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“This deserves to be celebrated,” Rudhira said. “Do you know how long it has been since any Hespera worshiper took part in a marriage blessed by the mages of Kyria and Anthros?”
Lio raised his brows. “Since before the Ordering, I suppose.”
“Sixteen hundred years.” Rudhira shook his head. “This unprecedented union offers more hope to us all than you know. Besides, I welcome any excuse to lift my Chargers’ spirits with a night of celebration.”
Solia presented their companions to the First Prince, who welcomed them graciously. He led them through the vibrant red tents to the pavilion, where the aromas of mince pies and Notian red wine mingled with the fragrance of the roses that climbed the ancient stones.
Veil spells shifted, and there stood their Trial sisters, waiting for them in the pavilion beside the table. “Surprise!” Xandra called.
Cassia laughed and rushed forward to embrace them, Lio and their Trial brothers close behind. Knight’s tail wagged with furious delight at the presence of not one, but two Hesperine royals. There was another flurry of introductions, embraces, and wrist clasps, before everyone began to circle the trestle table and fill their plates with delicacies from Orthros. Nearby, the sparring grounds had been cleared in anticipation of dancing, and a group of Chargers had brought out their flutes, lutes, drums, and harps.
Solia raised her wine goblet and called for everyone’s attention. “I have seldom known anyone who fought as hard for their love as my sister and soon-to-be brother-in-law. Their courtship began here in Tenebra, but has spanned Orthros and the Empire as well—and left no one here unchanged. So join me in congratulating them in all our tongues.”
“Congratulations,” Kella and Hoyefe called in Tradewinds.
“Congratulations,” said their Tenebran friends in Vulgus.
“May Hespera’s Eyes gaze with joy upon your love,” called the Hesperines in Divine.
They all raised their glasses and drank in Lio and Cassia’s honor. She could scarcely believe their family and friends from Orthros, the Empire, and Tenebra were all gathered here in peace.
“Did it feel worth it?” Lio asked Cassia softly, under the applause. “Despite everything they’re saying about us at court…do you regret anything?”
“I think it was worth this.” She searched his gaze. “Do you?”
“Yes,” he answered. “I would do it all again, just for this one night.”
She stood on tiptoe and kissed him, resting her hand on his heart.
Everyone ate together without fear of poison and danced without worrying what people said. The steps of the Hesperine dances let Lio touch Cassia, and he sent magic pulsing into her with each beat of the music. She leapt and spun with him as if she would never tire.
Even the mortals let themselves be swept into Hespera’s uninhibited pleasures. Xandra and Kia taught Sabina, Valentia, and Genie the steps for friends dancing together, which Solia appeared to have learned from Karege. Hoyefe and Severin danced the lovers’ steps like Mak and Lyros. Kella joined Nodora and the Charge musicians, bringing out her imzad, and the Azarqi lute’s haunting strains joined their songs. The moons seemed to pass slowly across the sky, and this night of equal length with the day felt long.
It was well after midnight when Lio finally pulled Cassia out of the dance and sat her down under the pavilion. Standing over her, he pressed a goblet of water into her hand.
Flushed and laughing, she leaned against him as she drank. “I feel marvelous, my love.”
“I know. But you still need to sit down.”
Her eyes sparkled with mischief. “Just remember I have no intention of swearing to obey you on our wedding day.”
He propped his arm on the back of her chair and leaned over her. “I am far too persuasive to require vows of obedience, and you know it.”
“What will you try to persuade me to do now, mind mage?”
Before he could persuade her back to their tent, their Trial circle joined them in the pavilion, raising veil spells once again. Lio straightened and rubbed his fangs.
“No sneaking off yet,” Kia said.
Cassia set down her goblet. “No. We need to discuss Hesperine politics while you’re here.”
Solia and Kella joined them, followed by Rudhira. Just as they took their seats, Kalos slipped out of the shadows. He pulled out a chair and perched on it as if he might prowl off into the night again at any moment.
Trust Cassia to charge headfirst into the unpleasant topic. “Now that everyone is back in the north, when will the Firstblood Circle meet?”
Xandra reached for the wine flagon. “Night after tomorrow. Kona is first on the schedule, and she’s planning to reopen the debate about the Departure.”
Lio swore inwardly, although he was not surprised. “A debate though, not a vote?”
