Page 54 of A Thread of Breath and Bone

This time, I can’t help the laugh that bursts out of me.

Juliana gasps behind me in surprise.

Warmth settles in my chest when I look at my friends. “You two are the only reason I haven’t gone insane.”

Tate smirks, and I instantly brace myself. “Is the prince not keeping you satisfied?”

I groan, slapping a hand to my face. I walked into that one.

Julianna pins pieces of fabric around me, stretching here, bunching there.

Tate smirks. “And it’s my job to drive you insane.” He glances at Ciara. “Our job, but we do it with love.”

Ciara rolls her eyes, plopping down beside him as she reaches for her drink. “Speak for yourself.”

“See?” Tate exclaims, pointing a finger at her. “That’s genuine affection. She just hides it behind violence.”

“Keep talking,” Ciara warns, “and I’ll hide you behind violence.”

I snort, and Julianna sighs behind me. I mutter a quick apology. After another minute, Julianna rises, finally declaring me free to move.

Tate stands, bowing with a flare. “Well, Princess, if the gown doesn’t kill you, all the attention might.” His playful gaze sweeps me from head to toe, and he whistles. “I’m actually terrified Ryker might have to stash some bodies. I’ll help him find a closet.”

Ciara throws back the rest of her champagne as she stands. “That or he’ll dig their eyes out just for looking. Damn, you look hot.”

Julianna stands beside me, assessing her work with a nod, then moves to get the partition.

“I’m hungry,” Tate whines. “Can we get more snacks before the next crisis?”

Looking at Tate as a lifeline, I nod. “Snacks are good. Alcohol is better.” Because in two weeks, life will be forever changed.

Tate throws an arm over Ciara’s before I’m sealed off from their view. While Julianna moves to help me from the gown without loss of life, I hear Tate muttering something about alcohol being the true key to diplomacy.

I look into the full-length mirror, and for a moment, I don't recognize the girl staring back. I am marrying Ryker—the only man whose heart beats within mine—but to the rest of the system, this is a Lumos Ceremony. We have to lie to our friends, our courts, and the crowns alike.

Chapter 21

Raea

Malaya is a jewel in the dark.

As the transport slows from hyperjump, the turquoise planet emerges, wreathed in puffy white clouds and the shimmering dust of its three rings. This will soon be my home—a thought that makes my heart skip a beat. The sea and the forest are such a part of who we both are—I wonder if we can somehow keep a piece of both worlds.

The transport lands, and as is customary, my ladies line up behind me, Mera to my right. Our arrival is announced by the herald before Ezra leads with Theovan, then the small guard, and then me. On the launch pad, Ryker waits beside his family. I’ve only met Queen Priana a few times, but mostly I’ve seen her from a distance at the yearly summits between kingdoms. I’m familiar with Cole, but I’ve never met their little sister, Clara.

Formal introductions are called out as I walk the ramp. The air around me swirls with a fresh breeze of salty air and something sweet. It smells so much like Ryker. My senses are overwhelmed, and I remind myself to behave and not run to him like I want.

The moment our eyes connect, the frantic, hollow ache in my chest—the one that’s been gnawing at me for the past few days—stills instantly. It’s like a physical pressure has been lifted, the Aethermark finally finding its anchor. Ryker looks every bit the King he’s about to become in his navy coat and white trousers, but it’s the storm of silver in his sapphire eyes that leaves me breathless. My cheeks heat remembering our Bonding phase.

“Princess Raea,” Queen Priana starts, reaching out her hand.

I take it and curtsy. “Queen Priana, thank you for having me.” I stand tall and straight. This formality is ingrained in me.

“The pleasure is ours. Come, let’s get you inside.” She turns, and Ryker slides behind her, taking my arm. He leans in close, and my body goes feral with need.

“I missed you too,” he breathes against my ear.

I keep facing forward, but a smile creeps across my face. We pass through towering wooden doors into a hall defined by sweeping turquoise arches.