Chapter 73 #2
He snorted and hopped out from the carriage, holding out a hand for her to descend. “Having the chance to prove my sister wrong just makes it even more perfect.”
The Sungazer before them was modest compared to the one at the palace, but a large group had already gathered and festive wreaths had been hung from every surface.
She’d almost forgotten it was Winter Solstice on top of the wedding.
The holiday was one she’d never had reason to celebrate, but she’d always enjoyed watching the villagers have their dancing and feasting from afar.
They were outside the city proper, near the edge of the woods, and the Sun’s descent left a glorious glow across the grounds. Gaeren pulled her through the crowd, and as they made their way to seats for the ceremony, Aeliana had the impression attending this wedding served a dual purpose.
“You want people to see us together, don’t you?” she said. “To see us getting along.”
He grinned. “Is that so wrong? For us to get along?”
“No, I just didn’t realize this was a political move. I thought you were just going to a friend’s wedding.”
He gave a mock frown. “Just because it helps establish mutual trust between the Recreants and the Loyalists doesn’t mean it’s a farce.”
They sat near the front by Thallahan’s and Fay’s families—likely a spot of honor because of Gaeren’s status.
A few of the merchants around them grumbled, hoping the ceremony wouldn’t last long because they’d seen several trade ships approaching the harbor.
As the Sun sank lower in the sky, Thallahan finally came into view.
“He really does look handsome with the eye patch,” Aeliana said. “I’m guessing Fay finds him even more attractive than before.”
Gaeren hummed in consideration. “I can easily put an eye patch over my eye if you’d like.”
She elbowed him and laughed, but it came out breathy and her face heated. A single daisy grew at her feet, and she slid her boot over it before Gaeren could tease her.
As beautiful as the ceremony was, Aeliana found herself watching the sky, waiting for the Sun to disappear and the moon to make its ascent. She hoped Durriken wouldn’t make a scene and that he’d wait at their designated meeting place.
Fernandus had come down to perform the ceremony, which was another way the royal family had blessed Thallahan and Fay.
Aeliana had never been to a wedding in Lorvandas, so she had no idea if the traditions crossed cultures.
Either way, there was something beautiful about the way Fay and Thallahan were presented as individuals before being joined as one.
They had just sealed their promises with a kiss, and Fernandus had begun unwinding the ties that bound them, when a scream broke out from the back of the crowd. Several others followed, and chaos ensued as people scrambled to see the cause of distress as well as escape.
Gaeren placed a protective arm around Aeliana, but she shrugged it off so she could withdraw her dagger from under her skirt. She cursed inwardly that her bow and arrow were back at the palace. When Aeliana finally caught a silver glimpse among the crowd, her breath caught.
“Winex,” she whispered.
Gaeren had his sword out, and they exchanged glances.
Winex typically avoided cities and large gatherings of people.
Attacks were expected out in the wild, but rarely in a setting like this, even if they were near the woods.
Plus, it was fairly close to the new moon.
They had to be five or six days old at most. Barely the size of a teenager with half the strength of a grown man. It was a foolish time to attack.
As the crowd scattered, Aeliana counted at least a dozen winex prowling through the remnants of the party, most almost flat on the ground.
As they crawled and sniffed, several went for the food laid out on tables, while others hissed and growled at the few half-lights, including Thallahan, who’d stayed back in an attempt to defend the people.
Aeliana hated the idea of taking down the winex. They looked too much like Felk. It didn’t matter that she’d already killed one in a battle before. That was before she’d befriended Felk. She wasn’t sure she could do it again even if one attacked her.
As Gaeren’s lips settled in a grim line, she realized he had no such qualms.
A dozen feet away, two attacked a man, scratching at his face before he could slice at them with his dagger. Gaeren ran to the man’s rescue, but Aeliana hesitated.
Why were the winex here? It was so out of character it left her on edge.
Without warning, one howled and lumbered her way, its nose to the ground until it reached her skirts.
She adjusted her grip on her dagger, knowing she’d have to defend herself if it came down to it, but dreading the idea of telling Felk what she’d done.
When the winex looked up, cocking its head, hatred and distrust filled its eyes.
But Aeliana gasped as she took in a black teardrop on its cheek. “Felk?”
The winex stiffened, confirming the name was familiar. It had to be him.
Aeliana’s relief dissipated as the winex snarled and lunged at her.