Page 95 of Crimson Kingdom
He echoed the vows that the magistrate spoke, his eyes never leaving mine. And still, as much as I melted with each word, something dark edged into the corners of my mind, tinging the moment with a bitterness I couldn’t shake.
He was mine. Right here, in this moment, he belonged to me.
But what happened after this? What happened when we went to Socair? Would I have this small piece of him and then come back to Lochlann to live out the rest of our lives separately?
The questions plagued me even as I slid an onyx and silver band onto the third finger of his left hand.
Even as the magistrate announced us as husband and wife.
And even as he kissed me in front of the entire hall, a gentle, slow meeting of our lips that lit my soul on fire.
CHAPTERFORTY-NINE
The next thing I knew, we were dancing.
Sweeping across the floor in long, elegant steps, our bodies so in sync it was like breathing. I clung to Evander, willing us to stay in this moment forever, afraid of what would happen to me if it ended.
For his part, Evander did the same. Holding me as if I were the only person in the room, staring at me with hungry eyes that mirrored my own.
Even when we left the dance floor, his fingers stayed intertwined with mine, refusing to let me go.
Members of the court lined up to offer their heartfelt--and some not so heartfelt--congratulations, showering us with gifts and well wishes and their real or feigned excitement about this new friendship with Socair.
Many promises to visit us were made, leaving me once again to wonder how that would work if I was supposed to stay here.
Each time, Evander responded noncommittally.
All right, then.
By the time Davin appeared next to me, the walls felt like they were closing in around me.
“Row?” he asked, tugging me to the side.
I left Evander visiting with one of the lairds, following Davin to a secluded corner. He pulled out his flask, offering it to me, and I took a grateful sip.
Then he pulled something else out of his pocket. A small, stoppered glass vial, filled with a swirling midnight liquid.
“Mamá asked me to share my stash with you,” he said, not bothering to look sheepish about it. “She seemed to think you might want them.”
Moontime herbs.
Davin kept them fully stocked for his lady friends, something Aunt Jocelyn was rather forceful about.
Did I want them? Did Evander? My head swam as I pocketed the vial.
“There’s more in your trunks, but you should only need one a month.” He eyed me cautiously, something in my expression apparently giving him pause. “Of course, you don’t have to--”
“No,” I cut him off. “Thank you. It’s...great. Perfect, even.”
Dav nodded, but the gesture was filled with sarcasm. “Seems that way.”
Before we could say any more, Avani announced that it was time for Evander and me to be very awkwardly ushered to the wedding chamber for the night.
Davin laughed outright, and I suppressed a groan.
Evander crossed the short space to me, putting his hand on my lower back to lead the way. Then, of course, the guests followed us back to our room, shouting suggestions and commentary.
Thank the stars, most of my family sat this one out, though my cousins and sister gleefully participated. I shook my head, mouthing,you are all the worst,over my shoulder.