Page 141 of Ironling
Morraugh glanced at the open doors before squinting up at Aislinn. “And what of this business with the orc? Are we really to believe you’re choosing him?”
Aislinn looked to the halfling beside her and found him gazing back. He stood stoically again, and she had the feeling that he would stand aside if she asked him to.
She’d never ask that of him, today or ever.
“Yes, I have,” she said. Standing several steps up, she was almost of a height with him, perfect to hug his arm to her chest. “He is patient and kind and good to me. He makes me happy.”
A small smile broke across Hakon’s face, and his eyes were so full of love for her, Aislinn could only smile back with unbridled joy. He meant so much to her, far more than her simple words, but he deserved to be told in private. What they felt was between them, and she didn’t owe Morraugh or anyone else more.
Still, Morraugh and several other older lords sputtered.
Thinking quickly, Aislinn said, “Choosings traditionally end in a handfasting. As the seniormost noble here, it would be an honor if you would perform the rite, Baron Morraugh.”
The old man gaped at her in surprise, his beard twitching.
In truth, it would be an honor for Morraugh to preside over the betrothal of the heiress, but she let him think what he would.
After a moment, Morraugh nodded. “I am at your service, my lady.”
Ushering him up with a hand, Aislinn had Morraugh mount the dais as she and Hakon faced each other on the bottom step. She looked up at her handsome halfling in wonder, unbelieving that her luck had changed so quickly.
Morraugh cleared his throat. “We’ll need something to bind your hands.”
Sorcha was suddenly at her elbow, handing over a red ribbon. She winked when Aislinn looked at her in surprise. “I was hoping this was how today would go.”
Aislinn grinned, starbursts of joy sparkling through her as Morraugh began.
“Do you, Lady Aislinn, mean to have this man to wed and to love?”
“Yes, I do.”
“And do you, Hakon Green-Fist, mean to have this woman towed and to love?”
“For always.”
Baron Morraugh wound the ribbon around their joined hands, tying them together. “As senior peer of the realm, I recognize your promise to each other and wish you well. May your hearts be true and your nuptials swift.”
And with those words, Aislinn was betrothed to her halfling.
Applause went up from the crowd, but Aislinn hardly heard. Standing on her toes, she met Hakon’s kiss, hoping the small gesture was enough to show just how much she loved him.
They spent a good hour receiving well-wishes and congratulations, one Aislinn hardly remembered later in her daze of disbelief and happiness. All the while, she clung to her halfling, unwilling to let him go or out of her sight for fear it was all just a dream.
When the line to speak to them eventually thinned and people drifted into smaller groups to discuss the morning’s events in detail, Aislinn finally felt like she could breathe. Her people’s acceptance still shocked her, though perhaps she hadn’t given them enough credit before.
She was sure not all would support her and Hakon, but for today, this was enough.
“That leaves only what to do about Bayard’s knights,” she said, her bubble of happiness threatening to pop.
Hakon turned to face her, taking her hands in his. He kissed each knuckle before asking, “Do you trust me?”
Aislinn’s brows rose. The answer perhaps wouldn’t have been so simple even a few days ago. She trusted him with her body, her mind, even her heart, but trusting matters of state to others was something else entirely.
Now, though, as she gazed upon her betrothed, the answer was indeed simple.
“Yes.”
He nodded. “Then allow me to handle it? Aodhan and I will have it dealt with by tomorrow.”
