47. Repeat After Me
CHAPTER 47
Repeat After Me
Melinda Mayweather
I take a deep breath, my hands smoothing over the shimmering fabric of my gown. Lydia fusses with the train, her nimble fingers adjusting the delicate lace trim, while Elen tucks an errant strand of hair back into my elaborate updo.
"It's time, my lady," Kellan murmurs from behind me.
I step forward and peer through the ornate doors into the throne room of Vandimoor palace. The sight steals my breath away. Hundreds of floating orbs bathe the chamber in ethereal light, their warm glow illuminating a sea of faces.
Garlands of silver-blue flowers and deep crimson roses drape from the vaulted ceiling and along the walls, their perfume mingling with the heady scent of excitement that hangs in the air.
The sheer number of guests overwhelms me. Familiar faces from the Changing of the Guard ceremony mingle with royalty from across the realms. The Asgardian king and queen stand tall near the front, while Hades and his Valkyries cut imposing figures along the side. Even Wraith's family and the Drakonii monarchs have made an appearance.
I turn to Kellan, my voice barely above a whisper. "I never imagined... With all the fighting, how can there be guests from so many of the worlds?"
Kellan's mouth curves into a gentle smile, reminding me so much of my father. "You are the next queen of the Fae, Domina . It would've been an insult to King Theon if they had not attended. The Fae may be small in number, but the ability to bend reality commands great power, respect, and fear."
I nod and step into the threshold. A hush falls over the crowd as I take my first step down the aisle. My heart pounds in my chest, a flutter of nerves and excitement making my fingers tremble. The elaborate wedding gown Elen and Lydia dressed me in is its own kind of armor—layers of silken fabric the color of moonlight floats around me with each step.
At the far end of the hall, Hawke stands tall and handsome, his broad shoulders draped in a silver cloak embroidered with red metallic threads. His eyes are soft with emotion and fixed on me.
My love. My heart. You are breathtaking. His words of praise come flowing through our bond.
As I make my way, I'm acutely aware of the hundreds of eyes upon me. Whispers ripple through the crowd like a gentle breeze, but I barely hear them. All I hear are Hawke’s words. All I feel is his love and adoration. My gaze is locked with his, and in his eyes, I see a universe of love and promise that makes everything else fade away.
When I reach him, Hawke extends his hand. As our fingers intertwine, a spark of our soul bond flares to life, warm and reassuring. "My love." His words are quiet. Just for me.
His father steps forward, his silver cloak matching Hawke’s. "We gather today,” his voice rings out, clear and strong, "to witness the union of not just two individuals, but two souls destined for each other. This is a blessing many of us thought we’d never see again. Today my son has found his other half and the rest of our world finds hope for their children’s futures."
Theon goes on to speak of love, duty, and the ancient magick that binds soulmates, I find myself lost in Hawke's eyes and not paying attention.
I love you so much, I say silently through our bond.
He smiles and gives my hands a gentle squeeze.
"The vows you speak today," King Theon continues, "are more than mere words. They are a covenant, bound by the very essence of Yggdrasil itself."
A small siren woman steps toward us from beside Theon with a long shimmering silver length of fabric. Hawke takes my hands in his and lifts them toward her. She wraps the silk cloth around our joined hands in a figure eight pattern.
“Speak your vows, Prince Stormblood.”
"Melinda Mayweather," Hawke begins, his voice carrying easily through the hushed hall, "As Yggdrasil, the World Tree, stands eternal, so shall my love for you endure through all of time. From the first sunrise to the last sunset, through fire and frost, famine and feast, I pledge my heart, my sword, and my destiny to you. May the Fates weave our life strings as one and may the souls of all those before us bless our union. In this life and beyond, I am yours.”
Tears blur my vision as I take a shaky breath and repeat the same vow to him. I’d practiced it all morning while Lydia and Elen dressed me until it had become part of me. This was my life. He was my life. Forever.
The siren nods her approval, a small smile playing at her lips. "Now, we seal these vows." She produces a small, ornate dagger, its blade etched with writing I can’t read. "This blade will bind your vows with the power of Yggdrasil before witnesses. To break your vows would shatter your souls. Do you accept this binding and offer your blood?”
Hawke speaks first. “I do.”
“I do,” I echo.
She slips across each of our palms, making a small cut, and presses our hands together along with the binding. As our blood stains the fabric and mixes together, a surge of warmth and power flows between us. The air around us shimmers, and threads of golden light weave around our joined hands, blossoming outward, knitting a sort of ethereal net around our whole bodies. The magickal threads glow intensely before fading away.
"Yggdrasil accepts your offering."
With those words the hall erupts in cheers and applause. Hawke turns us both to face the crowd. I should be nervous. I should be worried about what comes next for us. But his overwhelming happiness fills my heart with joy. And I let it fill me. And I let myself be happy too.