24
After all the planning and months of work, the day finally dawned for Kurt and Malea’s wedding.
The small ceremony was held, oddly enough, in the old chapel of the army headquarters building, which had once been a temple.
Since the ceremony itself was kept simple and did not involve that many people, it was the perfect location, because the party was just across the backyard and through the gate into Isolde’s place.
The scent of spiced wine and roasting meats drifted through the cool night air, mingling with the faint tang of fire from the braziers set around the yard.
Lanterns hung from every arch, casting a warm glow over the courtyard and spilling light into the distance.
The Jinn musicians had struck up another lively tune, the rhythmic beat of drums blending with the bright wail of a reed flute and the vibrating strings of a multitude of lutes and fiddles.
Malea laughed as Kurt spun her out and back into his arms, the hem of her wedding gown brushing the flagstones. “Careful,” she teased. “You’ll tear it before the night’s through.”
He grinned, his eyes crinkling. “You’re even more beautiful than usual tonight, my love.”
She blushed, cuddling as close to him as the moves of the dance allowed. “And you’re even more handsome, husband.”
“Husband,” Kurt mused. “I really like the sound of that, wife.”
“Mm. I see what you mean. I like being your wife even though it’s only been an hour or so.”
“Goddess willing we’ll have many years to enjoy our time together,” he said softly, spinning her out as the moves of the dance went on. When she returned to him, she reached up and kissed him gently.
“I really like the sound of that,” she said in a soft, breathy tone.
“Our future starts right here, Malea. Right now.” Their gazes locked and held as the moment suspended them both in time and emotion.
All around them, family and friends celebrated. The Rasims and Averys shared a table near the long buffet, deep in conversation, their plates piled high. Master Goldman stood by the fire pit with the General, the two of them trading quiet words as they watched the dancing.
As one song finished and another began, Kurt escorted Malea off the dance floor so they could cool down and talk with friends.
Isolde swept past with a tray of goblets, pausing to press one into Malea’s hand before kissing her cheek.
She handed another to Kurt before moving on, kissing his cheek as well.
In the open space, the dragons had settled comfortably, enjoying the music. Their scales gleamed like jewels in the firelight, their tails swishing just slightly, in time to the music.
Across the way, the apprentices had gathered on the edge of the dance floor, some shy, others eager to join the dancing. The music shifted to a faster reel, and the Jinn players grinned, coaxing even the most reluctant dancers onto their feet.
Kurt drew Malea close, his voice low so only she could hear. “I love you, Malea,” he murmured.
She tipped her head back to meet his gaze, her heart so full it almost hurt. “I love you too, Kurt. Now and forever.”
For a moment, they simply stood together, surrounded by laughter and music, firelight flickering across the faces of those they loved.
In the shadows beyond, dragon eyes gleamed like gems, watchful and content.
Somewhere deep inside, Malea felt the threads of the night weaving into something greater—an unspoken promise that this family they had found, this life they were building, would endure.
The music swelled, pulling them back into the dance. And as the courtyard spun around her in a whirl of light and joy, Malea thought that, if every battle they faced could end in a night like this, she and Kurt could face anything the world might bring.
*
Far away, in a place untouched by music or laughter, another fire burned.
The hidden fortress was still cold and the air sharp as a diamond’s edge.
A man with ambition in his eyes and vengeance in his heart waited, gathering his power.
Balreal had suffered a setback with the death of that imbecile mage, but he could be patient. For now.
He’d have his day. And when it came, the dragons would fall.