Page 12 of Crown of Light and Ashes
A servant appears, bowing ridiculously low. "My lord, the preparations for the ceremony are complete. The Master of Ceremonies requests your approval."
"Fine," I sigh dramatically. "Let's see what hideous aesthetic crimes have been committed in the name of matrimony."
The grand courtyard has been transformed with black marble platforms for the ceremony, surrounded by thousands of crystal orbs containing writhing shadows. Dark roses and nightshade blossoms form elaborate arrangements, their scent heavy in the cool air.
At the far end stands the traditional Shadow Court wedding arch—twisted black metal where shadows form partial images of faces in agony, grasping hands, and blinking eyes. I can just imagine how the Light Court delegation will react. The thought brings a smile to my face.
The blood binding altar gleams with ancient runes beneath thewedding arch. I've studied the ancient texts extensively in preparation for this day, familiarizing myself with the binding magic that has sealed Shadow Court marriages for millennia. Most see it as merely ceremonial, but the magic is very real. When our blood mingles on that obsidian surface during the ritual, our life forces will be partially tethered. The binding won't just join us legally—it will create a magical connection that allows each to sense the other's presence, to draw on one another's power in times of need, and to share certain sensations when in close proximity.
The ancient texts describe it as "two shadows cast by a single light." It also means that if one dies violently, the other will feel the echo of their pain. A rather effective deterrent against spousal murder, which I suspect my bride might appreciate knowing.
"And the bride's preparations?" I ask, aiming for casual disinterest.
"Lady Nesilhan has been presented with the ceremonial gown as you commanded," the Master of Ceremonies replies. "She... initially refused to put it on."
"Did she?" I ask, amused. "And how was that resolved?"
"Your grandmother's handmaidens insisted, my lord. They can be quite... persuasive."
"Bunch of terrifying old bats," I agree cheerfully. "Did she try to escape? Set anything on fire? Curse my name to the seven hells?"
"She has been... remarkably composed, according to reports."
This surprises me. What is she planning?
"Double the guards outside her chambers," I order. "And have her food tasted before it's delivered. I don't want to become a widower before I'm even a husband."
As twilight deepens, I find myself growing increasingly restless. Six hours until Nesilhan becomes my wife. I wonder what she's thinking right now. Is she crying? Plotting my demise? The thoughtof her fury brings a strange feeling I don't immediately recognize—something almost like respect.
Ridiculous. I don't respect anyone. Respect implies equality, and no one is my equal.
Just before the ceremony, Emir returns with a report on my bride.
"Lady Nesilhan is ready, my lord," he says. "She is wearing the ceremonial gown as required."
"And?" I prompt.
"She has not shed a single tear. However, the handmaiden mentioned that when she believed herself to be alone, Lady Nesilhan was practicing some form of light magic. Small scale, contained within her palms."
Now that is interesting. "What kind of magic?"
"The servant couldn't say precisely. Just that it appeared to be a focusing exercise of some kind."
I consider this information. Is she preparing some form of attack? Or simply centering herself?
"It's time, my lord," Emir says, glancing at the clock.
I stand, allowing the servants to make final adjustments to my attire. Shadows swirl around me, responding to my anticipation.
"How do I look?" I ask, turning to Emir. "Appropriately terrifying for a groom?"
"You look like exactly what you are," Emir replies cryptically.
"A devastatingly handsome shadow lord about to claim his unwilling bride in a ceremony designed to humiliate her entire court?" I suggest with a grin.
"And if she tries to kill you?" Emir asks flatly.
I laugh, the sound echoing off the stone walls. "Then we'll have the most exciting wedding night in Shadow Court history. Either way, I win."
