Page 42 of Frost and Death
“Thank you all for attending the past week of celebration that we have dedicated to honor our Makers.” Looking toward Niko, I am met with an encouraging nod.
His sweet presence shines through the onyx leather jacket and trousers. Gold accents line his vest, complementing my gown, but not enough to cause questions.
His auburn hair is combed into place, and his eyes gaze into mine, dropping down to my lips.
I square my shoulders, my own mask of indifference slipping when his grin sends heat into my cheeks.
As I veer to the guests, I scan each individual and attempt my shot at smiling. I want to show them there is more than what they whisper. Regardless of their feelings about me, the people will be overjoyed in my choosing of Niko.
But my brief burst of delight fizzles when I stop on a familiar face.
Rick.
He studies me carefully, but I shake off the grip his blue eyes have on me.
Announcing my engagement now will leave no room for Rick to speak out against me and Niko. I hold on to that thought.
I continue, “Many of you know, on this day, we shall light these lanterns to honor Yeva and Letum, the creators of all living things, but I have another reason for celebration tonight.”
The crowd’s voices grow into hushed discussions, and I thank the Makers that today my cycle is more manageable. If I had started my cycle today, I would have fainted and vomited on the spot while giving this speech.
“My hope for tonight is that you, the people of Axidoria, not only honor the Deities but also join me in celebrating my marriage to Lord Nikolaj Drost of Thosow.” I extend a hand to Niko, my friend, royal advisor, and soon-to-be husband.
Cheers rise from the crowd as a huff of air escapes his lips. Their yipping and hollering are nothing but a muted noise in my ears as Niko steps forward, smiling and holding my hand.
His smile warms my entire body, my heart overjoyed to call him mine.
He raises his hand to silence them. “Queen Tove and I will wed at the end of the week and would be honored if you would join us in our union.”
The head of my guard stands to attention, forcing the others to follow suit.
They withdraw their swords, angling them to the sky, and chant in unison, “All Hail, Queen Tove Clemmensen and future King Consort Nikolaj Drost!”
The chant is repeated by the giddy crowd as Niko and I look at each other, beaming from cheek to cheek.
Niko takes my hand, bringing it to his lips and kissing my knuckles.
A wave of heat crashes against me when he leans in, placing a gentle kiss on my lips.
I giggle when the crowd coaxes him on, and our lips meet again.
He pulls away, sunshine itself lighting up the entire courtyard.
Facing the crowd, he says, “Now let’s really celebrate!”
Our guests sing their praises again as I send my first lantern dedicated to my father into the sky.
Inching forward on the steps above the courtyard, I whisper my reverence to Yeva as well as a wish.
My father taught us about the Makers and believed that wishing gives us extra luck in our future. Keeping the tradition, I wish for my kingdom to be blessed.
As I turn to begin my second and third, guests light their own lanterns, releasing them into the sky.
My second lantern goes to my mother. Honoring her and loving her was always difficult, but since she blessed me with magic, my second wish is to harness my magic for my people and find a way to end the ongoing winter.
But when Runa’s lantern is lit, I hold it close, counting my breaths and trying to settle on a wish. Smiling slightly, I think of one that will always be my wish from here on out, to heal, to love, and to find my happy again with my husband by my side.
My lips lift as my final lantern tilts up to the sky.
