Epilogue
AMEIRAH
The joyous sound of flutes and drums rose to meet me as I was carried in a litter covered in rich fabrics and flowers, the floral scent of them filling my lungs as I took a deep breath. Not of panic and fear this time, but to savour the moment, to burn every detail of it into my memory.
On either side of me, chairs were draped with fabric, jewels, and yet more fragrant violets, full of our friends and family.
People we both chose to be here, who looked upon us with affection and pride instead of judgement and hate.
A second ceremony, a second wedding, this time done the way we wanted.
On our first wedding day, I’d prepared for this moment alone, but this morning—and every day for the past week—I’d been surrounded by so many people that I couldn’t get a moment alone, let alone feel loneliness.
Xiu’s cold words didn’t follow me down the aisle towards Varidian; this time I carried Rawiya’s approval with me, and Mingyue’s love and even Zonghan’s approval even though, and I quote, that man has far too much width in his shoulders to be as gentle as you deserve, granddaughter.
But he was wrong. Varidian was gentle and strong, loving and unforgiving, brave and ruthless. He was everything I’d ever wanted in a husband, and a thousand other things I’d never dared to imagine, never dreamed I might find.
I admired the play of light on my ring, sunlight setting the stones ablaze in shades of purple, turquoise, and gold. Kamaal found it in a desk drawer in the palace in Morysen and returned it to its rightful owner. I hadn’t taken it off for a single minute since.
“So,” he said when my litter was lowered gracefully—and with care this time—beside his, the two of us facing the crowd who gazed on with smiles on their faces. “What do you think of your husband? Handsome? Dashing? Utterly arresting?”
I gave him a slow perusal, from his glossy hair, the face I loved beyond all others, and the kaftan that strained to fit his muscles. “Handsome enough, I suppose,” I said with a coy smile. “But that is very pretty hair.”
His grin was swift and enough to set his eyes alight. “Get over here and kiss me,” he rumbled.
So I did.
Thank you SO much for reading the Heir of Wyvara duet.