Page 165 of Ironling
Love and pride heated his blood, and he reached greedily for her as she approached with her father.
Aislinn joined him under the trellis, folding her hands with his. Her smile outshone the sun overhead, and his nerves burned away in the presence of her radiance.
He hardly heard Lord Merrick as he began to speak. A hush fell over the crowd, everyone leaning closer to hear.
“As liege lord of this land, it is the greatest of honors to bind my daughter, Lady Aislinn Darrow—” he smiled fondly at her, his voice cracking “—with Hakon Green-Fist. We celebrate their union today, tomorrow, and for always.”
The people clapped and cheered, calling their names.
“Have you, Aislinn Darrow, come here today of your own free will?”
“Ardently, yes,” she answered, squeezing Hakon’s hands.
“And do you mean to take this man as your husband, to pledge yourself to him, to bind yourself to him, and to give him all the rest of your days?”
“Yes,” she said for all to hear. But for him, she added, “They’re already yours.”
Hakon fought with all his might not to grab her and crush her to his chest and never let go. This woman—she was everything to him. Hopes and dreams paled in comparison to her.
Lord Merrick turned to Hakon, a twinkle in his eyes. “Have you, Hakon Green-Fist, come here today of your own free will?”
“Nothing would keep me away.”
“And do you mean to take this woman as your wife, to pledge yourself to her, to bind yourself to her, and to give her all the rest of your days?”
“Yes. I’ve been hers since I first saw her.”
The crowd cooed and laughed and cheered.
“And will you, Hakon Green-Fist, swear fealty to the Darrowlands, to its Liege Merrick Darrow, and its heiress Aislinn Darrow?”
“Yes.”
“Will you give your life for her, serve her, and uphold her rule?”
“With everything I am.”
Nodding his approval, Lord Merrick pulled a blue strip of velvet from his pocket. Hakon and Aislinn lifted their joined hands, and her father carefully wrapped the cloth around them before tying off the ends in a small knot.
“Tied together, bound together, joined together.”
The words imprinted upon his soul, and the breath rushed out of Hakon. Relief, terror, love, they all invaded his senses until all he could see was her.
She’s mine.
“I declare them husband and wife—and your future Liege and Lord Consort. What say you?”
“We welcome them!” cried the people of the Darrowlands.
“Then before your people, make your vows and seal it.”
Hakon pulled his mate close, resting their bound hands against his chest, over the heart that drummed a tender beat. Heslid his free hand around her waist, needing to feel her. He was aware of the thousands of eyes upon them, but holding her kept him centered.
“You were my friend first,” Aislinn said, tears gathering at her lashes. “You’ve always seen me for who I am. Your patience, your kindness, everything you are is a gift. One I will cherish all the rest of my days. Not everyone is lucky enough to marry their friend, but today, I’m a very lucky woman.”
The people gushed and cheered, but Hakon hardly heard. His ears rang not from the crowd but the promise of her vow.
“I came to the Darrowlands seeking a new life. A home and a family. I thought I knew what I wanted—and then I saw you. Against reason, I hoped for the impossible. I couldn’t give you up, and I never will. You are more than I ever dreamed or hoped—you’re everything. And I will spend my life giving that to you in return.”
