta, living life the way she always had. And now, here she was, standing in the elegant structure that was the Escovul palace, preparing to become part of the strange Vor’shai society.
Grabbing onto the flowing skirts of her gown she started to move forward, stumbling over the fabric, arms flailing in a less than graceful display as she struggled to regain her balance. Embarrassed, she gave a quick glance around the hall to make sure no one had seen her fumble. It was better she make the blunder now when not standing in front of the Tanispan courtiers.
Careful not to make the same mistake again, she moved around the corner into the main hall toward the chapel. Every step she took required more effort than she was used to, fighting to get a sufficient breath through the restrictive clothing she was required to wear. It would have been easier if she had allowed one of the Vor’shai women to stay with her and assist with the long train of the dress but she had insisted they leave her in peace before the ceremony. She needed time to gather her thoughts. Their customs were so different. She couldn’t focus on their cheerful chatter when so much was on her mind.
At the door of the chapel she caught sight of her father, his hardened features softening to see her appear in the wide corridor. As she moved closer, she watched him, afraid of what he might say. To her surprise, he wrapped her in an awkward embrace, pausing to hold her in front of him, looking her over carefully. After a moment he gave a decisive nod, seeming satisfied with what he saw. “You look like a beautiful woman. Your mother would be proud.”
“But what of you, Father? Are you proud of me?” she asked. The question had burned in the back of her mind since the day he agreed to bring her here. He spoke of the marriage with contempt whenever it was discussed in his presence. It pained her to think she was in some way wounding her father by going through with it.
Cupping her face in his hands Okivra held her firm, the gruffness of the gesture revealing his lack of experience at fatherly affection. “I have always been proud of you,” he replied calmly, keeping his palms pressed tightly over her cheeks. “The Vor’shai Prince has earned his right to call himself a member of our family. But I cannot protect you while you are here. This city is a long way from home if you find yourself in trouble.”
“I am not alone here. You have seen how protective Edric is. He will not allow anything to harm me.”
“Perhaps, but who will protect you from him?”
“Father, he is not a threat,” she smiled, gently pulling his hands away from her face. “We will come visit you. Edric has agreed that the summer months may be too harsh for me here. Our intent is to venture north when the temperatures become severe and you will see for yourself that I am well cared for.”
A voice drifted to Neomi’s ears from the doorway, distracting her from the worried eyes of her father. “Your Grace,” the doorman whispered loudly, beckoning her to come forward. “They are waiting for you.”
“Yes, of course,” Okivra nodded. Puffing his chest out proudly he took his place at Neomi’s side, his chin pointed high in a lofty display of authority. “I gave my word and, as a man of honor, I must keep it. Come, Neomi. A man waits to make you his wife.”
Nervously she drew in the deepest breath she could manage. This was it. They were taking their place in the entryway, a gentle melody played to announce the arrival of the bride. There wasn’t an empty seat in the entire chapel. All eyes turned toward the door, their faces revealing admiration and awe to see her and the Chief poised in the arched entrance. At the end of the aisle she could see Edric standing there. His eyes brightened, sparkling against the paleness of his skin. The fabric of his doublet matched that of her gown, dyed in a somewhat darker shade of blue, reminding Neomi of the crystal clear hue of the lakes in Ethrysta. She caught hi
s gaze from the doorway, her heart fluttering in nervous excitement. Seeing Edric waiting for her at the end of the aisle made everything feel worth it. She didn’t care about the differences in their society or what these people might think of her. All she cared about was that she had him. After all their suffering at the hands of the Ythes and the Avaern, the gods had seen fit to reward them with the greatest happiness two people could ever share. Walking down the velvet carpet toward him, she knew that this was what the gods intended – and she couldn’t wait to see what the future had in store.
The Myatheira Chronicles: Volume Three: Crown of Ice Page 100