Page 130 of A Thieving Curse

She raised her head from his shoulder and looked up at him. “Well…at least they won’t get in the way.”

He snorted. “After twelve years, they rarely got in the way. I had keeping them out of the way down.”

“Yes, but…” She stroked his grimy hair. “You weren’t sharing a bed with anyone.”

He blinked, then grinned. “You know what? I suppose I don’t need wings.”

Gareth was leaning against the wall next to the front entrance of the palace when they arrived. As they walked up the steps, Gareth looked them up and down.

“Not going to bathe or anything first, huh, Alexander? I’m a bit surprised you convinced the dungeon guards you’re their king. You look pretty bad on your own, but next to Raelyn, you look like a serf with a crown.”

“Gareth!” Raelyn gasped.

“A handsome serf,” Alex said. He sounded amused and not at all offended.

“Who said you’re handsome?” Raelyn asked.

“I…” Alex faltered. “Am…I…not?”

“Oh, no.” She smirked as his expression fell. “You’re gorgeous.” The deep red blush that spread over his face was worth it. She went up on her toes to murmur in his ear, “That was payback for in the dungeon.”

He snorted and planted a quick kiss on her lips before turning back to Gareth. “Were you watching for us?”

“Yes.” Gareth grinned. “I’m a legally required witness.” He straightened. “Father and Mother are still in the great hall. They hoped you’d return. I told Tristan to get lost before I punched his face in. I’ll warn you that Father’s still peeved, but I convinced him to give Raelyn away.” Gareth’s grin faded, then he brightened again. “Come on.”

Father and Mother stood near the daises, regal and impassive. Father narrowed his eyes as they approached. “Have you changed your mind?”

Alex lifted his chin and motioned to Jasper. “No. Sir Walters, my royal steward, will perform the ceremony.” His hand tightened on hers. “Don’t make me call my guards.”

Raelyn’s heart thudded as Father’s hard gaze bored into Alex, making her fidget. She didn’t like the idea of getting married without Father’s blessing. To Alex’s credit, he stared right back, as confident as if he could still breathe fire.

“I hope Gareth is correct that this marriage will help legitimize your reign.” Father looked at Jasper. “I give my permission for my daughter to wed Crown Prince Alexander Tallon before their official wedding ceremony.”

Raelyn beamed. “Thank you.”

Father’s mouth pinched. “Well, the prince is irritatingly determined. And if Gareth likes him…he might actually deserve you.”

Alex and Raelyn followed Jasper to the head of the room, just in front of the lower dais—where minutes ago Alex had stood in chains. Meredith and Peter moved to one of the benches. Gareth sat on another bench and flung his ankle across his knee, and Mother and Father sat next to him.

“Can you keep this short?” Alex inquired. “I’d really like to get off my feet.”

Jasper nodded. “Of course, Your Excellency.” He solemnly folded his hands in front of him. “Please face each other and take each other’s hands.”

They did as instructed. Alex rubbed his thumbs over the back of her hands.

“We gather here today to join Prince Alexander Tallon of Rethalyon and Princess Raelyn Argent of Eynlae in holy matrimony,” Jasper intoned. “If anyone objects to this union, speak now, or forever hold your peace.”

Raelyn’s nerves tingled in the brief silence that followed. She glanced at Meredith and Peter, who beamed at them through tears. Father stood with his arm around Mother’s shoulders. Mother offered a tight smile, like she was clenching her jaw. Raelyn looked at Gareth. He opened his mouth and her eyes widened. But then he closed his mouth and winked.Brat.She turned back to Alexander.

“Do you, Crown Prince Alexander…” Jasper faltered, his voice thick with emotion. “Vow to love, cherish, care for, honor, and treasure Princess Raelyn as your only wife, so long as you both shall live?”

“I do. I very much do.”

Raelyn bit her tongue to keep from chuckling.

“Do you, Princess Raelyn, vow to love, cherish, care for, honor, and respect Prince Alexander as your only husband, so long as you both shall live?”

“I do.” She bounced a little, grinning in anticipation.

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