Chapter 73
"Well, Troya's already drunk," Inés said, shaking her head as she closed the door to her private quarters. "And that nephew of mine was trying to sneak a peek at you."
"He wasn't going to stay sober for that long." Zena laughed as she picked from the spread of fruit and meat while she lounged on a chaise with a glass of wine. "It's his last night as a single Lord. That's to be expected."
"And why does it matter if Rhyel sees me?" Sana said, frowning while Kezi finished her hair, fashioning two braids on either side of her head and leaving the rest of her fiery red locs in a glossy wave of curls down her back.
"Because," Uma giggled, refilling her glass of wine. "This is kind of your engagement party too."
"What?" Sana said, looking over at Inés. "You're not serious, are you?"
"Yes, Uma is right," Inés said, smiling as she crossed the room and took Sana's hands. "I told you this was my chance to treat you like the daughter I hoped you'd be."
"But...but I don't want to take away from Troya's celebration."
"You won't, my darling." Inés squeezed her hands. "And I know if your mother was still with us, she would've wanted this for you too."
Sana's heart thumped as she curled her fingers around her dragon's breath. "You think so?"
"I do." Inés nodded. "You were her pride and joy," she said, smiling. "Come. Let me get a look at you."
"Okay," Sana said, getting up from her chair. Inés led her to the full length mirror.
She was fitted in a black cropped sleeveless top with jewels of red, gold and purple that dripped over her stomach and came to a point at her belly button.
Bands of gold gems wrapped around her waist as sheer black skirts flowed over her hips with slits up to her thighs showcasing her legs.
Her feet were left bare as was tradition in Barashaa, but straps of gold leather wrapped around her ankles and traveled up to her knees.
And once again, Sana was amazed by the beautiful woman who gazed back at her.
But this is who we are, Sana.
Ember said as warmth spread through her veins and tingled over her skin.
We've always been a beautiful woman meant for great things.
"You look just like her, you know?" Inés said as she picked up a black velvet box sitting on a dresser. "And she would've wanted you to have these."
"What is it?" she said, grazing her fingers over the box.
Inés smiled, opening it. "These were your mother's headdress and cuffs bestowed upon her from your family."
Tears pricked the corners of Sana's eyes as she trailed her fingers over the strips of gold attached to feathers of red and purple and golden arm cuffs that dripped with thin chains of gold interspersed with the feathers representing her coven.
"They're beautiful," she whispered. "But is it okay if I wear something so obvious of what I am? "
"Of course you can," Zena said, standing from her seat and crossing the room while Uma, Kezi and Eula stood around her. "You're in the company of people who would give their last breath to protect who you are, my Lady."
It's true, little flame.
Sune said, fluttering around her.
"That's why your mother came to us and why you'll always be safe to be who you are here," Inés said, tugging the headdress from the box and placing it upon her head. "And why she left these items in my care to give them to you when you were ready."
"I've always believed you were more than what your family thought of you," Uma said, helping Inés clasp the cuffs around her arms. "And it's time you stepped into your greatness, Sana."
"Thank you," she said, gazing at the women standing around her and the gentle hum of power emanating from her mother's jewelry warmed her skin as if she were standing beside her too. "Thank you for being my family even if I never find my coven."
"And we always will be," Eula said. "Come now, ladies, let us bless Sana with the power of the wolves and the seers."
And the might of the Tsidian moths.
Sune added, landing on her shoulder as his eyes glowed in a soft golden hue.
Inés took Sana's hands while Zena, Uma, Kezi and Eula placed their hands on her shoulders. "May your union with Rhyel be blessed with everlasting joy and an unshakeable bond to see you through anything that may hinder or dampen the love we hope you'll both share."
"In the name of Accalia." Zena, Eula and Kezia proclaimed.
"Barshaa." Inés and Uma declared.
Tsidia.
Sune said, fluttering his wings.
And Zarathos.
Ember trilled.
Sana's jewelry pulsed and hummed against her skin as their blessing fell over her, filling her with the sense of belonging she'd always dreamed of having.
A smile spread across her lips. "You all honor me so," she said as a tear rolled down her cheek. "Thank you."
Inés wiped the tear and pressed a kiss against her cheek. "You're welcome, my darling." She beamed, flicking her wrist as glasses of sparkling rose colored wine appeared in their hands. "Now let us toast to a beautiful evening of joy, love and life."
They raised their glasses, laughing as they clinked them together before taking a hefty sip. Uma wrapped her arm around Sana's waist, squeezing her tight. "I'm so happy for you," she whispered, kissing her cheek. "You deserve every happiness that's coming to you."
Sana pressed her forehead against Uma's, smiling into her brown eyes. "And I'm just glad you're here with me."
A deep thunderous beat, the rhythmic sounds of steel drums and joyful cheers filtered through the open windows. "Oh, it's time ladies!" Inés said, clapping her hands with glee. "The celebrations have started."
"Oh goodness." Sana laughed, pressing a hand over her stomach. "I'm nervous all of a sudden."
"Don't be nervous, my Lady," Zena said, wrapping her arm around her shoulders. "Just have fun tonight. You and Uma promised to teach me some of these southern dances, remember?"
"Yes, and we have our work cut out for us," Uma said, looking Zena up and down. "Miss General has no rhythm."
"Good luck." Kezi burst out laughing as they followed Inés out of the room. "She's a lost cause. Her wife and I have been trying to help her for years."
Zena pouted, crossing her arms over her chest. "That's so mean."
"It's alright," Eula said, patting Zena's side. "We can stumble through it together."
Sana chuckled as she slipped her arm through Uma's. There was no need for her to be nervous, not when she had these amazing women around her to keep her laughing.
And we have our dragon to dance with all night too.
Ember purred with anticipation.
Tonight is going to be so lovely with him by our side.
Rhyel adjusted the wide black and gold sash across his chest, tucking it into the hem of his black harem pants as was the traditional dress of the Barshaas.
He left his hair long and loose save for the two braids on either side of his head in a faux mohawk–another tradition from his Barshaa heritage.
The only thing missing is our horns, brother.
Kal chuffed, baring his fangs in a wide smile of approval.
Well if Troya's vision comes to fruition, maybe one day I won't have to hide my dragon side.
Rhyel said as he walked beside Rivo behind Troya and Dante as they made their way toward the swell music and chatter filling the terrace of the palace.
Cheers and well wishes erupted from the terrace as Troya made his entrance, receiving hugs and kisses from his family and friends eager to congratulate him on his impending marriage.
Rhyel scanned the terrace looking for Sana amongst the crowd and his heart thumped and simmered when he found her.
The music and bubbling chatter around him dulled to a low rumble as everyone on the terrace seemed to blur as if she were a beautiful shining beacon amongst the crowd.
He slowly walked toward her, drinking in her bejeweled outfit, trailing his eyes over the slit in her sheer black skirts, the jewels gracing her smooth brown skin and the headdress fit for the beautiful phoenix she was.
Kal and Rhys purred inside of him, enchanted by her beauty.
Sana's beautiful violet eyes met his and a primal urge to wrap his arms around her and forbid anyone from gazing at her filled his veins.
Because she is ours and we are hers.
They growled.
Reaching her, Rhyel took her hand, bringing it to his lips. "My Lady, you look stunning this evening."
"Thank you." A sheepish smile tugged at her lips and went straight to his groin. "You look handsome this evening as well."
Zena cleared her throat beside them, shattering the muffled world around him. "Good evening to you too, my Lord."
Rhyel chuckled, tearing his gaze away from Sana, realizing he'd unknowingly muscled his way into the group around Sana without a care for who she'd been speaking with.
"Forgive me, Zena." He looked around him with a blush rising on his cheeks at the giggling women around them.
"Ladies. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to intrude. "
"No, no," Uma said, laughing. "There's no need to apologize. You saw your Lady and came running, my Lord. I think we all understand why." Sana's best friend grinned. "I think she looks stunning this evening too."
"And I heard the Barahaas are dedicating this night to you both, too," Galia said, nudging Rhyel's arm. "So this would make it your first engagement party, right?"
Sana thread her fingers through Rhyel's and laughed. "I guess? Although we weren't aware of it until today."
"Oh, that doesn't matter," Eula said, plucking a glass of sparkling wine from a passing tray and handing it to Rhyel. "You deserve a southern celebration to represent this part of you both."
"Yes because it'll be a while before we get to celebrate you in the tradition of the wolves," Kezi said, wiggling her eyebrows. "That's a bit more intense."
Rhyel choked on his wine as his blush burned up to his ears. "Kezi, that's inappropriate."
Sana raised an eyebrow. "Why?"
Zena laughed, patting her shoulder. "I'll fill you in about that when we get home," she said as Troya stepped up to the raised stage. "Oh, the groom-to-be is making his speech."
"What did Kezi mean?" Sana whispered to him, squeezing his hand.
Be honest, brother.
Rhys chuckled.
We must keep no secrets from our Sana.
Rhyel ignored his teasing wolf and leaned down to Sana's ear as Troya began his speech. "When you become my Luna, it requires us to mate," he whispered. "Then the people of Darcanos will celebrate our union."
Sana's eyes grew wide. "Oh," she said, biting her plump lip. "Kezi is cheeky."
"Mm-hm." He chuckled softly, kissing the side of her head. "But that's not something we need to think about now."
"And since this is a celebration for my wedding tomorrow, I, Lord Troya of Barshaa, would like to officially dedicate this joyous gathering to my cousin, Lord Rhyel and his beautiful fiancee, Lady Sana," Troya said, raising his glass.
"May your union be blessed with everlasting joy and an unshakeable bond to see you through anything that may hinder or dampen the love I hope you'll both share. "
"Sana and I thank you for your dedication and your blessing, cousin," Rhyel said, as he and Sana raised their glasses.
Sana smiled and her ring hummed from her joy against Rhyel's skin. "We are truly honored by your generosity."
"To Lord Rhyel and Lady Sana!" Dante and Inés said followed by a swell of cheers as glasses were raised in their honor.
"And with that." Troya spread his arms wide as his gray eyes glowed. "Let the feast and the dancing begin!"
Rhythmic steel drum beats and brass horns swelled from the terrace down to the great fire in the cove as guests filled their plates and glass or filtered down to the cove to dance in joyous harmony around the fire.
"That was a lovely tribute to you both," Loic said, beaming as Rhyel, Sana and her ladies joined his table with Rivo filling glasses with his kelp infused spirit.
"You deserve such an honor and you both look absolutely stunning this evening," Loic said, leaning in closer to them. "Like the dragon and phoenix you are," he whispered.
Rhyel chuckled, patting a hand on his back. "Thank you, but how many glasses of Rivo's booze have you had?"
Loic frowned, looking at his half empty glass. "Probably too many, but also," he said, holding out his glass to Rivo. "Not enough. Top me up, young Lord."
"You got it, Sir Loic," Rivo said, gleefully filling up his glass to the brim before turning his glossy green eyes on Sana. "My Lady, would you like to try?"
"Of course," she said as he passed her a glass.
"Careful, my Lady," Rhyel said, chuckling. "Kelp liquor is a bit stronger than the mead you're used to," he said, leaning down to her ear and teasing himself with her decadent scent. "Your mouth will be doing more than running away from you."
She laughed, biting her lip. "And would that be a bad thing, my Lord?"
He grinned. "No," he whispered, pressing a kiss to her ear. "As long as I'm the one your mouth wants to do more with."
"Well," she said, looking at him with a heady desire burning behind her eyes as she took a slow tantalizing sip from her glass. "I'm sure my mouth doesn't want anyone else."
Kal and Rhys purred a lustful growl as heat and fire pooled in his groin. He curled his fingers under chin, aching to devour her lips from such a salacious tease. "I see you're playing with fire tonight, Sana."
"Am I?" She grinned. "I kind of like it."
He dragged his thumb across her bottom lip. "So do I."
A/N: I mean I feel like Rhyel and Sana were being cheekier than Kezi.
.. ?? But I love all the love for them as a couple.
I do feel like Sana's mother would've wanted her to be celebrated like this if she were alive, but I'm a bit curious about what a Barshaa proposal entails. ...what's the Sha'ani all about?