Chapter 53
IZADELLA
One month later
Sunlight streams through my cottage window.
I sit at my small vanity, my stomach fluttering with anticipation for the day. Viella pins back the last of my hair, ensuring that all of my copper curls stay out of my face for the ceremony. “Perfect,” she says before the tears come flowing down again.
Oh, my sweet Viella.
Nueena, Hiliyah, and I can’t help but softly laugh at our sweet friend's endearing burst of emotions for the third time this morning as they have all helped me prepare for today.
I stand up from my cushion to hug her.
“I just can’t believe it, Izzy! You have a Zemra, and you are about to become a princess! I’m just so p-proud.” She wails the last bit.
Lillian comes up behind us, holding out a handkerchief to her love. A knock on the door heralds the arrival of the palace attendant placed in charge of today’s events. “We will be starting soon. May I ask you all to take your seats?”
My heart thunders wildly, a mix of excitement and apprehension. I just wish for today to be perfect.
Hiliyah moves towards the door but stops in front of me. “Spin.”
I do, letting her assessing eye find any faults in my attire.
My gown is a creamy white, and the neckline has small round curves that remind me of a scallop’s shell. My golden Zemra robes match the intricate gold detailing on the bodice. A chain of gold coins hangs down across my chest, attaching the robe. A Kalvorn tradition for good luck.
I wish for the crown I made to gather all the attention, so the only other jewelry I wear is the large teardrop-cut emerald necklace Leon had made for me.
My Zemra stone is tucked away in my pocket for the ceremony.
“Perfect,” Hiliyah proclaims before following Lillian and Viella out and closing the door behind her.
“Are you nervous?” Nueena asks in a way that always draws out the truth from me. She holds my sheer veil in her hands.
“Yeah, a little. It’s not every day that one has a wedding, a Zemra ceremony, and a gets crowned as a princess. I woke up a jewelry maker and will fall asleep as royalty.”
Kalvornian princess. Emissary of Ellova to Adreania.
With Leon as my prince. Excitement takes flight in my chest. Leon’s answering response is much more joyous, his steady presence amused by my elation.
“You will make a wonderful emissary,” Nueena says with the deepest sincerity.
I laugh. “I plan on letting Leon do all the work.”
“No, you won't.” She sees right through me.
“You spent years sneaking into a forbidden kingdom to bring food and coins to those who desperately needed it. As a Kalvornian royal, if there is a difference to be made, you will find it. You have a brother-in-law for a king who will listen to what you say.”
I roll my eyes playfully. “Oh, I suppose I do have some ideas. What can I say? I wish every place could be just like Ellova.”
I’ve already told Callen, Lyrora and Nueena all of my ideas.
Ships can sail daily between Kalvorn and Adreania to trade goods and provide aid.
We can build roads for passage through the Kalvorn Mountains to connect the peoples of Kalvorn, Adreania, and Ellova more easily.
Perhaps an academy where Leon can assist in training new healers.
While the people of Adreania recover and learn new skills, the artisans from the Gem Court could host more markets and introduce them to our fae wares.
Maybe even a library, populated with books on fae history from the Ink Court to educate the mortals who have thought of us as myths for so long, and information about Adreania’s history and former industries to educate them on their own home, as well.
Opening the Zemra temple to all fae mates from Kalvorn.
Before Leon, the end to my half-mortal life loomed and haunted, but now nothing but time is laid out before us.
An exquisitely long life with my Zemra.
We have time to make great changes and build a legacy for Leon to leave behind. After that? A whole world out there I will explore with him by my side.
I turn so Nueena can tuck the comb of my veil into my hair, flowing loosely behind me.
We loop our arms together to leave and she adds, “Your possessions may have been moved here but a place for you will always be in the palace.”
“I know,” I say, leaning my head against her shoulder.
We have lived together for so long, it’s been strange not having her near, even if we have met for tea every day since I left and dined together twice.
Leon and Tavien are on the other side of the cottage door, waiting for us. My Zemra lets out a gasp, his eyes roaming all over me. He opens his mouth to speak and nothing comes out, but the bond bursts with affection and awe. His Zemra stone glows faintly, greeting mine from his robe’s pocket.
Tavien slaps him on the back and offers his hand to Nu. “Let’s give them a moment.” Nueena slips her arm from mine and joins Tavien as they head to the garden. Leon’s attire matches mine, the same chain of coins across his chest. His eyes shine with emotions I can feel pulsing through me.
In a shaking voice he says, “You are so beautiful."
My sweet Zemra. I step up, enveloped by his love, his arms pulling me near. “Everything changes after today,” I whisper into his chest, and I can feel him shake his head.
“Our titles may have changed, Princess, but you are every bit the wonder that captivated me. I am still the same male hopelessly in love with you, desperate to have you forever.”
The garden is full of our loved ones waiting on us, but I just need a few more moments of this. When it still feels like we are just a healer and a jewelsmith.
Two liars in love.
His lips brush the top of my head, a reminder that a crown will be placed there soon. One completely void of magic, thank Ellova.
“We should go.” I whisper.
Leon squeezes me tighter for a moment before he eases me away from him.
He runs his finger down the veil’s trim, swallowing hard.
“I know veils are not a fae tradition, but I spent so many nights imagining us married when you were mortal. Sliding a ring onto your finger as you vowed to be mine and I just—” He clears his throat.
“Thank you for wearing this.” Endless gratitude for us, for this day, lighting him up from the inside.
“Of course, my love.”
“I have one last request. I know we have our Zemra stones, how powerful they are, and what they mean to us, but in a Kalvornian wedding ceremony, the groom would present the bride with gold, as a symbol he could take care of her…” Leon pulls out a golden nugget from his pocket.
“Will you do me the honor of making us matching rings?” he asks sheepishly.
My heart sings and I happily complete his request. The gold melts in my palm and reforms itself. Each ring is made up of two bands that twirl together to symbolize our union.
He gently slips it over my left ring finger before bringing my hands up to his lips, pressing a kiss to each fingertip with such tenderness I could cry.
When he is done, I slide his ring on his finger, standing on my toes to seal this moment with a kiss.
“Ready?” he asks, eyes still half-closed.
“With you? I’m ready for anything.”
We slowly walk hand in hand to the side of the cottage, where a new life awaits.
Nyvenah stands with a bouncing Kaylena, who holds a basket of soft pink rose petals, a few falling out with her excitement.
“You are a vision,” Nyvenah says, kissing my cheek.
“Is it time?” Kaylena asks, hugging my legs. “Can I go?”
We laugh. “One moment. Let your mother take her seat first. Once you reach the end, Vaylin is waiting for you.”
Nyvenah hugs me. “Your parents would be so proud of you.”
I can only nod. Today holds so much joy, but it is not without the lingering pain of losing them.
She walks away, music floating around the forest. Vaylin and Alachite sit in the front row with Lillian, Hiliyah, Viella, and Cyanna.
Leon and I head down the stone walkway, letting Kaylena begin the evening's festivities. The musicians see our approach and change their tunes.
Everyone rises.
Our friends and family are seated in rows of wooden benches with soft pink pillows. Wisteria chandeliers dangle above them. Crystal lights are strung in every direction off tree branches; paired with the golden sunrays of late afternoon, the forest is illuminated.
At the end of each row is a large vase filled with pink and green blooms. A massive floral archway waits for us at the end.
Nervousness spikes as so many eyes fall on me, but Leon’s bond is quick to quiet the fear. He holds my hand out to walk. Kaylena adorably throws the flower petals high in the air as she cascades down the aisle before us.
King Callen stands under the archway with two pedestals beside him. Deep green velvet cushions hold two identical crowns of gold leaves and emeralds, and a base of diamonds and peridot I made late last night in bed with Leon.
Across the aisle is Callen’s family, sitting with a softly smiling Dowager Queen Erenia and Queen Lyrora. Henrik is dressed in fine clothing, free of his usual uniform. His hand entwines sweetly with Lyrora’s.
Theodore and Clive are there too, richer than their wildest dreams now. When Leon found out they led the rebels into the castle to stop my wedding, a trove of treasures, and titles to land in Kalvorn was given to them.
Leon and I reach his brother, facing our friends and family. A public feast and celebration of our union will take place tomorrow for anyone in Kalvorn who wishes to attend, but Zemra ceremonies are an intimate event, and it was my one request to maintain that closeness today.
Callen loudly proclaims, “Thank you for coming to such a unique event to honor my brother and his Zemra, Izadella.” He picks up the crown next to me and places it on my head.
“I now crown Izadella Aranelle, daughter of Ambra and Nolan Aranelle, princess of Kalvorn.” He turns to his brother.
“Prince Leon-Zilas, son of Orion and Cordelia, here is your crown.”
The look of pride on both brothers’ faces spreads a smile on my face.
Callen places Leon’s crown on his head. “Thank you for your sacrifices for our kingdom. Do you, Leon, take Izadella as your bride, princess, and Zemra?”
“I do.”
My heart soars.
My new brother turns to me. “Do you take Leon to be your husband, prince, and Zemra?
“I do.”
Love for me bursts through the bond.
Callen steps forward with two strands of soft leather cords. “Izadella, please present your Zemra stone to your soulbonded.”
I pull out my precious stone wrapped in gold with an opening at the top and hold it up to Leon. He takes one of the cords and threads it through the hoop. I turn, lifting my hair so it’s not in his way. His warm fingers brush my neck as he ties it, so my stone hangs over my chest.
Leon takes my hand, lifting it up to spin me towards him. I’m giddy as I take the final cord and he holds up his own stone so I can gently attach the leather. Leon bends down on one knee, making my heart skip several beats.
The sight of him on his knees before me sends lava into my veins and has me wishing we could skip our celebration feast entirely.
I tie the leather and gently place the necklace around his neck. He stands and we both hold our stones together. Bright green light flashes and the crowd lets out a thunderous cheer.
Zemras.
He pulls me close to spin and then dips me low. I grab my crown so it doesn’t fall, laughing with pure delight.
“I love you, Izadella of the forge,” he whispers just for me.
“I love you, too, Leon. My mate, my Zemra.”
Leon kisses me with such passion, a promise of forever.
Our Zemra stones glow, but it is nothing compared to the luminous love within us. That union of our souls sings within us at our closeness, a melody of devotion I’m grateful to hear forever.
The end!