Chapter 52
Tremors
Evelyn and Damien arrived at the Rosebud Chapel in a carriage. The guests were already seated inside the glass dome, but many guards and soldiers were stationed outside. Leo’s eyes brightened when he spotted Evelyn from his place by the entrance. He grabbed her waist to spin her around.
“We get it, you’re in love!” Damien told them before he went inside. “Calm down already.”
Leo’s eyes roamed over Evelyn, taking in the gleaming gown. “You look amazing.”
“And Gabrielle only threatened me once,” Evelyn said cheerfully.
Leo laughed and kissed her like he couldn’t help it. “Everyone is waiting for us. Are you ready?”
She took his hand. “Yes.”
They approached the arched doorway. General Savatier projected his voice to announce the royal couple’s arrival. Three hundred guests from across the kingdom stood and turned to face them.
There are so many people! What are they thinking as they look at me? Am I a princess to be proud of or a whore to be mocked? Maybe I don’t want to know. And it doesn’t change the fact that I will be their queen after this.
“It’s too late to elope, isn’t it?” Evelyn whispered.
Leo squeezed her hand. “We could go back to the roof and get married there. Damien can hog-tie the chaplain and haul him up with us.”
The High Chaplain, Henri Caron, stood on the center dais. Unsurprisingly, he seemed much happier than he had the day of King Gerard’s funeral.
“Why is it so quiet in here?” Evelyn asked. “It’s unnerving.”
Leo was confused for a moment until he realized the problem. “Because the music is an illusion. Everyone else is listening to a harp.”
Of course I can’t hear the music at my own wedding.
The chaplain lifted his hands in a welcoming gesture. “King Alexander Ducasse and Princess Evelyn Connolly, join me now so you may be wed before your kingdom.”
Leo smiled down at her. “That’s our cue. Last chance to escape.”
She drank in the blue eyes she loved so much.
I can do this.
Evelyn took the first step forward and they walked slowly up onto the dais.
Her heart pounded under the weight of everyone’s stares.
She was intimately aware of being surrounded on all sides.
Though she couldn’t focus on individual faces, she registered that her father, sister, and Queen Camille sat in the front row.
Where is Damien? He must be here somewhere. Not that I need him, because I’m not running away. I’d just like to see him.
Through the glass wall, the sun shone low on the horizon. Evelyn and Leo clasped their hands together. High Chaplain Caron spoke of love and commitment. Evelyn was only half listening, her attention fixed on Leo’s blissfully happy face.
He loves me. This is what people do when they’re in love. They get married.
“Alexander and Evelyn will now exchange vows to express their commitment to one another.” The chaplain’s voice was slightly louder for that part, like he knew they weren’t following along and needed a warning before it was their turn to talk.
Leo’s eyes glistened. “From the sea to the stars, I take you, Evelyn, as my wife. Until I cannot see the sun or hear the birds, until I cannot smell the flowers or taste the wine, I promise to love you with all my heart.” His voice cracked on the last word.
If he starts crying, I will lose any composure I have left.
“On the brightest day and the darkest night, I take you, Alexander, as my husband. Until the earth crumbles and the water dries, until the wind stops and the fire dies, I promise to love you with all my heart.” A tear streaked down her cheek as Evelyn completed her lines.
“Rings will bind their love as a physical representation of their vows,” Caron said.
Leo pulled a gold wedding band out of his pocket and slipped it on.
Evelyn wore the sapphire and diamond ring Leo had given her.
They raised their left hands and pressed their palms together.
Caron lifted a hand and strands of silver light emerged from his fingertips.
The magic flowed into Evelyn’s and Leo’s rings before running up the veins in their left arms. The sensation burned icy cold as it moved but settled warmly in their hearts before disappearing.
Caron bowed to them. “You belong to each other through magic and mind. The Kingdom of Gryon acknowledges your eternal bond as husband and wife.” He quietly left the dais.
Cheers echoed through the chapel when the king kissed his bride just as the sun set.
Everyone moved to the outdoor dining area for dinner. A gigantic slab of white marble had been laid on the field, creating an outdoor ballroom. Round dining tables and chairs filled the space, with guards stationed around the perimeter.
The Ducasses and Connollys were assigned to one table. Queen Camille was teary-eyed, but King Tristan worked hard to make her laugh. Leo poured wine into Evelyn’s glass. He hadn’t stopped grinning since the ceremony. Hannah ate her meal quietly.
We’re all family now.
After dinner, the crowd returned to the glass chapel. Hundreds of white candlesticks floated overhead to illuminate the space.
Once everyone was seated, Camille rose onto the dais. She outstretched a hand toward Evelyn.
Leo urged Evelyn forward. “I won’t be able to call you Princess after this.”
She approached Camille, who smiled at her with eyes full of kindness.
Camille projected her voice. “Evelyn Connolly, tonight you married King Alexander Ducasse. This makes you a queen in the Kingdom of Gryon. Do you accept this role?”
“Yes.”
“Will you stand by your husband and support him as sovereign?”
“Yes.”
“Can you accept this kingdom as your home?”
“Yes.”
“Do you swear to put the good of the kingdom above all else?”
“Yes.”
“Will you defend the well-being of your subjects?”
“Yes.”
“Please lower your head.”
Evelyn did so, grateful she didn’t have to try kneeling in her dress. A silver crown materialized in Camille’s grasp. It was embedded with sapphires and diamonds, perfectly matching Evelyn’s ring.
Camille settled the crown on Evelyn’s head. “Rise and state your name.”
Evelyn lifted her head, realizing how much heavier a crown was than a tiara. “Evelyn Ducasse, Queen of the Kingdom of Gryon.”
The lords of the four courts arranged themselves at the foot of the dais, bowing to her in turn.
“The Vision Court welcomes you as our queen. The Auclair family is your ally.”
“The Auditory Court welcomes you as our queen. The Fontaine family is your ally.”
“The Aromatic Court welcomes you as our queen. The Lafleur family is your ally.”
“The Taste Court welcomes you as our queen. The Barbeau family is your ally.”
General Savatier and Magalie joined the line.
“The Royal Army will fight for you.”
“The Royal Guard will protect you.”
Leo broke protocol and bounded onto the dais to make a pledge of his own. “The king promises to love you, Queen Evelyn.”
He dipped Evelyn and kissed her. A wolf whistle echoed off the walls, but no one could ever prove it was Damien. Laughter filled the room while the lords, general, commander, and queen mother returned to their seats.
Leo and Evelyn remained on the dais, moving to the center and joining hands.
“King Alexander,” Evelyn said. “You have already gained the magic of your kingdom. As your wife, I offer you my power as well. Will you take magic from your bride?”
“Yes.”
She touched his chest and gold light flowed between them. Leo gasped as magic tore into him, but he pinned Evelyn’s hand before she could remove it.
A gust of wind blew across the room, pushing all the floating candles to one side. Flames appeared high above them, writhing in an inferno before a sudden rainstorm washed them away. The ground momentarily shook beneath their feet. Finally, everything stopped and the golden light disappeared.
Many of the guests cried out, shocked by the Elemental magic that was much more powerful than the illusions they were used to. Evelyn had seen the spectacle when her father became a king, but Leo’s eyes were wide.
“Is that supposed to happen?” he asked.
She nodded. “You can do a lot more than distract guards with fake rabbits now.”
Someone sent up magic to return the candles to their original places. The crowd didn’t settle right away, expecting that to be the end of the ceremony. They quieted when they realized Leo and Evelyn weren’t leaving.
“Evelyn, my love,” Leo began, stiffly repeating the words from Haydn’s letter. “Fate brought us together, and vows have made us one. We are stronger united than we ever were alone. I freely share my heart, mind, body, and soul. Will you accept my magic as your own?”
Excited whispers buzzed through the room.
“Yes,” Evelyn answered.
Leo placed one hand at Evelyn’s waist to steady her and the other hand at the base of her neck. Golden light burst forward and Evelyn nearly doubled over at the force of it. Another tremor rumbled below, rain splattered down, and wind rushed past.
I’m receiving magic in the reverse order from Leo, minus the Fire I already have.
The air calmed, then briefly filled with the scent of roses and the flavor of apples. Chimes sounded all around the room. A rainbow appeared, connecting the dais to the highest point of the glass ceiling. It was all gone seconds later.
Evelyn swayed, suddenly lightheaded. She would’ve lost her balance if Leo hadn’t been holding on to her.
“You’re okay,” he whispered, looping a hand around the back of her neck.
“I think seven abilities was a lot of magic to get all at once,” she said faintly.
“This was your idea!” Leo teased.
Technically, it was Haydn’s idea. But that argument won’t help anyone.
Camille addressed the crowd. “Honored guests! The kingdom gained a new, very powerful queen today. The ceremonies have concluded and you are invited to join us in revelry outside. Thank you for being here to support your king and queen.”
Guests filed out of the glass dome for gossip and dancing. The dining tables had been removed, leaving an open dance floor under the stars.
Leo guided Evelyn to an empty seat and kneeled in front of her. “How do you feel?”
She blew out a breath. “Like I drank a whole bottle of Lord Robert’s wine. Maybe two. Are you okay?”
“I feel like I ran to the border and back. Elemental magic hits a lot harder than Perceptual magic.”
Camille and King Tristan appeared next to them when most of the guests had gone. Leo stood up, while Evelyn braced her elbows on her knees and held her head.
“What did you do?” Leo’s mother hissed.
“I made our marriage equal,” Leo said.
“You could’ve killed her!” Evelyn’s father scolded. “What were you thinking? Forcing that much magic—”
Evelyn groaned. “He didn’t force me to do anything. I asked for this.”
“But why?”
“Why shouldn’t I have as much magic as my husband?”
“It’s already done,” Leo said firmly. “We will join everyone outside in a few minutes.”
Camille walked away, but King Tristan sat beside Evelyn. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, Father. I feel better already. Go enjoy the party.”
“I’ll take care of her,” Leo promised.
King Tristan sighed and left, albeit reluctantly.
Rory arrived with a glass of water. “Can I get you anything else?”
Evelyn would have hugged him if she could stand up. “No… but I want you to ask Desirée to dance.”
A grin tugged at the corners of Rory’s mouth. “I’m working.”
“Then, as your queen, I command you to go dance with Desirée.”
Rory looked at his king for help.
Leo only shrugged. “Blame Evelyn if Damien gets mad.”
“As you wish, Your Majesty.” Rory bowed to Evelyn before leaving.
Simon was still inside, but he was chatting with Josephine. Evelyn finished the glass of water and felt almost normal.
“Thank the gods you didn’t pass out,” Leo said. “Your father would’ve killed me.”
“I didn’t expect your mother to be so upset.”
“I don’t think either of them likes surprises.”
Damien popped back into the chapel. “So… does your new magic work yet?”
“We can try it.” Leo held his palm out. “Evelyn, can you see this?”
“If there’s supposed to be something in your hand,” she guessed, “then no. I don’t see anything.”
That’s disappointing. I’d hoped exchanging magic with Leo would fix me.
Leo lowered his arm. “Okay, still no illusions for you. How do I use Fire magic?”
Evelyn demonstrated by making each of her fingers resemble a lit candle.
“Looks easy enough,” Damien said. “Your turn, friend.”
Leo frowned at his hand. “It can’t be that simple.”
“Try it!” Evelyn encouraged.
“Use this.” Damien tossed Leo a handkerchief. “Try to burn it.”
Leo gripped the cloth, his brows furrowed in concentration. “I’m not sure—Shit!”
The handkerchief burst into flames. Leo dropped it and stomped the fire out, spreading black soot on the marble floor.
Damien snorted. “Is that what you meant to do?”
Leo scowled. “Obviously not!”
Evelyn pinched her arm to stop herself from laughing. “We can practice another time.”
Everyone stared at the newlyweds during their first dance, possibly wondering if they would collapse or explode from all their new magic. When nothing happened, the guests went back to enjoying the reception.
Real musicians were stationed outside so Evelyn could actually hear the music. She mostly stayed in Leo’s arms but saved a dance for her father and Damien. King Tristan was too emotional to really talk, but Damien caught her up on all the drama she’d missed.
Lord Stuart stood in a corner with a dazed but pleasant expression on his face.
It seemed someone had slipped something extra into the lord’s wine, but no one could ever prove it was Damien.
Lord Stuart could’ve been on the moon for all he knew.
Two of Lord Robert’s children stole a glass of wine and were repeatedly dipping their fingers in it and wiping the liquid on Lord Stuart’s cream-colored trousers like fingerpaint.
His intoxication allowed the Fontaine women to enjoy dancing.
Rory and Desirée were inseparable, while Daphne had several dance partners.
Camille pulled Evelyn aside and gave her a warm hug. “I am so happy to have you as a daughter, my dear Evelyn. I was starting to worry Alexander would make the wrong decision.”
Leo’s eyes widened. “Why didn’t you ever tell me that?”
Camille gazed at her son with sympathy. “You had to make your own choice. This beautiful bride of yours would have said no if you proposed because your mother told you to.”
Leo’s face reddened at the accuracy of her words, then he leaned over to kiss Evelyn’s temple. “I got there in the end.”
This isn’t the end. It’s only the beginning.