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“I wasn’t going to call you on it, but all that talk of the goddesses wasn’t just simply curiosity.”
“I needed a distraction.”
She smirks. “I know.”
Of course she does.
Grabbing the flower crown from the dressing table, she carefully places it on my head and smooths my hair. “There’s the queen.” She holds out her arm. “Come. I can’t wait to see the look on Orcus when he sees you.”
I slip my arm through hers. “I hope I don’t cry.”
“I will,” she says softly. “Love, in its purest form, is beautiful.”
There’s more than a hint of longing in her words, but I don’t mention Callum again. They’ll have to work out their issues in their own time.
* * *
Zyla slips away onceshe positions me at the top of the long stretch of stairs and fixes the train of my dress. Chains of daisies line the steps, forming two straight lines that lead to where Orcus is standing. I can sense the monsters in the stands, their gazes set on me, but all I see is the ogre waiting for me. His eyes rove over me and I do the same to him.
Those tusks are gleaming in the light of the full moon. It’s so bright there’s no need for torches. Orcus’ green skin is bathed in creamy moonlight and his navy lips pull back into a full grin. His eyes crinkle around the corner and he drops one hand to his chest. The bond pulses with need and I take the first step.
Orcus is wearing a silky top that matches the color of my dress and black slacks. His black hair is artfully pushed away from his square face. No one has ever been more attractive to me than this ogre. He wasn’t the prince from my books, but he’s the prince I’ve always needed. I take a few more steps and the bond throbs again, this time with happiness.
Not mine.
His.
My heart swells and my eyes pool with moisture. He watches me as though I’m a divine goddess, and as I walk toward him, I can’t help but feel like one. The moon brushes over my skin in a soft caress, as if Hecate is jealous of the attention I’m giving Orcus. I tip my face back and study the moon for a moment. That magical touch turns warm and I smile and whisper my thanks. Maybe it’s a trick of the eye, but I swear the moon shines even brighter than before and it releases me from its hold.
When my gaze catches Orcus’ again, nothing can keep me from getting to him now. I all but run down the stairs, the train of the lavender dress sweeping behind me. The daisies on the ground ruffle in the breeze. I laugh softly and vault off the last step and Orcus lunges to catch me. He cradles me in his arms for a moment and stares at me so intently, memorizing every detail.
Someone clears their throat and I glance at the Moon Priestess draped in sheer white fabric. “Shall we begin?”
I blink and tip my head back. “What do you say, grumpy?”
“I’ve been waiting for this from the moment you fell onto my”—I slap his chest and he chuckles—“lap.” He sets me on the stone and I adjust the train of the dress as best I can before giving up entirely. There are no bridesmaids or groomsmen. It’s me, Orcus, the priestess, and the moon of course.
“Take each other’s hands.”
Orcus’ hand dwarfs mine. The priestess steps forward and places a silky iridescent ribbon around both of our wrists and whispers things about love and devotion and the moon, but all I can hear is the blood rushing through my ears. All I know is that this moment may make things official between the court and the moon, but our love began before this moment.
The priestess finishes wrapping the ribbon and rests her forehead on our hands. “Hecate bless this bond.”
Nothing happens, and I start to frown. I truly thought there would be some big show but this is a little…
“Underwhelming?” a voice coos in my ear. It’s rich and smoky and seductive and magical.
I look at Orcus but he’s no longer in front of me. Instead, I’m in a field sitting next to a goddess with flowing brunette hair, freckles dotting her nose, and mischievous emerald eyes. A golden and silver aura shimmers around her. Magic.Hecate. God damn, she’s beautiful. Her lips, even those are divine, quirk as she notices my admiration.
“Hello, little human.” Her voice is like a melody.
“Uh.” I release a nervous chuckle. She’s talking to me. “Hi. I hope we didn’t disturb you.”
She waves away the apology. “This is the most fun I’ve had in years.”
“Oh?”
“Yes, this world is dreadfully boring sometimes.”
