by Vicky Savage
“What is it, love?” His eyes blaze with purpose.
My mouth goes dry as a fleeting wisp of doubt wafts through my mind. Am I being fair, knowing what I know?
Then he visibly calms and smiles gently. “I’m so sorry for all of this.” He tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. “It is not what we had planned for our wedding day, but I shall make it up to you once this is behind us.”
“That’s kind of what I wanted to talk with you about.” My pulse thrums loudly in my ears. “I’ve thought about it, and with all this chaos about to happen in the middle of our wedding, I wondered … will you … marry me … now? Tonight?”
His smile wavers. “Jaden, this does not seem to be the most favorable time for—”
“Please.” It comes out a mournful plea.
He lightly brushes my cheek with his knuckles. “Are you frightened, love?”
“Yes. I’m very frightened for the future.” More than he’ll ever know. “I want to be with you tonight as your wife.”
He lifts my hand to his lips and tenderly kisses the inside of my palm. “You have nothing to fear. We will easily crush this band of intruders. But I will do whatever you wish. Are you certain you would not prefer to wait until we can have the elegant royal wedding your mother originally planned?”
“I don’t want to wait another second. I want to marry you now.”
He bows formally. “Then I would be honored to marry you tonight, my lady.”
My heart practically flies out of my throat. “Thank you,” I whisper.
“Have you worked out a plan for that also?” he tilts his head, smiling again.
“Um, no. I was hoping you might know someone in Unicoi Village who could perform the ceremony privately. Someone you trust.”
He nods slowly. “Yes. Abraham Phoenix, the spiritual leader of our tribe will help us. I’m certain of it. I’ve mentioned him to you before. I will send a message asking him to meet us at my house—”
“No! I mean yes to Abraham Phoenix. I know he means a lot to you, but no to doing it at your house. I don’t want your sister in on this. She hates me. I know she’d find a way to ruin everything.”
He frowns. “Perhaps you are right. It may be best if Catherine’s not involved. The situation is complicated enough. When we meet with the trackers at my office, I’ll send word to Abraham that we will be stopping by his home for a visit.”
“Perfect. It’s settled then. Are you ready to go?” I take his hand and start for the door.
He pulls me back and folds me into a strong embrace. “This is a wonderful idea, by the way.” His full lips graze across my ear. “I’m glad you thought of it,” he whispers, sending a hot chill from my scalp to my toes.
FIVE
Unicoi Village is a bustle of goings and doings as we approach. The Unicoi are an industrious and colorful tribe. Signs of the Cherokee influence are visible throughout the town in the form of totems and circular structures. Construction is on-going in most parts of the new village. It’s been thirteen months since the Unicoi population was relocated to Domerica, but many families are still without homes—some living in tents, others staying with friends or relatives.
All activity on Main Street comes to a standstill as our entourage, led by Patrick, enters the city and the villagers pause to gawk. We didn’t need to bring this large an escort for such a short a trip, but since the recent attack on my travel party, extraordinary precautions are taken whenever I leave the palace grounds.
Most of the villagers bow or wave as we pass. Some call out to me or Ryder. Others barely glance at us and go on about their business. Ryder directs us to Sequoya Hall, the official tribal building. Work on the perfectly round structure has not yet been completed, but the eastern wing is finished and that is where our party comes to a stop.
We dismount, and Ryder leads Ralston and me through double doors to a hallway lined with offices. He takes us through a door marked Tribal Affairs. A slight woman in a gray dress is seated at a polished mahogany desk. She rises immediately.
“Chief Blackthorn, we weren’t expecting you this afternoon,” she says.
“I know, Grace. My plans were to be at Warrington Palace, but I must speak with Adahy and Liam as quickly as possible. Would you ask them to join us please? And let Abraham Phoenix know that we plan to call on him within the hour.”
“Yes, sir. Right away.”
When Adahy and Liam arrive, Ryder and I spend some time summarizing the unstable situation for them. Ryder spreads out Ralston’s map on the desk. As the men study it, he emphasizes the importance of locating the caves before nightfall.
“You must gather as much information as possible while maintaining absolute secrecy,” he says. “If you are discovered it could be disastrous for Domerica.”
Adahy picks up the map and refolds it. “We will not fail you.”
“I will be at Meadowood,” Ryder tells them. “Please come to me there in the morning with whatever information you have gathered.”
Adahy and Ryder grasp each other’s forearms, the Unicoi version of a handshake. “Peace be with you brothers,” Ryder says.
“And with you,” they reply.
Once the trackers have left, Ryder turns to me. “We can easily walk to Abraham’s home from here. Patrick can join us on foot and one or two others if you wish.”
“I think Ralston and Patrick will make the perfect wedding party,” I say. “Are two witnesses enough?”
“Yes. Are you ready?” His eyes glint cobalt as he holds out his arm for me.
I am so ready.
* * *
A large shade tree dominates the small front yard of Abraham Phoenix’s home. The new cottage is freshly painted a pale yellow with a sloping slate roof and jumbles of bright orange and scarlet flowers spilling from white window boxes.
The front door opens as we step onto the stone pathway, and a small, stooped woman with white hair and a girlish smile beckons to us. Ryder goes to her quickly and bends to embrace her. She places a gnarled hand on his cheek.
“Ryder, it is wonderful to see you. It has been too many days since you last called on us. Abraham is so pleased you have come for a visit.”
“Thank you for welcoming us, Inola,” Ryder says. “This is my betrothed, Jaden.”
“How lovely to meet you, my dear.” She takes my hand in both of hers. “Peace be with you.” Her kind eyes sparkle with grandmotherly warmth.
“And with you,” I say. She betrays no sign that she knows or cares that I’m Queen of Domerica, and I’m grateful for that.
“These are our friends Professor Ralston and Patrick Stillwater,” Ryder says. “We have a favor to ask of Abraham. May we come in?”
“Yes, yes, please.” She gestures us inside. “He’s just in the parlor.”
As we enter the tiny and sparsely furnished parlor, an elderly man with a single gray braid reaches for his cane and balances carefully as he rises from a worn leather chair. “Ryder, my son.” He stretches out his hand. His voice sounds like the crunching of autumn leaves underfoot.
Ryder claps his forearm in greeting. “Peace, Abraham.”
“And to you. Please come in and sit, all of you.”
We each take a chair, leaving no empty seat for Inola, but she perches comfortably on the broad arm of Abraham’s chair.
Ryder introduces each of us to the aging minister.
“Congratulations on your engagement,” Abraham says to me. His youthful blue eyes belie his profoundly lined face. “I have known your betrothed since birth. You could not have chosen a better man.”
“Thank you. I agree,” I say.
“I hope you plan to stay and have tea with us. Inola has just put some almond cakes into the oven.” He gazes affectionately at his wife, patting her knee.
“We do not wish to impose,” Ryder says, “but we’ve come to ask an important favor of you.”
Abraham leans forward attentively. “Of course, my son. What can I do for you?”
“Jaden and I wish to be married tonight. No one other than those in this room must know. The reasons are complex and political, involving the security of Domerica and of the queen herself. I hope you will consent to perform the ceremony for us, but if you are not comfortable with that, we will understand.”
Abraham rests his cool, clear eyes on me for a moment and then refocuses on Ryder. “This is no favor you ask, my boy. It is a privilege. I shall be honored to perform the marriage ceremony for you. Allow me a few moments to change into something more appropriate and find my ceremonial book. I’ve not done one of these for years.”
Ryder reaches for my hand, and we exchange relieved looks. “Thank you, sir. Take whatever time you need,” Ryder says. “We are comfortable here.”
Abraham grasps his cane and rises once again. Inola helps him from the room. In a few moments she returns and beckons to me from the doorway. “Come, my dear. We must make you presentable also.”
I’m not sure what she means. Granted, I’m not wearing a dress, but I think I look just fine in my riding pants and jacket. Ryder’s imploring look tells me it would be rude to refuse her, so I follow her into the hallway.
She leads me to a small bedroom in the rear of the house. It’s furnished femininely in a powder pink shade with a single ruffled bed and a compact dressing table and stool.
“Allow me to take your coat, my dear.” She helps me out of my jacket and appraises my ivory silk blouse with a shrewd eye. “Lovely. That will do,” she says. “I’ll return momentarily. You’ll find a brush in the top drawer.” She points to the dressing table.
Okay, I can take a hint. I sit on the small tufted stool and check my reflection in the mirror. My hair does look a bit wind-blown after the ride from Warrington Palace. I pull out the brush and go to work.
Inola returns in a few minutes with her arms full. “Stay right there,” she says as she piles several items on the bed. She lifts a lace shawl from the top of the heap and carefully arranges it around my shoulders.
I lightly finger the delicate fabric. “This lace is so fine, Inola. You really don’t need to do this.”
“Nonsense, my dear. You’re a queen, not a stable hand, and this is your wedding day. You can’t get married looking like that.”
Ah, so she does know who I am, and isn’t shy about insulting me.
She plucks a blue velvet pouch from the pile on the bed and unties the strings. Inside is a stunning gold and diamond tiara.
“Inola, that’s too precious,” I tell her.
“Oh, I haven’t worn this in years, and I can’t think of a better use for it.” Her bent fingers are surprisingly nimble as she anchors the tiara securely in my hair.
I admit I do look more like a queen and less like a stable girl with the crown in place. “Thank you. It’s lovely,” I say.
She slides a small case off the bed and places it on the table. “I’m not much for makeup, but I believe a touch of rouge for your cheeks and a hint of stain on your lips will do wonders.” She’s been right so far so I don’t argue with her. I’d probably lose anyway.
When she finishes fussing over me, she turns me toward the mirror, and we both smile at the results. Seeing myself all made up to look like a bride crystallizes the fact that in a few minutes I’ll be married to Ryder Blackthorn. Inola catches the flicker of panic in my eyes as my heart stumbles over itself and topples into my stomach.
She lightly touches my shoulder. “My dear, it is normal to be nervous on your wedding night. I am so sorry your beloved mother is not here to counsel you, but if I may speak in her stead, there is one bit of advice I will give you.”
For a second, I’m worried she’s going to reveal the secret of the birds and the bees, but she cups my chin in her nubby fingers and says, “Do not allow the sun to set upon your anger. It is always wise to patch things up before saying goodnight.”
“Thanks, Inola. I’ll remember that. And thanks for dressing me so beautifully.”
“I enjoyed it, my dear. Now let me make certain all is in place for the ceremony. I’ll return for you shortly.”
Alone in the tiny room, I pace while taking deep calming breaths. This is what I wanted, but a sharp sliver of conscience jabs at me for being so selfish. How can I go through with this when I know I must leave? I face the mirror, willing myself to run to Ryder and call the whole thing off.
But then the door opens, and Inola waits at the threshold with a bouquet of orange and red flowers for me. “Your true love awaits, my dear.”
Ah yes, he is my one true love. Pledging myself to him body and soul cannot possibly be wrong. I embrace the bouquet with trembling hands and go to take my wedding vows.
Abraham stands at the far end of the parlor wearing a navy blue, silk shirt and two long neckpieces—one made of large animal teeth and the other of eagle feathers. His gray hair has been loosened from its braid and hangs in waves around his shoulders. He holds a small white book in his right hand.
Patrick and Ralston stand to his left. Inola stations herself on his right. Ryder is positioned directly in front of Abraham, and he holds out his hand for me as I take my place by his side.
Abraham begins the ceremony with a short Cherokee blessing. “Man cannot measure the earth and sky. They are gifts from above. So it is with love …”
The inspiring words seep into my heart, and my entire universe shrinks down to this instant in time. I feel more alive than ever before. Every cell in my body is newly awake and alert, savoring the most important few minutes of my life. I’m acutely aware of everything around me—the slow ballet of dust motes in the shaft of light behind Abraham, the soft cadence of his scratchy voice, the sweet smell of freshly baked almond cakes, the harsh chatter of magpies in the old shade tree, the heat of Ryder’s strong hand in mine.
After a few words about the sanctity of the institution of marriage, Abraham asks if we have rings. Ralston, our combination best man/maid of honor, reaches inside his jacket pocket and withdraws the diamond and emerald engagement ring Ryder designed for me. He places it in Ryder’s palm. Then he extracts a black velvet box from his other pocket and hands me the thick gold band with interlocking circles that Lorelei crafted from my drawings.
Ryder smiles broadly at the appearance of a ring he knew nothing about. My heart thrills at his genuine delight. Once we have slipped the rings onto each other’s fingers and recited our mutual promises, Abraham wraps a white satin ribbon and a brown leather thong around our joined hands and pronounces us husband and wife. Relief and joy flood through me as I kiss my new husband, more certain than ever that this is right.
SIX
Ryder and I make the journey to Meadowood together on his horse, suffused with happiness and wonder at the enormous step we’ve just taken and the mutual commitment we’ve made. Neither of us mentions the dark threat hanging over our heads. We laugh and talk about the ceremony and Inola’s delicious almond cakes and what my family will say when we tell them, both of us anticipating the moment when we will finally be alone.
The winding lane leading to Meadowood is a stunning, shaded path that follows a narrow, mossy stream. The estate once belonged to Princess Jaden, but this is the first time I’ve ever seen it. The main house is a lofty white ante-bellum style mansion, with soaring pilasters and black shutters bracketing the windows. The grounds feature rolling lawns, giant shade trees, and what looks like an English hedge maze off to one side. A number of outbuildings—stables, guest houses, and servants’ quarters—are visible behind the main house.
We steer our horses under the porte couchere and dismount. Patrick and the other guards take the horses around to the stables, while Ryder, Ralston, and I make our way up the sweeping front stairway. Two bowing butlers open the front doors for us, and Drew welcomes us inside.
“Your Majesty,” he says, kissing my cheek. “Late as usual. Is this attributable to your desire to make a grand entrance, or was it designed to heighten the suspense surrounding this secret meeting you so hastil
y called?”
“We had a stop to make. I’ll tell you all about it,” I say. “Is Father here?”
“Yes, as well as General LeGare. Adelais is entertaining them in the drawing room. I’ve asked her not to play piano, though. She’s really quite terrible, so we’d better hurry before she runs out of small talk.”
Drew shakes hands with Ryder and Ralston, and we follow a butler down the cherry-wood paneled hallway.
“Your Majesty,” Adelais says with a curtsey as I enter the room. I’ve asked her several times to call me Jaden, but she hasn’t gotten the hang of it yet. General LeGare bows, and Father comes to embrace me.