Page 79 of Dancing On Air

“Then we’ll be back for Christmas,” said Lark. “Dustin and I agreed to live sometimes in England and other times in Scotland, so we can spend time with everyone.”

“Aye, come back for Christmas. Everyone can join me at my castle for the holiday,” said Robin. “I plan on having a huge celebration.”

“I’d like that,” said Lark.

“We all would,” said Raven. “However, those plans will need to wait. Right now, our husbands and Eleanor’s husband-to-be are all patiently waiting for us in the great hall. I’ll bet Connor is even more nervous than anyone, waiting for the wedding to begin.”

“That’s right. We have a wedding to go to, and I say, let’s go have some fun,” said Rose, leading the way to the door.

Raven picked up the hem of the long train of Eleanor’s gown, and Lark picked up the bridal bouquet of flowers. Then they all headed to the great hall for Eleanor and Connor’s very special day.

* * *

Connor still hada hard time believing this was all real. Just a week ago he was doomed to be the hangman for the rest of his life, after the death of his father. Now, he was a noble again, a squire, and about to be married to the most beautiful girl alive. This was a dream come true. He started feeling like mayhap he did believe in God and angels, and heaven and hell after all.

Now, instead of living a life of hell, he would feel as if he were in heaven every day of his life.

“Brother, are you ready?” asked Leoric, dressed like a noble, coming to Connor’s side. “I have the rings right here.” He held up the rings on his finger and smiled.

“Leoric, you seem so happy,” said Connor. “I think this life of a noble will suit you just fine.”

“I’m glad you’re going to be a knight someday, Connor. You deserve it.”

“Well, so do you,” said Connor. “Someday you’ll be a knight as well, and then later—much later—so will Alaric.”

Connor’s gaze flashed over to little Alaric and Ginevra who were sitting with Eleanor’s mother, Lady Echo. The woman had already accepted them into their family. Eleanor’s father, Garrett, had offered to let all of Connor’s siblings come to Hythe and stay at his castle where they would be fostered by him.

“Nay, I will never be a knight,” said Leoric.

“Don’t be silly. Of course you will,” said Connor. “And with the Lord Warden mentoring you, I guarantee that in time you will even get over being so squeamish. After all, he was my mentor once, and is a good man.”

“I’m sure he is, Connor, but I’ve decided I don’t want to be a knight,” explained Leoric.

“No? Why not? What else would you do?”

“After everything that has happened, I’ve had some time to think. Connor, I’ve decided to join the Order.”

“What?” Connor’s eyes sprang open wide. “You are going to be a monk? Are you sure?”

“Yes, I am more than sure. I feel it is my calling. I don’t ever want to kill anyone or assist in cleaning up dead bodies ever again.”

“Leoric, you just need time to get over what we’ve been through. I’m sure that after a while you’ll change your mind and want to be a knight too.”

“Nay, I won’t, Connor. When we stayed at the abbey, I saw the peaceful lifestyle of the monks and nuns and it felt right. That is what I want to do. Forever.”

“Well, if that is your decision, then so be it,” said Connor, putting his hand on Leoric’s shoulder. “I will support you with whatever you decide to do, because you are my brother. And I love you,” added Connor, almost afraid to say it aloud. After almost losing Leoric, he thought it was important to tell his brother what he meant to him. Connor had gone too many years thinking he’d never love anyone again, and actually it felt good to say it. Telling Eleanor he loved her was one thing. Telling one’s family members was another. Connor’s father had never said he loved his children, and Connor hoped to start a new tradition right now. His children, when he had them someday, would always know that their father loved them.

“Thank you, Connor. That means the world to me. I love you, too,” said his brother. “However, I don’t think Father would have agreed with my decision to join the Order. I am sure he is probably rolling over in his grave right now, just knowing that I am going to be a monk instead of a warrior like him.”

“Well, I’m sure Mother would have given you her blessing, so I think it all evens out,” Connor told him. They both had a good laugh about that.

Music started up from the gallery overhead. The musicians played flutes and lyres and even a hurdy-gurdy, taking everyone’s attention, letting them know that the wedding was about to begin.

When Connor looked over to the entrance of the great hall, he froze. The Lord Warden walked down the aisle slowly, with Eleanor holding on to his arm. Raven followed behind, straightening Eleanor’s long train. Lark walked along the aisles, watching as her daughter Florie threw rose petals on the path where Eleanor would step.

The hall was crowded with the families of each of them, and the nobles were all sitting up front. The dais was set for the wedding feast that would take place right after they said their vows.

Connor couldn’t stop looking at Eleanor as she walked up the aisle with her father to join him. She seemed to like wearing green, and it complemented her vibrant red hair. This gown looked exquisite. The long, emerald-green gown was made of velvet, with long white tippets, sleeves that fell well past her hands and touched the ground. A long cape made of a sheer fabric was lined with bright gold lace. The bodice was also covered in gold lace with a high neckline. Her hair was plaited, and interwoven with tiny white flowers. Her head was covered by a small veil attached to a gold circlet headpiece.