From Darkness Won - Jill Williamson [219]
“Lady Averella,” Toros said, “I have not the right to bind you to Prince Gidon Hadar. Only you have this right. If it be your desire, say so at this time and place your ring in his hand.”
“It is my desire.” Sparrow reached out, and Achan helped her by meeting her hand. He couldn’t help but smile at her blindness as he took the ring from her.
“Your Highness, if it be your desire for the lady Averella to be bound to you, place her ring on her finger.”
Achan took Sparrow’s hand and slid the gold band onto her finger.
“Repeat after me: I, Prince Gidon Hadar…”
Achan said, “I, Prince Gidon Hadar…”
“…in the name of Arman that resides within me…”
“…in the name of Arman that resides within me…”
It continued that way, with Achan repeating everything Toros said.
“…by the life that courses within my blood, and the love that resides within my heart, take you, Averella Amal, to my hand, my heart, and my spirit, to be my chosen one. I promise to love you without restraint, whether sick or healthy, whether in plenty or in poverty, until Arman parts us in death.”
Then Toros asked Sparrow to repeat the same to Achan. When she had finished, Toros said, “By the power vested in me by Arman and the future king…”
A low laugh passed through the crowd.
“…I declare you husband and wife. May your love so endure that its flame remains a guiding light all your days.”
Toros stepped before them and placed a hand on each of their heads. “Arman is one. Arman is three. Arman is three in one. Bless, preserve, and keep this couple, look upon them with mercy and favor, fill them with wisdom and grace, that they may live together in this life, and that in the world to come they may have life everlasting. May it be so.”
The audience echoed with “So be it” or “May it be so.”
“Your Highness, you may kiss your bride.”
Achan lifted the veil over Sparrow’s head and smiled down on her lovely face. “There you are.”
Her brow crinkled, as if she were about to say something smart. He pressed his lips to hers before she could speak. The scent of almonds flooded his senses. He took her face in one hand and held her steady, laying his claim in front of every witness present. So warm and sweet. He hummed, joy bubbling over. One more quick kiss and he pulled back.
The crowd cheered. Achan felt his face go flush. Sparrow’s did, as well. Tears teased the corners of her eyes.
Toros turned Achan and Sparrow until they faced the crowd. “Here stands before you, Prince Gidon Hadar and his bride!”
The crowd cheered again. Achan took Sparrow’s hand in his, kissed the back of it, then they walked hand in hand down the aisle.
People showered them with seeds and grains of wheat to wish them prosperity. He had to inch along to keep pace with Sparrow, for she was barely moving. Then she tripped.
Achan swept her up in his arms and carried her the rest of the way.
He entered the keep under the grand staircase. The banquet would be held in the great hall. But instead of taking the stairs up, Achan carried Sparrow through the foyer and into a solar on the first level. He kissed her, twirled her in a circle, and set her down. “I don’t want to go to a banquet and stuff my face, Sparrow.”
She set a hand against her stomach. “I doubt I could eat a thing. There is no room in this dress for anything else.”
“Let’s leave then. Why must we sit through another formal banquet?”
“Because you are the future king and—”
“And you are queen.”
“Yes. And your people—”
“Our people.”
“Our people want to celebrate with us.” She punched for his arm.
But he caught her fist and tucked her hand around his neck. “Such a violent wife I have. You don’t have any weapons on you, do you? Perhaps a knife?”
“I told you, there is no room in this dress. Not even for a little knife.”
“Perhaps I should check.” He ran his hand from her waist and up her side.
She slapped his hand away. “My dear husband, this is not the time or place.” But she raised onto her tiptoes and kissed him.
Your Highness? Sir Caleb’s voice.
Achan groaned. What is it you want, Sir Caleb?