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Rina is thrilled and the atmosphere is loud and boisterous as we break our fast with eggs, bread, and bacon, and more than a few pitchers of ale. Though I lament that my mother, and Eldon and Daysa can’t be here, I don’t remember the last time I felt so content. Now, all that’s missing is the man with the authority to perform the union: Koda, Deve of the Wolf Realm.
When one of my guards interrupts Yvette’s hilarious re-telling of her and Noé’s encounter with a skunk as children, it’s possible that I’m a tiny bit into my cups.
“My deve, the Wolves approach from the north,” he says.
“It’s about time.”
“I’ve never met another deve before,” Yvette says, sounding oddly excited.
“I have,” Noé intones, forever in a competition with his sister. “I’ve met them all.”
Noé accompanied me to the meeting of the Deve Council in the Bear Realm last year, the one where I was informed of my impending marriage.
“What’s this Wolf deve like?” Rina asks.
Noé grimaces. “He’s big. Scary as fuck.”
“How very unlike you, brother,” Yvette mocks. “Admitting to fear.”
“You’ll see,” he tells her as I notice Rina’s concern.
Sliding my hand along her jaw, I pull her in close for a kiss. “You needn’t worry. I’ll keep you safe.” Her resulting smile warms more than my heart and we continue our murmured teasing until the door bangs open and Koda makes his entrance.
I meet him halfway to clasp forearms. “Koda,” I greet.
“Luka. Well met.” He looks me over, a touch of amusement drifting across his usually severe features. “I see you’ve already been celebrating.”
“Well, you’re late. I had to occupy my time.”
He shrugs. “It snowed heavily further north.”
I feel Rina’s little hand on the side buckle of my vest, a sure sign that she’s wary. Lifting my arm, I tuck her against my side. “Rina, this is Koda, Deve of the Wolf Realm.” She inclines her head deeply while he looks her up and down. “Koda, this is the princess Amarinata D’heilar.”
She squeaks out a little noise of disapproval at my use of her title. “Just Rina,” she says, only peeking up at him fleetingly. “Thank you for your assistance with the ceremony.” The southern gesture of pressing her palms to her heart takes Koda by surprise.
“Honestly,” he tells her after a moment, “Luka is the only one I’d do it for.”
She finally looks him square in the face. “Yes, he’s a good man.”
“Luka, I see now why you’re so besotted.”
Iambesotted so I laugh, not at all offended.
“Oh and by the way,” Koda says, crossing his arms over his chest. “That misbegotten cur of yours has been tracking our movements for hours.”
I slap him on the shoulder. “I expect nothing less.”
“What does he mean?” Rina asks. “Which cur?”
“He means Venna.”
Rina’s expression lights up. “Venna’s here?” She looks to the door.
“She must be. Why don’t you go get dressed? We wed as soon as you are ready.”
Once Rina has gone upstairs with Kata and Yvette, who I trust will prepare her for the ceremony, we all settle around the table and I allow myself one more tankard of ale with our esteemed guest.
“She’s not what I expected,” Koda tells me when we have a moment to ourselves.
