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“Turok is telling people this fever is a bad omen,” Marah was saying. “He claims it’s the gods’ way of cursing an improper union between an outsider and our sheriff.”
My breath caught in my throat. After all this time, Turok still hadn’t accepted my relationship with Kian? He thought my illness was some kind of divine punishment?
I expected Kian to scoff in disgust at such a ridiculous notion. But his reply surprised me. “Let Turok say what he wants,” he said wearily. “I do not care anymore.”
My heart sank at the resignation in his voice. The toll of sitting vigil at my sickbed for days on end had clearly exhausted him. I hated that Turok was still finding ways to make trouble for us, even now.
“You should not care,” Marah said firmly. “Your fate lies with Kate, that much is clear. She was brought here by the gods’ guiding hand. Your souls are intertwined...she is a gift to you from the heavens themselves.”
I was touched by Marah’s staunch defense of me. At least someone still believed in our love, even after this mysterious illness.
Kian was silent for a long moment. “You really believe that?” he finally asked. “That she was...meant for me?”
“I know it in my heart,” Marah replied. “As should you. Your spirits are one, Kian. Do not let Turok’s bitterness blind you to that truth.”
Kian exhaled slowly. “I pray you are right. These last days sitting vigil at her side, not knowing if she would...” His voice broke off. “I cannot lose her, Marah.”
“And you shall not,” the healer said soothingly. “The fever has broken. She will recover now, and you will have your future together.”
I had to bite my lip to keep from crying out in relief. The fever was gone, and with Marah’s tireless care, I would regain my strength. Kian and I could still have the life we dreamed of, despite Turok’s efforts to thwart us.
“I should let her rest,” Kian murmured. I quickly shut my eyes again, not wanting him to know I’d overheard them. A moment later, Kian’s large hand gently brushed a lock of hair from my forehead. “Sleep well, my love,” he whispered. “When you wake, we shall start planning our wedding again.”
My heart swelled with love and gratitude for this man who had kept vigil at my sickbed without wavering. As I drifted back to sleep, I sent up a prayer of thanks to Marah’s gods for bringing Kian into my life. Whatever forces had led me to crash onto this planet, I knew now it had been for a purpose. My destiny was here, with Kian and our future together. Nothing would stop us from the joy meant for us.
* * *
As soon as I regained some strength, Kian decided we should marry immediately before any other calamity could postpone our union. I agreed. After days of agony burning up with fever, my relief at the illness finally breaking was secondary only to the joy of seeing Kian’s handsome face.
Over the next few days, I gradually regained my strength under Kian’s attentive care. Though impatient to be on my feet again, I was also thankful for this extra time together before our wedding day arrived. We took long walks around the village as I leaned on his sturdy arm for support. During this quiet time, we spoke more openly than ever before about our hopes for the future. I confessed my initial hesitations about committing to life here, but emphasized that now my heart was certain. Kian admitted his earlier doubts as well, but agreed we had forged a profound bond. I rested blissfully in his embrace each night, our bodies entwined.
***
I awoke to sunshine streaming through the window and the smell of fresh bread baking. Alya must already be up and about. Stretching, I rose and dressed for the day ahead. There was much to do before the big event tomorrow.
A knock sounded at my door as I finished braiding my hair. “Come in,” I called.
Alya entered, carrying a large bundle of white fabric in her arms. “Good morning, Kate. Did you sleep well?”
“Surprisingly well, considering my nerves,” I admitted with a small laugh.
She smiled knowingly. “It’s natural to feel some nerves. But I know you and Kian will have a wonderful life together.”
I nodded, warmed by her reassurance. Alya had become like a sister to me since I crashed here.
“I brought you something special - your wedding gown,” Alya said, holding out the bundle.
My eyes widened as she shook it out, revealing a stunning white dress embroidered with silvery beads. “Oh Alya, it’s beautiful!” I exclaimed.
“Only the best for my dear friend’s special day,” she replied. “Here, try it on.”
I slipped the dress over my head, marveling at the perfect fit. Twirling, I felt like a princess from one of the fairy tales I’d loved as a child back on Earth.
“You look radiant,” Alya pronounced. “Kian is a lucky man.”
“Thank you for everything, Alya,” I said earnestly. “I don’t know if I could have made it through that illness without you and Kian at my side.”
At the mention of my baffling sickness, her face grew serious. “About that...” She trailed off uncertainly.
