Page 174 of Faeling
And so Ravenna had handed herself over to Hilde’s care. If she’d thought preparing for the day Vallek announced her as his mate had taken time, it was nothing compared to the wedding day.
“Everything has to be perfect,” Hilde muttered, not for the first time, as she dabbed a little more opalescent cream acrossRavenna’s collarbones, stood back to view her progress, and then stepped forward to add a little more.
Eydis grinned patiently. “It will be, love.” She and Ravenna exchanged smirks; for all that it was Ravenna and Vallek’s wedding day, Hilde’s anxieties outnumbered them all.
Ravenna wasn’t quite sure how Eydis had managed to plan and execute a royal wedding so seamlessly in such little time, but then, she’d given up on trying to decipher the spymaster’s brilliance. It was an unseen force, like the wind, and Ravenna found it best to be blown along.
Although it had been three months since defeating Amaranthe, Eydis had only really had two to plan, as Ravenna and Vallek had stayed on in Fallorian for some weeks, offering Leita support. They returned to Balmirra only when Leita assured them she had enough allies and protection within both the capital and the faelands. Although, Leita had extracted promises from Ravenna to visit again when she could.
Balmirra had erupted in celebration at the king’s return, descending into days of feasting, drinking, and dancing. It’d been almost surreal to return to their lives, something Ravenna hadn’t thought she’d see again. Duties resumed, life went on; Vallek easily retook his place within the complex web of government, but Ravenna required a few more days to get her head round the idea that a future, vast and unknown, had been laid at her feet.
Her determinedazaiknew just where to start: it was time to wed. A wedding and coronation both.
Foodstuffs and wine had to be ordered. Banners had to be made, flowers had to be sourced, and commemorative coins had to be struck. Fabric, jewels, lace, it all came flowing into the citadel. Meanwhile, invitations went out, great official scrollswritten in gold ink, secured with silk ribbon, and sealed by Vallek’s signet ring.
Under Brynhíl’s expert leadership, the citadel was scrubbed from top to bottom, preparing to house the great orcish paladins. Kennum and all his daughters. Hrothgar and his whole retinue. The court of Holdur, the chieftains of the eastern tribes, denizens from every village and hamlet—they would all be welcomed to witness the dawning of a new age.
Between resuming the duties she’d begun before leaving for Fallorian and overseeing the tasks delegated by Eydis, Ravenna had caught her stride. Preparations lent a momentum to the days, until they were passing in a blur of fittings, flower arrangements, and council meetings. She and Vallek collapsed into their bed each night, exhausted but satisfied.
There had been so much rush, so much anticipation, that the day finally being here hardly seemed real.
For all the planning and stress, Eydis was the most serene of them all. As Ravenna stood patiently atop a low table, Hilde circling her with dizzying speed, Eydis had taken it upon herself to stand nearby—ostensibly to feed Ravenna but also keep Hilde from working herself into a true fit.
The strategy worked, and as the day lengthened, Ravenna neared being ready—even if Hilde insisted she wasn’t even close. The others flitted in and out of the main hall, helping where they could, even if it was just by keeping Ravenna and Eydis company as Hilde worked feverishly.
Brynhíl came in often, monitoring their progress to update Vallek, as well as bringing fortifying plates of finger foods. Although too busy to stay long, she gushed over the vision Ravenna made in her gown. “You’ll knock him right over,” she promised.
Asta and Molly kept them supplied with food and good cheer—as well as running little errands for Hilde. When Hilde discovered how handy Molly was with a needle, the woman was conscripted into last-minute adjustments, mainly adding a few more loose crystals into Ravenna’s train.
The next time the human woman wandered into her sight, Ravenna laid her hand gently on Molly’s shoulder to—
—a great house upon a hill—three unicorns butting heads to get the best view of the baby—well done, sweetling, well done—we call her Laniet—
—apologize.
Ravenna’s thoughts dissolved into surprise. It was her first vision in months. After fulfilling Amaranthe’s fall, Ravenna had begun to believe she wouldn’t have visions anymore. It was another new reality she had to grow accustomed to.
Although she’d never relished having visions—indeed, many times she’d wished to be rid of them—something about never having them again brought a touch of sadness. Her visions had been part of her magic, part of her, and being without them was like losing a finger or toe. Not catastrophic, but not comfortable, either.
A smile broke across her lips, a surge of relief overtaking her.
Molly looked up at Ravenna’s touch to see her enigmatic smile.
“I’m sorry you’ve been put to work,” said Ravenna.
Molly waved away her concerns. “It’s no problem. How many chances will I have to work on something so fine?”
“If you ever want a break from that fae of yours, I’d be happy to offer you a position,” Hilde teased.
All of them laughed at the idea of Allarion ever letting Mollyout of his sight again.
The weeks they’d spent apart, with Allarion aiding Leita in Fallorian and Molly safely kept with his family at their country estate, had been difficult on the pair. She had finally come to reunite with him not long before Ravenna and Vallek departed the fae capital.
Although she hadn’t gotten to spend much time with Allarion’sazai,Ravenna quickly took to Molly. Lively and sarcastic, she was a perfect complement to Allarion’s more serious nature—and most importantly, wouldn’t be bullied by Bellarand. From what Ravenna came to know of Molly’s past, she sensed a kindred spirit, and the two of them shared an easy understanding.
And, most importantly to Ravenna, Molly and Allarion made each other happy. Watching them together, bantering back and forth—sometimes silently as they conversed and argued with Bellarand—was something to behold. They were a unit, a family, and Ravenna couldn’t be happier for Allarion.
He’d sacrificed so much for her and her family. Even though Ravenna had upended her father’s plans, none of this would have been possible without Allarion’s help. His loyalty to Maxim and love for Ravenna was a catalyst, and she would always be grateful.
