Page 156 of The Fae Kings' Bargain

Ryssa sighed. “They are good men. I merely can’t stop worrying over what happened with Ber. There was something off about it all, and I’m well aware there are secrets you’re all keeping regarding the matter. Well-intentioned, I suspect, but it bothers me nonetheless.”

“I’m sorry.” Ria gripped her friend’s hands. “I can only say that none of us are happy about the situation with Prince Ber. We regard you as family.Allof us do.”

The smile settled more fully onto Ryssa’s face. “Thank you. Truly. Now, I believe we have a long trek ahead. I realize that aforesttemple requires going outside, but it would’ve been nice if the early Eyamiri royals had created an indoor wedding chapel, too.”

Ria laughed. “I can’t disagree.”

Despite her growing size and the gawking nobles bowing most of the way, Ria ended up enjoying the walk, especially once they reached the gardens. There, Toren and Mehl waited beside the temple path, courtiers lining the broad, cobblestone trail like colorful flowers. She left Ryssa’s side and stepped between the kings, whose eyes gleamed with happiness as they all linked arms. Then the three of them continued the long walk to the beautiful temple made of living trees and stone.

It was somehow more and less intimate than the carriage ride they’d taken through the streets that morning so they could acknowledge the people’s joy. True, fervent joy, best she could tell. Though Toren had feared that ordering an execution would mar his reputation, his overall fairness in confirming who was guilty had done the opposite. The common citizens in particular were pleased, for even a powerful duke hadn’t been spared because of his rank.

The courtiers, of course, were more wary than pleased, but most genuinely liked Toren—or at least approved of how he ruled. As such, the glances toward her belly and subsequent whispers had a satisfied air to them. Not that Ria fooled herself into thinking the approval was for her, though none of the courtiers would be foolish enough to express their dislike openly.

Finally, she, Toren, and Mehl passed through the grand archway and into the temple, where only priestesses waited. The ancient trees here circled a broad clearing, and arching stone columns stretched upward like fingers between the trunks. They met overhead, a silver chain descending from the central point to hold a globe that glowed like a star.

For a moment of purest vanity, all Ria could think was how perfect they fit in this space. Mehl in silver, Toren in royal green, and her in cream, all embroidered with vines, leaves, and stars—they could have been born to walk into this sacred place together. Yet none of them would have been here now if she hadn’t spontaneously accepted that little packet of dye.

A miracle, that.

Ria couldn’t remember a single word she said during the ceremony. The reverence in Mehl’s touch as he took her hand? The contented joy in Toren’s eyes as he brushed a kiss across her lips? Those were the things worth remembering—though she wouldn’t have said so to the priestesses. But if the gods had brought her and the kings together, They would surely understand.

Love was what mattered most, after all.

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