Chapter 24
Chapter Twenty-Four
My heart thunders in my chest as though I’m about to descend into battle. But perhaps that’s normal for all soon-to-be husbands standing at the altar, awaiting their bride.
The morning passed in a blur after I left Mayah cocooned beneath the covers. I wanted nothing more than to trace her delicate features until she woke in my arms. Maybe tomorrow morning, I will. She’ll either smile brightly or glare daggers at me, and I’d be happy either way.
I cast my gaze over the assembled guests, a painful tightness constricting my lungs like a vise. I’m searching for a face that isn’t there. Will never be there again. The years have dulled the ache, but today, on my wedding day, I feel Mother’s loss keenly.
My jaw tightens as my eyes land on my father and a smirking Faramir in the front row, before glancing away.
I won’t let them ruin this.
Turning back to the petal-laden aisle, I scratch my jaw—I didn’t shave this morning. It would have been proper if I had. But I wanted Mayah to see me. The man she’s spent every waking moment with for six weeks. We may be in the palace now, dressed in different clothes, but I’m still the same Zev.
Her Zev.
Worry tightens my throat. Where is she? Surely she should be making her entrance by now. I’d assigned four additional guards before leaving her room. Did Faramir—
The officiant says something I miss, and the gathered nobility rises, jarring me from my thoughts.
My breath escapes my lungs.
She’s coming. And she’s a fucking vision.
Mayah approaches the aisle, white gown hugging her curves, gray gems glinting in the dappled sunlight. Her hair frames her face—her tresses straight instead of wavy—the wind whispering through them. Her footsteps falter, blue eyes flicking warily over the gathered guests.
Then, her eyes land on me.
I swallow hard. She looks … happy. My lungs refuse to expand properly for a full breath. Skies, Mayah will be my wife.
She finds her rhythm and walks toward me, head held high and proud. I rake my gaze over her again as she nears, lips curving into a smile when I catch her doing the same to me.
The officiant clears his throat and starts his speech.
I don’t hear a word.
I’m utterly entranced by the goddess before me.
Bright blue eyes glimmering in the sunlight.
Full lips, turned up slightly at the corners.
Soft hands, clasped tightly within my own.
“…a demonstration of powers.”
Shit.
I’d forgotten this part of the ceremony.
Mayah purses her lips, and I shoot her an apologetic glance before quickly cutting a gash into my palm. She heals it within seconds.
The nobility claps weakly.
“Now, Prince Zevayr will show us the might of Arbinj!”
Mayah’s eyes grow round, her breaths shallow with fear. I hate that I’m doing this to her—let alone in front of the entire Arbinji nobility.
I summon my power. The sky darkens overhead, and her face tilts toward the clouds shadowing the garden.
“Hey,” I murmur. “Eyes on me.”
I clasp her hand and splay it over my heart. Keeping our gazes locked, I raise a hand.
Thunder rumbles, and Mayah stiffens. I squeeze her hand tighter where it rests on my chest.
She matches her breaths to mine, slow and measured, and the panic ebbs in her eyes.
“Brace now, baby,” I whisper. In her eyes, there’s so much wonder and affection, that I almost fool myself into believing she feels the same way I do.
A small bolt of lightning strikes a spire jutting from one of the palace towers.
A beat of silence.
Then, thunderous applause. The guests rise and clap at my modest display like I’m Faerahzar the Great.
When the sky clears, Mayah’s shoulders relax. I press a lingering kiss to her knuckles. The officiant completes the ceremony.
The audience stands, clapping once more.
It’s done. I am Mayah’s husband.
I cradle her face, slanting my lips over hers, coaxing her mouth open with my tongue. My blood burns for her, desire simmering in my chest. When she arches into me, fingers clutching my shoulders, it’s an effort not to ravish her mouth the way I want to.
When I pull back, her eyes glimmer with desire.
She tears her gaze away, as though she’s afraid I’ll see it.