Page 144 of Ironling
As had the difficult truth Orek tried to make him see. Hakon spent so much of his life hoping and wishing for a mate of his own that the idea of one nearly eclipsed the real woman. He’d built up and clung to the idea of a mate and a life with this imaginary woman so tightly that he’d nearly lost her.
He had to love Aislinn as Aislinn, not just his mate.
He’d come to these realizations almost too late, and the thought of how close he’d been to losing her entirely sent ashiver down his spine.
Leaving her yesterday had been difficult, as was asking Orek for help. Neither would have compared to losing her, though, so Hakon swallowed his pride and chose his mate, chose Aislinn, above all else.
Those hours leading up to the Choosing had been a blur of movement. He and Orek had bounced down the country lanes as fast as they could in a spare cart, arriving at Scarborough in a cloud of dust. Allarion and Bellarand hadn’t seemed surprised to see them, and the fae agreed to come to the aid of Aislinn and Dundúran. For his help, though, he asked one promise of Hakon. He agreed without thought or care, already halfway down the lane back to the Brádaigh estate.
Over dinner in the otherly camp, he’d traded his land away—this time with some thought and care. He mourned the life that would never be, but in the end, Aislinn was worth every sacrifice. And, he was proud that the land would help establish his friends within the Darrowlands.
Half belonged to the manticore pack, who drove a hard bargain for their aid. Orek had been disappointed and disgusted, but Hakon understood. All the males hoped to find their own mates and begin their own pride. They needed land for homes—and to impress the families of possible brides.
The other half went to establishing a true village for those still in the camp—the small harpy flock and the dozen halflings who had yet to purchase farms of their own now had a permanent place, no longer dependent on the charity of the Brádaighs.
Hakon, however, had thrown himself on the charity of Aoife Brádaigh. He’d been scrubbed and trimmed and fitted. The morning of the Choosing, Orek bundled him into a cart as Calum and Blaire helped him don the finery they’d cobbled together. It felt as though he’d just slid his arms into the sleeves of the coat when he’d walked into the great hall, his eyes only for the womanhe’d come to claim.
Fates, he couldn’t believe he’d done all that in so little time. He owed Orek and the Brádaighs a great deal.
But that was for tomorrow.
He and Aodhan arrived at Aislinn’s door in the wee hours, but Hakon knew he’d find her awake.
Turning to the captain, Hakon extended his hand.
The captain took and shook it, bowing his head in respect. “It gives me peace of mind to know that now, any threat to her has to go through you first.”
“I’m a much larger target,” Hakon laughed.
Bidding the captain farewell, Hakon nodded at the guards flanking Aislinn’s door. They bowed their heads and opened it for him without question.
Hakon walked through the threshold into her solar for the first time, his chest so full of satisfaction and triumph, it made his ribs ache.
He was sure their union would be met with ugliness. No doubt today offered them a respite from the sheer shock of it—an heiress choosing a halfling—as the news spread. Not everyone would welcome him nor Aislinn’s choice, and they had to prepare themselves for the backlash.
That was for tomorrow, too.
Shutting the door behind him, Hakon beheld a scene more perfect than even his dreams.
Aislinn sat curled up in a plush armchair by the hearth, the book in her lap forgotten as she watched him enter. Wülf slept on a velvet cushion at her feet, and the toes of one foot stuck out from the hem of her dressing gown to scratch him.
She looked so soft and content, a smile overtaking her lovely face. Her hair hung unbound in a riot of mismatched curls from the pins and braids, and her freshly scrubbed face glowed in the firelight from the hearth. Putting the book aside, she bound fromher seat and into his arms.
Hakon caught her up and lifted her off her feet, making her giggle.
“You’re here.”
“I’m here.”
She shone brighter than the summer sun as she smiled at him, her face full of the same wonder that overwhelmed Hakon.
So many of my days will end just like this—with her, in this room.
The realization nearly brought him to his knees with gratitude.
“Did everything go all right?”
“It did.” And he’d tell her all about it—later. Tonight, she had no need for worries or fears.
