He was just as startled as they were about this suggestion of reigning like monarchs. But even more shocking was theshift he could sense between the husband and wife. There was something new between them—and a closeness he’d never witnessed in any couple.
“Consider it we shall,” Deckard said, tone still gruff. He took Evylin’s hand. “Is that all, then? The Bonding is concluded?”
“It is,” Ilain replied haughtily.
Ethenn frowned, wondering if her tone revealed her true feelings. He certainly didn’t begrudge Evylin and Deckard their discomfort. He was rather uncomfortable himself. The ceremony had been awkward enough to begin with, standing by watching two people be joined together like that. Despite the complete lack of sensuality, somehow, it felt more intimate than sex. If Ethenn was honest, the ceremony was beautiful and alluring—it made his magic rise and his pulse race. Watching it, he found himself anticipating his future union with Ilain. But it was also odd and disquieting, something he felt he should not have witnessed.
Now, with this talk of governing, responsibility, and reflecting the image of Allore, Ethenn thought perhaps he was the wrong man for the job. He wasn’t exactly pious, though he did have more faith than Rafferty.
“You’re a disgraceful heathen.”
Deckard and Evylin said hasty goodnights—though the ones they gave to Thom and Ethenn were far more cordial—and exited the room. Casually, the remaining Mages conversed among each other, seemingly unbothered by the ceremony or the Deckards’ displeasure. Archminister Fishere began to speak with Ilain in hushed, almost reproachful tones, so Ethenn just stood in place, unsure of what to do.
At his side, Brea nudged his arm. “You still want this?” she asked.
“Oh, uh—” Ethenn scratched his brow.
Thom stepped over then, looking as bemused as Ethenn felt and saving him from having to reply. “Well, that was weird,” he remarked. “Are all Bonding ceremonies like that?”
Brea grinned dryly. “I wouldn’t know. That’s the first Bonding ceremony the world has seen since... Well, you’d have to ask Ilain for the specific date, but I know it was centuries ago.”
“Huh.” Thom released an overwhelmed breath. “I guess we’re not needed anymore?”
“No.”
“In that case—” Thom motioned toward the door. “Raff said he’d meet us at The Rook for drinks. Care to join?”
Brea lifted her shoulder in a shrug, then called to Isla. They exchanged some words in Schonese before she turned back to the two of them. “Sounds like fun,” she said. “Vayden and Isla are spending the night with Reyana since they won’t see her until the end of this mission, so I’m bereft of company anyway.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t say that.” Thom tipped his head toward the Calders. “I’m sure Auden would love to be your companion.”
Brea rolled her eyes and muttered something caustic in Schonese. “Let’s get out of here before he gets any ideas, shall we?” she said.
Thom laughed, and Ethenn found himself smiling too. Though he hadn’t spent much time with the Alliance lieutenant, he found himself anticipating their training together. Her dry wit and blunt remarks reminded him of the best parts of Hewitt, while her ready smile and personable nature contrasted with the gruff man. Ethenn thought it boded well for the role of mentor.
As they turned to leave, Thom tapped Ethenn’s shoulder. “You comin’, kid—Loxley?” he asked, correcting himself yet again.
Appreciative of the sentiment, though still wary of his friend’s repentance, Ethenn gave him a small, grateful smile. “No, I,uh—” He paused, glancing toward Ilain, where she stood with Fishere and Auden. “After that, I need some time to...think.”
Brea smirked while Thom snorted in wry humor. “Yes,” he said. “I’m sure you do. I can’t promise that Raff won’t be pounding on your door once he finds out you’re not coming, though.”
Ethenn grimaced. “Tell him I’m busy.”
“With what?”
Ethenn didn’t say anything, only giving a pointed look toward Ilain.
Thom raised his brow. “Eh? You planning to take your husbandly advantages?”
“No,” Ethenn said. “But Raff doesn’t need to know that.”
“Fair enough.” Thom gave his shoulder another slap. “Don’t think too hard.”
With a final farewell, Thom and Brea left.
In a room full of mostly strangers, Ethenn shuffled his feet nervously. He wanted to return to his room and consider the implications Bonding might have on his future. For that matter, he wanted a quiet moment to consider the fact that he was engaged—no, he wasbetrothedto Ilain. After that astonishing ceremony in Fishere’s office earlier, he hadn’t had time to process the change in his marital status or what it would mean for their relationship. He needed to be alone and ponder it all.
But he lingered, waiting for Ilain to finish her conversation with Fishere and Auden to say a proper goodnight as he assumed a husband should.
