Page 31 of The Immortal's Trick
Knowing Nebet won’t relent without an answer, I offer her a fragment of truth. “I worry our marriage will not be one of love.”
Nebet frowns. “What do you mean? Lome dotes on you endlessly. Surely, that is enough to speak of his affection.”
“Affection, yes, but…” I hesitate, knowing I sound silly. “Is affection the same as love?”
“You are young,” she says with a patient smile, as if two decades exist between us and not two years. “Perhaps Lome wishes to respect your innocence. Rest assured, I do not believe you need to doubt his intentions or feelings. I am sure he will reveal it all on your wedding night.”
“Nebet,” I groan, my cheeks burning.
She laughs, light and teasing. “Do not be such a prude. Iknowyou know about the intricacies of marriage.”
Of course I do. I know what is expected of a wife. But when I imagine Lome—his golden skin, the strength in his hands, the depth in his eyes—leaning over me… Iburn.
Nebet’s laughter fades, and she presses her forehead to mine in a tender gesture.
“I’m sorry for teasing,” she murmurs. “But I do believe you have nothing to fear, Eshe. All will be well. You’ll see.”
“Thank you,” I whisper, even though I’m not sure I believe her. I turn my gaze out the arched window.
Below, the garden bustles with activity. The seating is arranged now. The servants have moved on to decorating the altar beneath the Grecian arch laced with lilies and silk.
The ceremony will be Greek, but my heritage won’t be forgotten. An Egyptian priest will bless the union, too—Father’s request. Lome agreed without hesitation.
“A part of me still cannot believe it is happening,” Nebet says, following my gaze. “My little Eshe, getting married.”
She leans against my shoulder. I rest my head against hers, and for a moment, the world goes quiet.
The imported trees, the fountains, the embroidered carpet laid down the aisle—it’s everything I never could have imagined and more.
And yet, what calms me most is this moment is my sister beside me. Her hand in mine. Like a last breath of air before everything changes.
Despite my unease, I don’t regret my decision.
Lome offered me freedom and a way to save Nebet from an unwanted fate. And along with it, he offered his heart—ancient, steady, sincere.
Maybe love will come. Perhaps it already has, in a form I don’t yet understand.
“Yes,” I whisper, seeing Lome and his brother step into the sunlit garden beyond, looking so handsome it makes my heart flutter. “Iamgetting married.”
13
“Is thereanything I can get you before we leave?” Lome asks from the doorway, his silhouette framed by the golden light of the hall’s sconces.
Beyond him, I catch glimpses of the last few guests trickling out of the villa, their laughter fading like the remnants of a dream. The scent of rosewater and wine still lingers in the air, mingling with the salt on my skin. Everything feels distant, blurred, like the memory of something too big to absorb all at once.
The day plays in pieces in my head. My knees were trembling as I walked to the altar. The murmurs of those in attendance. The warmth of Lome’s hand as he took mine. The exchange of words I barely registered, spoken with a voice that didn’t feel like mine. And then—the kiss.Thatpart I remember vividly.
How Lome’s eyes caught the light just before he leaned in, his smile full of promise. His lips brushing mine with affection I didn’t expect.
I don’t feel any different, but I am now a married woman. A gold ring rests on my finger. My dress still smells of crushed jasmine and celebration. And Lome—this impossibly beautifulman—is standing in my room like he’s always belonged here. LikeI’vealways belonged here.
I exhale, but the breath sticks in my throat. It isn’t relief. Not yet. There’s still more to do.
Well…twomore things.
I shake my head, trying to quiet the fluttering in my stomach. I finally answer him, “No, thank you.”
He steps farther into the room, concern softening his features. “Are you sure? Water? Wine?”
