Bonds Eternal (Fae Hearted #4)

34. Ceremony

34

CEREMONY

WYNSTELLE

S tanding on the steps to the throne’s dais, Mage Neven waits for me and my Elven mates to walk down the center aisle of the throne room. Attending to support the bonding ceremony, our friends and family stand on either side of the large hall.

Worried about residual animosity, my father didn’t make an appearance, but he sent a sizable wedding gift of his prize horses, along with Princess Twyla and Commander Rhys. I understand his need for precautions. In the eyes of the mortal realm, I’m still merely his long-lost niece, who he doesn’t truly know.

Despite Twyla’s concern, I’m not overly upset about his absence. I’m unsure if I’ll ever forgive him for throwing my mates in his dungeon in iron shackles. Perhaps he was influenced, but from what Mage Neven has taught us about the magic, it only pushes someone into doing what they might already do on their own with enough motivation. So some part of my father is willing to harm my mates. Besides that disquieting thought, he also antagonized elves to act by encroaching on Elven-allocated lands. But today isn’t the day to worry about his deeds, and as much as I had wanted to know him for more than a few days, I can live happily without him in my life.

Rhys and the soldiers who helped us—Oliver, George, Noah, James, and William—volunteered to protect Twyla during her visit so they could return and be here for the event. To my surprise, Lord Jonathon and Lady Carissa have also made the journey.

I’m happy everyone came early. We’ve been able to catch up and celebrate the end of hostility between realms.

Jaden’s and Oakes’ relatives have also joined us.

Since Eldrin is now the last of his line, there is no family of his to speak of.

Oakes is the only one who still has both of his parents alive. I find they treat me warmer than most elves would. I suppose it makes sense they are compassionate since they have a son who is sensitive to others. The fates did well by matching them.

Jaden’s uncle and his female cousin have been kind. But they aren’t sure what to say around me. They do not have the effortless charm that Jaden possesses.

Although I’m sure their relatives were uncertain what to think of me at first, they have been accepting of the mate bond. Oakes assures me I’ve won over most of them with my personality.

Standing in a small waiting room, as I had the night of my ambassadorship announcement, I adjust my jewel necklace again. This time I have my three mates to keep me company as we wait for our ceremony to begin.

“You look stunning, my princess,” Eldrin says and lightly brushes his hand down my arm.

Actually, it’s Eldrin who is stunning. His gold crown shines brightly resting over his flowing white-blond hair. His immaculately embroidered, close-fitting tailored jacket and pants of a blue match his eyes that resemble the color of a clear mortal sky today.

Feeling self-conscious and nervous, I continue to fuss with my stunning iridescent dress spun from fire salamander silk. Its fabric appears to be a variety of colors depending on the angle and light. It’s likely the most expensive piece of clothing I’ll wear in my entire life no matter if I live a thousand years. My mates insisted on the expense since they claim I deserve it—not only for saving the realms, but for just being me.

It was Merlara who finally talked me into allowing the extravagance, saying that it was a clear statement to all that Eldrin, Jaden, and Oakes valued me beyond measure.

My hand reaches up to check my hair for the one hundredth time.

“Stop.” Jaden catches my hand before I can make a mess of my updo. “You are gorgeous. See, I’ll even share my adjective with you.”

“How generous.” I giggle at his silliness, knowing he means to settle my nerves.

Jaden owns gorgeous all by himself. He takes my breath away. Dressed in a dark purple leather jacket and pants with silver buckle accents, he looks dangerous, and he is.

They all are dangerous, because they have stolen my heart.

Oakes takes my shaking hands in his electric hold. “Breathe. It’s mostly your friends and family out there. If you get overwhelmed, just focus on Neven or one of us.”

I nod and focus on him now. I admire how handsome my nurturing healer mate looks today. In a warm-toned, dark brown ensemble, Oakes calls me to snuggle into his warmth. But I can’t, not yet.

Corwin appears at our door and smiles sweetly at me. “It’s time to begin. Ready?”

Oakes checks in with me psychically and says. “We’re ready.”

“To be honest, I’m just as nervous as you are, love,” Jaden admits.

His confession surprises me. He’s kept that hidden in our mate bond—probably worried he would amplify my nervousness.

“I can send them all away, if you’d like,” Eldrin whispers with a playful smile. “Then we can consummate our union right in the throne room.”

“Eldrin!” I gasp and look at Corwin, who is holding back a smirk.

Thankfully, he doesn’t make a comment, but opens the double doors and leads us down the center of the crowded room. Eldrin takes the lead, with Oakes and Jaden on either side of him. As per my instructions in order to highlight my procession, I trail far behind.

Clutching the bouquet gifted to me by the flower faeries, I remember to smile pleasantly at the sea of familiar faces mixed in with some new. I even catch sight of Lalo and her two mates sitting high on a windowsill.

When I look ahead again, I see my three mates are already at the end of the long aisle.

I’m shaking with nerves. I still haven’t become accustomed to being in the public eye. I wonder if I will ever be comfortable with it.

After what feels like an eternity, I find myself at the royal dais in front of my mates and Mage Neven. Her pale golden eyes glow gently when she looks at me, and a wave of calm washes over me.

“We have gathered here today to celebrate the joining of these fated mates,” Neven says loud and clear, officially giving her blessing and confirmation of our right to bond. “We celebrate the power of love and commitment. If these four had not been dedicated to each other and to peace, and then prevailed because of their love, we would not be able to enjoy a day of drink and good food. Instead, we would have been caught in a war.”

Overcome with that thought, I allow my mind to wander, thinking how it could have gone so wrong. Instead, we stopped the war.

“King Eldrin and his royal advisors, Jaden and Oakes, have already forged their mate bond with Wynstelle, but they wished to make known to our kingdom and beyond their commitment to the human-born princess.”

I glance over to all three and they smile, affection lighting up their eyes.

“Wynstelle, hold this cord as a symbol of your love,” Neven says, bringing me back to the moment. Neven hands me one end of a golden woven rope. On the other end, it separates into three cords. “Please turn and face your mates.”

I turn to properly face them and my breath hitches, seeing again how gorgeous they truly are. With their high cheekbones, chiseled jaws, full lips, and hypnotizing eyes, I’m eager to return to our room and tear their clothes off their fit bodies.

Jaden winks, catching me in my lusty daydream.

My cheeks must be pink with embarrassment. Then I realize there’s nothing wrong with being taken with my wonderful males.

“As you offer each their individual cords and they accept your offering, you demonstrate to the realm the linking of your souls, just as your love has already bound you together.”

On the far left, I offer Eldrin his cord first. He leans forward and gives me a kiss. Then I do the same for Oakes and Jaden, both of them sealing the acceptance of their cord with a sweet kiss.

Neven continues, “May you enjoy countless moons together in each other’s arms and hearts. May the keepers of the sacred winds whisper joy and blessings into your lives. May the passion of your love also kindle your compassion for each other throughout all your years. May you reflect in each other’s eyes the love in one another's souls.”

I find the poignant reference to reflecting our love a fitting one given my mirror magic, and I grin at the thought.

My mates also appreciate the sentiment and return my smile.

“Above you are the stars. Below you are the stones. Like a star, your love should be constant. Like a stone, your love should be firm. Have patience with the other, for storms will come, but they will also go. And let not the ways and words of the unenlightened give you unease.”

Again, I find the words appropriate, considering how many still don’t think a human should be with an elf. Now, I’m a human bonding publicly with three Elven mates—royal elves.

“Princess Wynstelle of the mortal realm and Elven King Eldrin of House Ryven, do you take the other as your mate to cherish and honor until death separates you?”

“I do,” we say together. I bite my lip to keep my bubbling emotions from breaking out with the proclamation while I fall in love with Eldrin all over again.

“Princess Wynstelle of the mortal realm and Advisor Jaden of House Ryven, do you take the other as your mate to cherish and honor until death separates you?”

I lock gazes with Jaden’s violet-colored eyes, and we both say, “I do.”

Oakes gives me a cocky smile and speaks to me telepathically, “Saving the best for last, I see.”

I suppress a chuckle, not wanting anyone to misconstrue my mirth. “Maybe, but you were the first to steal my heart.”

We both remember our conversation on the road when we first met—then at the inn, with me curled half-naked against him, hoping to be healed. He awoke my desires that night.

We are so caught up in our memories that we don’t even hear our prompts.

Neven clears her throat. “Do you?”

“We do,” Oakes and I say in a rush.

Neven’s voice holds a touch of amusement as she continues, “With the goddess blessed power vested in me, I bless these mate bonds.”

All three males rush forward, each claiming a kiss as the crowd applauds.

“And now for our new queen’s coronation,” Mage Neven announces. “King Eldrin, will you do the honor of placing the queen’s crown upon Wynstelle’s head?”

Neven hands Eldrin the golden circlet made delicate and understated, as I wished it to be. Merlara designed and crafted the gorgeous piece and imbued it with her protection magic.

I stand facing the audience.

Eldrin lifts the crown, letting it hover over my head. “I declare Wynstelle of Ryven, human-born mage, as my queen and mate.” He lowers the crown until it’s securely on my head.

The crowd cheers and kneels in honor of my new title.

Eldrin comes to my side and kisses my cheek. Then Oakes and Jaden do the same.

Eldrin offers me his elbow and I thread my hand over the crook. He leads me as we proceed down the aisle and to the ballroom to celebrate.