“You’re okay with that?”
“Of course. I like Payton a lot.” That was another realization. She really did like the other woman. She’d become a friend.
Ryleigh stood and wrapped her arms around Jackson’s waist. She rested her cheek against his chest in the exact spot she fit so perfectly.
He hugged her, dropped a kiss on her head, and set her back. “Now that’s resolved, I have something important to ask you.”
* * * *
Jackson wiped some of the smeared dirt from Ryleigh’s face. He’d seen some of the exchange between her and Noah, but it hadn’t elicited any jealousy this time. In a way, it only made him sad. Not because he questioned Ryleigh’s loyalty or her feelings for him, but because Noah could give her something Jackson couldn’t. A connection to the past. The last shred of a bond between her and the world Jackson had ripped her out of. Well, maybe he could fix that.
“I’ve noticed you seem to have a hard time thinking of me as your mate.”
“Oh, no. It’s not that. I love being your…uh…mate.” She grinned through the last of the tears, her eyes puffy. “It’s just the word seems weird to me. Mate. I’m happy with the sentiment, though.”
Her laughter lightened his mood. “Well. I’ve been thinking. I took you from your world and plunged you into mine with no warning, no training, and no understanding of our realm. And you not only accepted everything, you embraced it.”
“Even though I miss my old home, I love Cymmera, and I want to be here. This is my home now.”
“I know.” He smoothed her hair away from her face. “You’re so beautiful, Ryleigh, and I love you so much. I know I don’t tell you often enough, but I’d do anything for you.”
She smiled, and a soft blush colored her cheeks.
He shook off his nerves. “As you know, Death Dealers train extensively in the human realm. Our training includes knowledge of all of your customs.”
“Yes.”
Jackson lowered himself to one knee and took Ryleigh’s hand in his. “I love you, Ryleigh Donnovan, with all of my heart. Will you marry me?”
He took the ring from his pocket, one that had belonged to his mother, and held it poised beside her left hand.
Tears poured down her cheeks. “Oh, yes.”
He slid the diamond ring onto her finger and stood.
Her laughter echoed through the courtyard.
He pulled her into his arms, and his lips crashed down on hers. His love for her nearly overwhelming him. He pulled away. “Come on. We have to hurry, or Mia will kill me.”
“Mia?”
He guided her toward the castle. “Yup. I promised her I’d have you to her in plenty of time.”
“Plenty of time for what?”
“To get ready for our wedding, of course.” He couldn’t help the grin. “You did say yes, right?”
“Uh…”
“Good thing too, or I don’t know what I’d have told the guests.”
“Guests?” She paled beneath the dirt streaking her face.
She brought him more joy than he’d ever thought possible. She completed him. Together they’d be strong. Together they’d rebuild. Under their rule, Cymmera would thrive. “You don’t think I’d let you have a wedding without guests, do you?”
“When are we getting married?”
“Now, of course. In case you hadn’t noticed, I’m not a patient man.”
“No, really?”
He slung his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close as they climbed the stairs to the tower that housed Ryleigh’s rooms.
“There you are.” Mia swung the door open, took one look at Ryleigh, and stepped back. “What did you do to her?”
“Hey, it wasn’t me. I found her like this, but I’m going to marry her, anyway.”
“Yeah, well not if I don’t fix her up, you’re not.” She grabbed Ryleigh’s arm and pulled her into the room.
Jackson tried to follow.
Mia spread a hand against his chest. “Uh-uh. Shoo.”
She propelled him back into the corridor and shut the door.
Fine. He had to get ready, anyway. He turned away.
Dakota stood a few feet down the corridor, arms folded across his chest, shoulder leaning against the wall. He smirked. “I guess we know who the boss is now, huh?”
“Apparently.”
“Come on. I have strict orders to get you dressed and ready.” Dakota fell into step beside him, and they jogged down the stairs.
“Is everything else done?”
“Yeah. Well, pretty much.”
“What do you mean, pretty much?”
“The puppies aren’t exactly cooperating with Mia’s plan, but she said she’d be right down to straighten it out, so I’m not going to worry about it.”
The puppies were the least of Jackson’s problems. The nerves turning his gut topped the list. It was so important to him to get this right for Ryleigh. He wanted it to be exactly like a human wedding.
He eyed Dakota’s jeans and T-shirt. “How come you’re not dressed?”
He shrugged. “Mia’s had me running around all morning. Besides, I wanted to talk to you first.”
“Come on in, but you have to talk while I get dressed.” Jackson pushed open the huge wooden door to his chamber and held it for Dakota, then entered behind him. He grabbed the tuxedo he’d gotten in the human realm from where it hung on one of the bookshelves beside the fireplace. A long package he’d never seen before lay across the table in front of the couch. He stopped short.
Dakota gestured toward the leather package. “Just a little something I wanted you to have.”
“You didn’t have to do that, Dakota.”
“I know, but it’s not exactly a gift.” He sobered. “I found it while we were cleaning up, and I thought you should have it.”
Jackson draped his tux over a chair, sat on the couch, and lifted the package. It was heavier than he’d expected. He laid it across his lap and unfolded the leather. Then he ran his fingers along the polished edge of Elijah’s sword. “Ah, man.”
“I found it in the throne room.”
Too choked up to speak, Jackson simply nodded. Nothing could have been more meaningful to him in that moment.
Dakota squeezed his shoulder and quietly retreated.
Jackson got dressed quickly. He took the sword and strode from the room. The throne room was empty when he entered. The doors had been replaced. The floors and walls had been scrubbed. Several cracks spider-webbed through some of the stones on the floor and walls, but Jackson had ordered those left alone. Sometimes it was better to remember the past, to remember what you’d been through to achieve your goals.
And sometimes it was better to leave the past where it belonged, in the past. He hurried up the platform steps, skirted his throne, and stood before the flail Chayce had used to torture him. He lifted it from its place on the wall behind his throne and dropped it onto the floor. He’d remove it later.
He hung Elijah’s sword in its place. A much better memory, a much better reminder of what was important. Elijah would forever be a part of his kingdom, would forever play a role. Cymmeran children would learn about the prophet in school. His memory would inspire future generations.
He made sure the sword hung perfectly straight in the place of honor behind his throne. Then he lifted his father’s crown from its place beside the throne and placed it on his head. Now he was ready. He headed to the field where his mother had sacrificed her life to save Cymmera. The perfect place for him and Ryleigh to say their vows.
The start of their union would honor all those who’d been lost in the battle for Cymmera.
His stomach flip-flopped as he jogged toward the field. The guests would already be present, waiting for him and Ryleigh.
Mia and Kiara had seen to everything. They’d even invited the faeries. He hoped they’d attend. It seemed their realms would complement each other we
ll. Children didn’t thrive in Cymmera, and many of their women had long ago sacrificed Cymmera for a life in the human realm, leaving Cymmeran men with little hope.
It already seemed some of the men had found their mates among the faeries.
Two lands who’d been severely damaged, scarred by Daygan and then Chayce, would now come together and thrive.
Dakota waited at the entrance. “You ready?”
Jackson stopped in front of the closed gates. He took a deep breath to calm his nerves and nodded.
Dakota shoved the huge wooden gates open.
The most amazing sunset set the backdrop. The perfect time of day for a wedding.
Thousands of people stood as he walked down the aisle.
A flowered archway stood at the far end of the aisle. Hundreds of flowers spilled over from the archway in every color imaginable.
Jackson shot Dakota a questioning look.
He leaned close. “A gift from the faeries.”
Warmth spread through Jackson.
Behind the archway, all of the dragons stood, regal. The setting sun reflected off their scales creating a dazzling array of color.
Nika and Nahara stood proudly in the center of the dragons.
Mato tried to scamper away, and Nahara caught him in her mouth by the scruff of his neck and plopped him back down in front of her with the other pups.
Most of the Death Dealers and the Queen’s Army formed a half-circle in front of the hounds and dragons. They stood at attention in full uniform.
Noah winked and shot him a grin.
Jackson couldn’t help but smile.
What seemed like all the faeries had seats of honor near the front.
Allura’s eyes sparkled with happiness.
Jackson approached her, gripped both her hands in his, and kissed each cheek. “Thank you so much. The flowers are beautiful. I’m so honored you came.”
She released him and laid a delicate hand against his cheek. “I’m honored to be here.”
It seemed most of Cymmera and Argonas had come out for their wedding.
Jackson stood beneath the archway and turned to wait for his bride.
The music started, and all eyes turned toward the back of the aisle.
Vaughn and Payton led the procession, followed by Ranger and Tatiana, Lucas—who Jackson had given a full pardon—and Kiara, Hannah and Harrison, and Sadie and Trey.
Mia smiled as she walked down the aisle behind the kids, her gold gown shimmering in the waning sun.
Dakota sucked in a breath at Jackson’s side.
Jackson grinned.
Ryleigh rounded the corner and took her place between the gates with Max at her right hip. The white gown hugged every curve, then flowed out behind her in a long train.
As the traditional wedding march played, she moved slowly down the aisle toward him. Her smile melted his heart.
When she reached Jackson, she stopped and faced him.
Jackson lifted her veil, cradled her cheek, and kissed her. No way was he waiting for the end of the ceremony. Nothing wrong with creating some traditions of their own.
THE END
In case you missed it, stay tuned for Chapter 1 of Kingdom of Cymmera # 2
LOST PRINCESS
Ryleigh Donnovan’s life changed forever the day she met Jackson Maynard, a Death Dealer, and followed him home to the kingdom of Cymmera. Now she is trying to care for her sister while saving a realm she knows nothing about…
Jackson has reluctantly accepted the throne of Cymmera, in place of his father. But his world is in turmoil, the kingdom in constant threat of attack. Worse still, Jackson suspects there is a traitor among his court. A powerful prophet has suggested a way to protect the realm, but that solution may drive Jackson and Ryleigh apart forever.
When a magic relic goes missing, Ryleigh has no choice but to journey in search of it. When Jackson discovers Ryleigh is missing, he must make a choice that will either claim their destiny, or bring an end to the only home he’s ever known.
A Lyrical Originals novel on sale now!
Learn more about Dani-Lyn Alexander at
http://www.kensingtonbooks.com/author.aspx/31632
Chapter 1
The soft brush of something against the carpet outside Ryleigh’s bedroom door intruded on her restless sleep. Her eyes shot open. Her heart drummed wildly in her chest. Blood rushing in her ears drowned out whatever sound had woken her. With the Kingdom of Cymmera at war, even though she was in her own realm, human traitors or monsters could attack from anywhere at any moment. Goose bumps rushed across her skin, prickling her nerves. The memory of savages invading her home taunted her.
Wait. There it was again. The slightest whisper of something brushing against…something. She slid quietly from the bed, got caught up in the blankets, and almost lost her footing. She bit back a curse, untangled her foot, and grabbed the baseball bat from beneath the bed. Although she had her choice of weapons now—sword, bow and arrow, flail, axe—the bat still felt the most comfortable in her hand, the most familiar. She switched off the small bedside lamp. No sense backlighting herself when she opened the door. She’d be an easy enough target if something waited out there.
She tiptoed across the bedroom, pressed her ear against the door, and held her breath. The rhythmic pounding of her heart slamming against her ribs masked any sound that might come from the hallway. She blew her breath out slowly, careful not to make any noise, and gripped the doorknob.
No good. Her hand was too slippery. She wiped her sweaty palm on her pajama pants and tried again. Turning the knob as soundlessly as possible, bat held at the ready, she eased the door open, just a crack at first, and peered into the dark hallway.
The small night light did little to dispel the black shadows that could hide all sorts of hideous creatures. A shiver tore through her at the memory of the savages that could emerge from a portal anywhere, at any time. With a deep breath, she opened the door enough to slip through, then closed it gently behind her.
The Jacobs’ door at the end of the hall was closed. Nothing seemed amiss. They’d gone to bed hours ago and didn’t usually get up during the night.
Dim light spilled from the open bathroom doorway.
She kept her back against the wall and crept as stealthily as possible toward the unknown. The desire to go back to bed and bury her head beneath the pillow assailed her. A fierce need to protect her sister demanded she ignore the fear. Her head pounded with the conflict.
The bathroom was empty. She crept past the door. When she passed Mia’s closed door and reached the end of the short hallway, she re-adjusted her grip on the bat. She squeezed her eyes shut and leaned her head against the wall, searching for the courage to round the corner. Raising the bat, she plunged into the dark living room. The instant she could reach it, she hit the light switch.
Empty.
Now that she’d announced her presence there was no longer a need for stealth. She ran across the living room, skirting the floral print couch, charged into the kitchen, and flipped the light on. A shadow flickered across the floor and disappeared into a corner. Creeping closer, she tried to bring the image clearer, to make some sense of the shape that had skittered beneath the wood cabinet now bathed in light. She turned the bat around, hooked the handle with its end, and pulled the door open. Pots, pans, covers, all stacked neatly, as always.
Nothing behind the door or in the open laundry room. Thankfully, Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs understood the need to assess danger quickly. They’d lived in Cymmera, had battled the monsters that lived there, were aware of the dangers lurking close by. If a room was empty, the door stood open.
Still on edge, though she’d searched the entire house, she dropped onto a chair, lay the bat across the table within easy reach, and leaned her elbows on the table. She massaged her temples, the pressure doing little to relieve the intense pounding behind her eyes.
Tension squeezed her chest, a
nd she gave up on fighting the headache. Nothing seemed to be amiss, and yet she’d been so sure she heard something.
On the counter, a teakettle sat propped on a potholder. Mia. She should have guessed. Her sister had been sleeping so poorly lately. Ryleigh got up and hefted the bat over her shoulder. Mia would need her. With one last check to be sure nothing was out of place, she shut the light, backed out of the kitchen, and started across the living room. She stubbed her toe on the wood coffee table, knocking some of the precisely fanned magazines askew, then limped the rest of the way.
Once she had the pain in her foot somewhat under control, she turned off the living room light and approached Mia’s closed door. She knocked softly and kept her voice a whisper so as not to wake Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs. “Mia?”
“Come in.”
Ryleigh propped the bat against the wall in the hallway. She pushed the door open and found Mia sitting in bed with her knees pulled against her chest, her back against the headboard, and a thick blanket covering her and tucked beneath her arms. Steam rose from a mug of what Ryleigh knew would be Sleepytime Tea cupped between Mia’s hands.
“You all right?”
Mia nodded, but the fear in her eyes was unmistakable.
“Mind if I sit for a bit? I’m having trouble sleeping.”
Mia shook her head. A small smile tugged at the corners of her mouth, but it didn’t reach her eyes.
Ryleigh climbed onto the bed, folded her legs, and sat facing Mia. “Bad dreams?”
Mia nodded again, and a shiver ran through her. She pulled the blanket tighter. When she finally spoke, her voice shook. “Really bad.”
Her younger sister had been through so much in her fourteen years. The death of their parents in a terrorist attack. Her grandmother’s prolonged illness and eventual death. The fear that someone would take her from Ryleigh and put her in a foster home, since at seventeen, Ryleigh wasn’t yet old enough to be her legal guardian. Being chased from her home by fierce savages and forced into another realm where violence and monsters were a way of life.
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