The first direct rays of sunlight brushed against the stone floor and softly touched the wall tapestry, making the cherry tree depicted on it nearly shine with the brightest tint of pink and gentle green. I moved my gaze to May, who quietly stood by the enlarged wall mirror. Her face remained pale, but strangely focused. While staying with me, and showing loyalty to her lord, she was putting herself in danger.
Did she expect that her night would end in the room that belonged to one of the clan leader’s mistresses? Did she know that she would be a part of a wedding ceremony between an illegitimate heiress of the red crown and a new clan leader so severely injured, that he didn’t even know he was getting married?
I switched my gaze to Sage, who straightened his silk robe as if trying to make himself look the part he was undertaking.
Was there any other way? What would Tynan say when he learned what I did?
I pressed my lips tightly together, unwilling to be indecisive at this very moment. Some situations were simply inevitable. I had to make a call based on what I knew, and if I was wrong, I would have to face the outcome when the danger was over.
“I’m ready,” I said.
Sage looked at me, his light eyes were filled with some new emotions. I could feel the change in him. He looked me straight in the eye, there was none of his usual sarcasm or lightness to his tone. I could only suppose that he, too, understood the severity of our situation. He started his speech. He talked long about the sacred connection that could never be broken, about hearts that longed to be together in this world and all the others. His voice rose, gathering strength and conviction, so much so that chills ran down my spine. At last he turned to face me and Tynan, who was still unconscious.
I stood by Tynan’s side. From time to time, my eyes landed on his face. The lines in the corners of his eyes softened, his lips parted. He was getting better every hour as he rested and I was going to protect his sleep the same way he always protected mine.
Nothing about this ceremony was like anything I had ever envisioned. I had always dreamed of flowers and a skillfully crafted white dress. As it turned out, I never really wanted all of that. All I wanted was to be with the man I loved, and all the rest was nothing but useless embellishments.
Sage turned to May, and without exchanging a word, she handed him a thin strip of lace. The fabric was nearly see through, on its surface I could see the outlines of the spring flowers just like the ones that grew by Grace’s cottage. Stupefied, I allowed Sage to join my hand with Tynan’s and secure the ribbon over.
“By the powers given me by the spirits of the first dragons. I pronounce a holy union between Alina Walliwan, daughter of the first dragon and Tynan Darragh, the son of the clan of black and its leader. With all the powers given me by the gods and the spirit of the first dragon mother, I pronounce you one holy being. We all came from fire and in fire we return.” He lowered his head, blowing on our hands and flames sparked, burning my skin. I gasped, not daring to move, enduring the sharp sting of pain. The fabric ignited and its strands curled upward. The scent of burning silk filled my lungs and moments later I could not breathe. Then as fast as a flash of light, the fire died down.
That was it. It was done. I just did something that could never be undone. I bound us by a sacred, unbreakable rite. I thought I was going to feel the weight of this new oath, but my heart was as light as a feather, as if I just got rid of all the burdens I carried. Suddenly, even the air I breathed seemed more nourishing, liberating.
Slowly, I leaned over Tynan, softly pressing my lips against his. Strands of my hair brushed his cheek.
For long hours I remained seated in the chair watching over Tynan. The sun was slowly setting and the long shadows crawled over the floor reaching the chair I was in. Just like the darkest thoughts that filled my head. When a light knock sounded at the door, I rose from my chair and stepped softly on the floor.
“Who is it?” I asked.
“Milady, it’s May.” Her muffled voice came from the other side.
I unlocked the door and let the maid in. She was holding a tray with dinner. The smell of food immediately exploded in the room and only then I realized that I had not eaten all day.
“What’s happening outside?” I asked.
“Sage announced the marriage and the kitchen was ordered to feed all the newcomers and pour our best wine.” May responded.
“Wine? Is that necessary?”
“I’m not sure, but they are, at least, occupied for now.”
I nodded.
How much more time did we have? To have this many warriors confined in one place without a leader in sight was dangerous.
“Alina.” The voice came from the bed and I forgot about everything.
He truly was my light, the only person I could not live without. And to be with him I would give everything, more than everything, I would give him my immortal soul if he ever wanted it.
I approached the bed, reading every line on his face, so deeply affected that I could hardly conceal the depth of my feelings.
“You’re awake! How do you feel?” I asked, longing to hold him in my arms.
“Good.”
“Would you like some water?”
I took his hand into mine and his thumb immediately brushed against my fingers. A light smile played on his perfect lips. He would never understand how my heart ached for him, every moment he was not with me.
