“It’s good to see you again,” he said quietly.
The boy glanced up at his father, who nodded encouragingly. “Go on.”
He shuffled forward, clutching a parcel wrapped in brown paper and held it out to Sebastian. “For you,” he said.
Sebastian took it, brow furrowed – and the boy launched himself forward, throwing his arms around Sebastian’s neck. Sebastian went completely still. Kara felt his instant discomfort. And heard his panic over their bond:
How do I – what am I supposed to–
But he managed to pat his back stiffly. The boy clung to him like Sebastian had personally saved the world. Which really, he had.
When the boy finally pulled away, he pointed insistently to the parcel in Sebastian’s hand. “Open it!”
Sebastian cleared his throat and unwrapped it carefully. It was a small wooden boat that fit perfectly in Sebastian’s palm. Rough-carved and uneven. Obviously made by the boy himself.
Sebastian stared at it. Kara felt the emotions crash into him, so strong he couldn’t have put them into words. He said only, “That’s very good work. Thank you. I’ll keep it with me.”
Without hesitation, Sebastian slipped the boat into his pocket. The boy’s face lit up and he leaned in conspiratorially. “Are you still the strongest fighter in Vallenna?”
Sebastian’s lips twitched. “Oh, I don’t know about that.”
“My dad says you are. He says you’re a hero.”
Something shifted in Sebastian’s face – shock and wonder warring together. He glanced up at the father, who nodded once, solemn.
“Your father’s a good man,” Sebastian said. “And you should listen to him.”
The boy nodded seriously. His father took his hand and bowed low before retreating into the crowd. Jax clasped Sebastian’s forearm briefly, and hugged Kara once more, before following after them. Somewhere beyond the hedges, bells chimed to summon them back inside.
Eliyana swept across the gardens towards them. “Come, enough lingering in the cold. The hall is ready,” her mother said briskly.
Saffra and Sienna fell in at Kara’s side, guiding her to the Keep. All the while they were adjusting her dress, her hair, rearranging her flowers. Making sure she was perfect. Murmurs of conversation and light music spilled from the hall, and Kara could hear the clink of goblets and scraping of chairs as guests found their seats.
It was with Sebastian’s hand warm in hers, that they crossed the threshold for the first time as husband and wife.
The room erupted in applause.
I’ve never been this happy.
The thought filled her up, spilling across the bond, and the same happiness echoed from Sebastian. For their wedding feast, the room had been transformed. Banners of crimson and emerald from the ceremony still draped the stone walls, flowers cascading down from the rafters. But now the room was filled with long tables, covered in red petals and glowing in the light of hundreds of candles. Kara’s heart swelled as they took their seats. She was officially Lady Karalynna Thorne.
The meal was a blur. Steaming bowls of soup passed by, platters of roasted meats and vegetables, hearty stews that smelled of herbs and wine. All of it was delicious, or so she gathered. Kara only tasted a mouthful or two. Every time she lifted her spoon, someone was at her side – kissing her cheeks, tugging her into conversation. Morra had come with her husband and son, Gregor’s brother had come as a mark of respect, even Oryen with his wife. It filled Kara with joy to see them. The room was soon full of noise and laughter, with musicians striking up lively tunes between courses.
Midway through the feast, Veyra appeared gracefully at her side. “I’m so glad the threads fell this way,” she said warmly, gripping her hand. “The Weave has seldom been so kind.”
It almost wasn’t.
For the speeches, her mother rose first, voice trembling with emotion as she spoke of missing her in Hale, but how her joy at Kara’s happiness outweighed every sorrow. Tobias followed, standing proud, though he said little what he did say struck deep: “Perhaps it was time Thorne had a healer. You are most welcome here, Kara.”
Then it was Sebastian’s turn. He stood, and the hall quieted at once. Kara felt both his and her own nerves. He’d been dreading this part most of all – battle cries, barking orders to a thousand soldiers, he could manage without blinking. But a speech, a declaration from the heart before the realm? Not his area of expertise. She had no idea what he was going to say. He rose slowly, goblet in hand, and when he spoke, his voice carried. Surprisingly steady.
“I want to thank you all for coming. Thorne, Hale, Lyra and beyond. Kara and I both know our union isn’t exactly... traditional. Hales and Thornes don’t often share a table, let alone a wedding. So I understand the mixed feelings in this hall tonight. But I can tell you this much, I’ve never been happier than I am in this moment, standing here as her husband.”
My husband. I’ll never tire of hearing that.
His gaze lingered on Kara, and warmth flooded their bond. He smiled ruefully.
“When we first met, just before the Arcalon, I nearly knocked her flat in the City market. By the look she gave me, I’m pretty certain she’d already decided I was insufferable. And to be fair, she wasn’t entirely wrong.” Light laughter moved through the room. “But she married me anyway, so I’ll call it a victory.”
