Page 27 of Crown of Briars
A single Agnarrish word: “Dach.”Yes.
His voice was deep and much smoother than I’d expected. I had prepared myself for a rough and gravelly sound, the voice of a true monster, a voice that grated against my ears. But instead, it was low and sultry and washed over me like a warm caress.
This was completely at odds with my mental picture of the Wraith King.
Tislora nodded, then looked at me. In Terrish, she said loudly, “We are here to unite these two in the binding ceremony of vows and blood.”
I shot a glance over my shoulder, frowning at the crowd behind us. They had all been here moments before, setting up for the ceremony. Now they were wedding guests? Where were the nobles and courtiers? I had to admit, I had expected more fanfare and a much bigger crowd. This almost seemed like a small, intimate affair. Not at all what I pictured for the wedding of the King of the Shadow Court.
“Sybelle of the Earthen Court,” Tislora continued, “do you vow to bind yourself in body and blood to the Shadow King? To serve this court to the best of your ability, provided that the Earthen Court is not at risk?”
Beside me, the Wraith King stiffened, and I wondered if Tislora failed to mention to him her promise to include the protection of my home in the marriage vows.
I held my breath, waiting for him to object, but he said nothing. After a moment, I realized Tislora was waiting for my response, so I quickly said, “I do.”
In an undertone, Tislora whispered, “You must say,I solemnly vow.”
Clearing my throat, I said firmly, “I solemnly vow.”
Sudden warmth whispered across my skin, and the dagger at my hip burned hot from the presence of magic in the air.
Tislora turned to the shadows swirling around the Wraith King. In Agnarrish, she said, “Do you, King Varius, vow to bind yourself in body and blood to the Earthen Princess? To serve the Shadow Court and make your sacrifice to the curse that cages us?”
I frowned. What curse? But as Tislora’s eyes flicked to mine, I quickly arranged my features into what I hoped was a neutral expression. I didn’t want her to know I understood what she was saying.
With his deep, melodious voice, the king said in Agnarrish, “I solemnly vow.”
Magic hissed in the air, and my skin prickled. The runes painted on my arms and cheeks began to burn, and I resisted the urge to scratch at them.
“Now pledge your vows in blood,” Tislora said.
My stomach knotted, and I looked at her in alarm. But she was watching the Wraith King. A metallic sound rang out as he drew his blade, still obscured by his shadows. Black droplets of blood oozed from a wound I could not see. I stared at the inky liquid pooling on the ground, mesmerized by it.
“I, King Varius, vow to bind myself in body and blood to the Earthen Princess, and to serve the Shadow Court and make my sacrifice to the curse that cages them. I pledge this vow with my own blood.”
My insides were frozen with terror as warmth seared into my skin once more. The runes burned hotter than before, making my skin sizzle as if I had been branded.
Tislora looked at me and smirked. In my own language, she said, “Your turn, human.”
I scowled at her, then withdrew the dagger at my hip. Immediately, a flood of awareness rushed over me, and I stifled a gasp of alarm. Energy and courage swelled in my chest, blotting out all fear.
“Repeat after me,” Tislora said. “I, Sybelle of the Earthen Court, vow to bind myself in body and blood to the Shadow King…”
Dragging the tip of the blade along the center of my palm, I repeated the words.
“…and to serve this court to the best of my ability,” said Tislora.
My breath trembled as I spoke the words.
“…provided that the Earthen Court is not at risk,” said Tislora.
“…provided that the Earthen Courtor its inhabitantsare not at risk,” I said with emphasis. The gemstones from the dagger were making me feel bold, but I did not care.
Tislora’s silver eyes flashed. Clearly, she had noticed my altered wording of the vow. But I refused to recount it. The Wraith King could easily kidnap a member of my court, drag them to the Shadow Court, and hold them hostage, all while claiming the Earthen Court was not in any danger. I wanted to ensure that not only the land of my home was protected but also the people within it.
My own crimson blood dripped to the ground, mingling with the black blood of the king’s. I expected Tislora to insist I repeat the vow with the proper wording. But she didn’t.
“Bring your hands together,” Tislora instructed.
