From Darkness Won - Jill Williamson [218]
He reached into the narrow pocket in his doublet. His fingers did not find mentha leaves but his half of the coin. He drew it out, squeezed it, and tucked it back into his pocket.
His left-hand pocket furnished him with another store of mentha. He stuffed two leaves into his mouth as stealthily as he could and took a deep breath.
Arman, give me peace, I beg You.
The gardens were beautiful. The valances were thick with vines and white blossoms. Achan glanced at his future mother-in-law. The woman’s eyes were also fixed on the entrance.
Bang!
He jumped as the doors at the back of the keep swung open. A man and woman stood in the open doorway.
Father and daughter.
A murmur ran through the crowd. A man to Achan’s left began to play an eerie tune on the pipes. Achan shivered. What kind of song was this? It felt more like a death march than a wedding song.
His bride started forward. She was draped in what looked to be blue and gold gemstones. Her veil was so thick he couldn’t even see her face.
Is that you under all those stones, Sparrow?
Does it look like someone else?
Can you even see where you’re going?
No, but thankfully Sir Eagan can be my eyes.
Achan chuckled, thankful for bloodvoices and the chance to speak with his friend. How long is the garden walk, anyhow? Can’t you take normal steps?
What ever is your hurry?
I feel as though everyone is staring at me, and I do not have a veil to hide behind.
You cannot see it, Your Highness, but I am rolling my eyes at your sad situation. And I cannot take normal steps because my gown is a vise tighter than an Eben’s fist.
Mercy. Well… it looks quite nice.
She was still inching toward him. It had better look better than “nice,” or you shall pay later.
You promise?
But Sir Eagan and Sparrow had reached the end of the pergola, and she said no more.
Toros spoke to Achan, drawing his gaze away from the heap of silk and jewels that was Sparrow. “You come here today, my prince, of your own free will to marry this lady?”
“Aye, that I do.”
Sir Caleb shot Achan a dirty look, likely due to Achan’s saying “aye” rather than “yes,” but Sir Eagan smiled.
Toros addressed Sparrow. “Lady, is it true that you come here today of your own free will to be married to this prince?”
“Yes, it is true.”
“Whose blessings accompany you?”
“That of her father and all her family.” Sir Eagan kissed Sparrow’s hand, then stepped behind her.
“Please join hands with your betrothed,” Toros said.
Achan held out his hand, and Sparrow slipped hers into it. His heart leapt at her touch, despite them both wearing gloves. He readjusted his grip by sliding his fingers between hers and squeezed. Why did they make us wear gloves?
It is proper to wear gloves at formal occasions.
I still cannot see your face.
Perhaps I am Lady Jaira, and you will not know until our vows are sealed.
Now I’m truly frightened. Should I run?
You had better not.
“Above you are stars, below you stones. As time goes by, remember… Like a stone your love should be firm. Like a star your love should be constant. May the wisdom of your minds guide you. May the strength of your wills bind you. May the power of love and desire bring you joy. And may the strength of your dedication make you inseparable.
“Be free in giving affection and warmth. Be close, possess one another, but have understanding and patience. For storms will come, but if you obey Arman, they will pass quickly.
“Your Highness, I have not the right to bind you to the lady Averella. Only you have this right. If it be your desire, say so at this time and place your ring in her hand.”
“It is my greatest desire.” Achan lifted Sparrow’s hand and pressed the man’s ring he had chosen from the vault in her palm. He folded her fingers over it.
“Lady Averella, if it be your desire for Prince Gidon Hadar to be bound to you, place his ring on his finger.”
Sparrow’s head tipped down, and she patted the air in search of Achan’s hand.
He reached out and touched her fingers. Looking for this?
Oh, hush up. She slid the ring onto his finger. The gold gleamed against his