Page 80 of Rook of Ruin
Thousands of candles float on the lake. They’re beautiful, shimmering like the stars themselves have come down to witness our marriage. Large vases with white roses are strategically placed on the lush green grass, making it seem as if they sprouted naturally . The long, white pews leading to my future are filled with people. None I really know, except for Clairene, who gives me a dirty look as I pass. Baron Kyre sits near the front in a gold-and-red suit, looking uncomfortable. To the left in a pew of their own are the queen and my sister’s husband, Lewis. He smiles at me with his perfect, white teeth, his shrewd face and blue eyes give nothing away. They are surrounded by Ravens. Other than Paul, Lewis, and Queen Inara, I have no family or friends at my own wedding.
A political alliance.
White roses cover an arch, and white petals cover the ground. Under the archway, Simon stands, and his dimples deepen with each step I take. He is still dressed in the black suit, but he has a white gold crown on his head. He looks more regal than I have ever seen him. Paul stops, and Simon walks down the aisle to take me the rest of the way.
“Ready, O?” Paul whispers.
I nod slowly, my heart beating too fast. Paul places my hand in Simon’s. His warm, calloused hands encircling mine. Paul is giving me away, trusting that Simon will take care of me, always. Instead of wrapping my hand into his elbow, he intertwines it with his own. Showing everyone we are equals. Simon leads me over to the queen, then he bows and I curtsy.
The queen smiles. “I give you my blessing. May you both have a wonderful marriage, filled with happiness and love. May you both be blessed with long lives and many children.” She winks at me, and people in the crowd chuckle.
Simon guides me under the archway to the priest and lifts my veil gently off my head, allowing it to flutter to the ground. Gasps and murmurs spread throughout the crowd.
“What did I say, O? You’re stunning,” he whispers, a shy grin on his face. The priest begins. Our vows are simple and over quickly. Simon’s arm pulls me into his chest, his brown eyes and dimples smile, and he kisses me. Softly at first, and then it deepens. Cheers and well wishes are yelled, and people clap too loudly.
BOOM!
The crowd gasps as bright lights fill the sky and crackle. Simon smiles against my lips, and his fingers trail down my back.
BOOM!
He pulls back to gaze into my eyes. “Orlaith.” Simon says my name with tenderness—with hope.
Tears come down my face, but I look up and give him a small smile. Simon gently wipes my tears, then kisses me again. I know that something is missing between us, maybe it is love.
“Thank you for being my wife,” Simon murmurs against my lips before pulling back and smiling.
I laugh, shaking away the uncertainty, and he clasps our hands together, lifting them while everyone cheers. Beautiful lights explode in the sky as he walks me back down the aisle until thereis a fork in the white cloth path, and to my surprise, more people emerge from the darkness. Holding bright sticks that sparkle are Tess’s whole family, Rooks I’ve worked with, a few Crows, Laura, Finn, Zane, Tess, Paul, and—wait.
“Tess!” I scream and run to her, and we jump into each other’s arms. “When did you get back?” I practically scream, my eyes checking her over. Her short blue hair is duller than when she left. Tess is wearing a soft blue dress, which accentuates her muscles; she is simply gorgeous. She takes in my appearance and my smile, nodding her approval too.
“Right before your wedding. I surprised everyone.” She laughs. “When an official request is made by a prince, apparently, people jump.”
I grin, and then hug her again. He,my husband, gave me the best gift ever. I run back over to Simon, who is grinning like a school boy who was caught doing something naughty. I kiss him. He holds me, wrapping his arms around me, and then spins me around. Music plays loudly, and we all head to a massive pavilion with a glass roof, allowing the stars to shine down on us. White roses and lights are everywhere. Servants pass out wine, ale, and even shots of spice. Food comes out on trays, and is placed on tables with white linens—and there is dancing. So much dancing, I can’t keep up. Paul, Tess, and I tell Simon stories, and we all take shots of spice.
Then Simon and I dance, and he twirls me and kisses me again and again. The world seems to melt away from us in that moment.
Simon grins widely as we approach the perimeter of the dance floor. “So, good surprises?”
“Very.” I match his grin.
“I have one more, but I’m saving that for tomorrow.”
I bite my lip, thinking about what it could possibly be.
“Fuck, O.” He moves us off the dance floor and into the crowd, grabbing a hold of the back of my neck and drawing me in. He looks into my eyes, and his lips come crushing down on my mouth.
Someone clears their throat, and I jerk back, blushing.
“Congratulations to you both. I’m happy for you. It was a wonderful wedding, one I think people will talk about for a long time.” The queen smiles warmly.
Simon bows, I curtsy, and then she leaves with Ravens in tow. Simon points to Jon and Clairene scandalously dancing together, but we both burst out laughing when Tess grabs Jon by the collar and hauls him off the dance floor.
Finn walks up to us and bows low. “Sir, Your Highness. Many congratulations to you both.”
I smile, but Simon falters, something flashing over his eyes. “Thank you for your well wishes.” Dismissing Finn.
Before I can ask, my husband grins. “Dance with me some more.”
