Page 251 of When Sisters Collide
Leukos’ stomach sank at Kaixo’s words, but he didn’t let it show. If Alena hadn’t found him in that slave market… where would the boy be now? Still in chains? Dead? Forgotten? He pushed the thought aside and forced warmth into his voice. “Well, you’re invited to this one. And you can eat as much as you like. No rules or scraps. Just a celebration.”
Kaixo blinked. “Whose wedding is it?”
“Mine. And Alena’s. We’re getting married.”
The boy’s eyes widened. “Really? You like her that much?”
A laugh escaped Leukos. “Yes. I like her very, very much.” He returned to the spear in his hands, assessing its rough edge. “And we would both like you to be part of the ceremony.”
“Really?!” Kaixo practically bounced upright, his gloom replaced by pure excitement. “What do I have to do?”
“The Westerners celebrate weddings with a special circle,” Leukos explained—though he’d never attended one himself. He was only repeating what the royal tutors had taught him long ago. “Friends and family stand around us, each holding a sacred item.”
“Like a sword? Or a spear?” Kaixo asked, eyeing the one in Leukos’ hand.
Leukos nodded. “Could be. But it has to be something that matters toyou.”
Kaixo fell quiet, thoughtful. Then he reached into the pouch at his belt and pulled out the small wooden figure Leukos had carved for him the previous year—a tiny effigy of the Non-Humans’ goddess.
“Can I hold Ama?” His voice was softer, almost reverent. “She’s the only sacred thing I own. And my mama… she said our goddess would protect Alena.”
Something in Leukos’ chest pulled tight, and he gave a solemn nod. “Of course.” He rose and held out his hand. “Come on, then. The wedding is today. Will you get ready with me?”
Kaixo startled upright, his eyes going wide again. Apollo leapt up beside him, tail swishing in the tall grass. “Today? But I don’t have anything to wear!”
Leukos smiled and handed him the spear. “I’m sure Damona will have a fresh tunic for you. She spent all of yesterday organising the ceremony. I doubt she forgot you.”
Kaixo took the spear with both hands, gripping it as though it were something sacred. They started back towards the village,the fields swaying golden around them, morning light streaking through the trees ahead.
For a while, neither of them spoke.
Then Kaixo edged closer, his voice soft, almost blending with the wind stirring the grass. “Damona seems like a nice lady.”
Leukos nodded once, then drew the boy in with a steady arm around his shoulders. Kaixo glanced up in surprise, but this time he didn’t pull away.
During his short life,Leukos had faced assassins sent by the Emperor, the Blood Wolf tracking him across the Empire, and Rasennan legions. He’d even stood before the Sea God himself. And yet he’d never been so nervous.
Even on his wedding day to Charis, he hadn’t felt this way. Back then, he had been ready to shoulder his duty—hollow, detached. How wrong he’d been: adrift, a shadow moving through life without purpose. Alena, however, stirred something different within him; she made him feel alive, every pulse and breath sharp with possibility.
Standing in the sacred circle, beneath the shade of a towering oak, he tried not to fidget with the crown of antlers woven with dried oak leaves resting atop his head.
You are a prince of Megara,his father’s voice thundered in his mind, stern as ever.Stand tall. And stop fidgeting.
He straightened his spine, grounding himself with a quiet breath when memories of his parents rose up. Alena was no princess, but as the Omega and his soulmate, his father would have respected her. And as for his mother, Leukos liked to believe she would’ve loved Alena and welcomed her warmly.
Sunshine broke through the branches overhead, soft golden shafts dappling the circle. The scent of lavender drifted in from the surrounding fields, soothing but doing nothing to steady his nerves.
He shifted his weight, bare feet sinking into the damp grass. His simple white linen tunic, embroidered in blues and bronze, clung lightly to his skin, a dark-blue cloak draped over his shoulders. Compared to the extravagance of Tiryns, this ceremony was intimate and humble—fitting for him and Alena both.
Incense smoke curled in the air as the priestess prepared the circle. Around him stood friends and allies—Theo, Nik, Damona, Lug, Leywani, Alcaros, even Volcos, who’d insisted on attending. Together they formed a ring of protection, each holding something sacred: Leukos’ sword, Alena’s torc, Damocles’ dagger, a pitcher of fresh milk, and oatcakes the priestess had insisted on. The milk, pure and nourishing, and the hearty oatcakes were offerings to the goddess of fertility and childbirth, meant to invoke her blessing.
Kaixo stood among them, too, cradling the small wooden figure of Ama against his chest as if it were made of gold. His light-blue tunic was fresh, and he’d even combed his hair.
Alena had yet to arrive, and her absence gnawed at Leukos’ mind. What if he’d moved too fast? Been too eager? They hadn’t spoken through every detail—he’d only assumed she wanted to wed as soon as possible, with the Rasennan threat looming.
But what if she didn’t?
His fingers twitched at his side before he forced them still, throat tight.
