Chapter 76
Sana gulped as the carriage drew closer to the Lightbourne estate.
The sun was beginning its descent and cast the expansive sandstone dwelling of her childhood home in a warm amber glow while bright yellow and deep purple flowers decorated the path leading to the ceremony at the landscaped stones and gnarled trees behind the home.
It was a relief to know she wouldn't have to step foot inside the Lightbourne dwelling and be reminded of the abuse she'd endured as a servant, but her heart thumped and churned as she eyed her brother and father greeting the guests as they arrived.
Curling her fingers around her dragon's breath, she listened to its soft comforting hum and wished Ember would wake from her day long slumber. She might feel a little more confident if her phoenix was awake to endure this wedding with her.
"Sana." Rhyel's deep and husky voice pierced through her anxious thoughts as he threaded his fingers through hers. "There's nothing for you to fear," he said, pressing a kiss against her cheek. "You're not a Lightbourne," he whispered. "And your father has no power over you."
"I know." She nodded, taking a deep breath. "But even knowing who and what I am, I'm still afraid of how he's going to receive me."
He will receive you as the Lady of Darcanos.
Sune scoffed, fluttering his wings on her shoulder.
And treat you with the respect you've always deserved.
"Precisely," Rhyel said, squeezing her hand. "All you need to do is—"
"Hold my head high and demand my respect," she said, pressing her forehead against his as a smile tugged at her lips. "Thank you for being my strength."
"You're strong on your own, Sana. You just need to start believing it."
"Yes, I know and I'm starting to, but would you mind if I hold on to you a little tighter tonight?"
"Of course I don't mind," he said, sliding his hand to her cheek. "I don't plan on leaving your side tonight."
"Thanks," she said, sighing. "I wish Ember would wake up and share her strength with me too." She wrapped her fingers around Rhyel's wrist, laughing softly. "I don't like feeling this uneasy without her at least trilling in my mind."
"I know," Rhyel said, caressing her cheek. "I'm sorry my dragon and I aroused her too much last night."
A smile tugged at Sana's lips. "It wasn't all your fault.
Ember and I have to share some responsibility for the state she's in," she said, looking away from him as the carriage neared the red sandy steps of the estate.
"And maybe it's a good thing she's sleeping through this.
I'm not sure I want anything to happen to give my family any indication of what I am. "
"I've been thinking the same thing," Rhyel murmured. "It's probably best that your father still believes you don't have any gifts."
Sana nodded, squeezing Rhyel's hand. "I don't want him to think I have any value other than the alliance our betrothal has brought him."
"About that," Rhye said, bringing her hand to his lips. "How would you feel about me breaking the alliance with the Lightbournes?"
Sana's eyes grew wide as her heart thumped. "What? Why would you do that? And...and why would you mention that now?"
Rhyel chuckled as he nodded. "I admit this wasn't the best time to mention it, but I've been thinking about it for a while.
The Darcanos have never needed an alliance with anyone.
We are a wealthy and self-sustaining nation, but as Alpha, I recognize the importance of alliances with other nations.
However, Darcanos already has a familial alliance with the South through the Barshaas.
An alliance with the Lightbournes is more for their benefit than ours and I was only going to keep it intact for you and your reputation. "
"But I'm not a Lightbourne," Sana whispered.
She truly didn't have any ties to the Lightbournes besides sharing her mother's blood with her half siblings that never treated her like family.
What did she truly owe them for keeping the alliance intact?
Her reputation will be what it'll be. She was a Zarathos and the future Lady of Darcanos, she owed her family nothing.
A soft giggle left her lips as if the revelation of who and what she was would never stop being humorous to her and there was no reason for her to keep an alliance or ties to her abusive family intact.
"Rhyel, I don't care what you decide to do with the alliance.
If breaking it won't harm our people, then do as you wish," she said, shrugging.
"I'm a Zarathos after all. I don't really have any ties to the Lightbournes besides my half siblings who don't think of me as their sister anyway. "
"I was hoping you'd feel that way," Rhyel said and the smile that curled over his lips sent a zing straight to her heart. "Then I'll speak with Sirius and Kai before we leave the South and if you don't mind, I'd like for you to join me when I do."
"Are you sure?" Sana frowned. "I don't know if I'd be very helpful in those talks."
"Oh, I think you'd be very helpful, my Lady," he said, curling his fingers around her chin and the dauntless gleam in his eyes sent a flurry of warm tingles over her skin. "Especially when your father and your brother are begging on their knees for you to keep the alliance intact."
Sana raised an eyebrow. "And how do you know that will happen?"
"I don't, but it's a beautiful vision I have for you."
A smile graced her lips as she slid her hands up his paisley gold waistcoat. "I doubt my father or brother would ever beg me for anything," she said, leaning into him and gazing into his serene blue eyes. "But I love that you have visions like that for me."
"Of course I do," he said, kissing her softly. "Because I love you, Sana."
A blush burned over her cheeks. She wasn't sure if she'd ever get used to him confessing his love for her, but one day she wanted to have the courage to speak it back to him.
"And I'm lucky to have your love, my Lord," she said as the carriage rolled to a stop in front of the red titled steps of House Lightbourne.
Rhyel slid his hands over hers and gave them a gentle squeeze. "Are you ready, my Lady?"
Taking a deep breath, Sana nodded. "I'm ready," she said as a Lightbourne servant dressed in brown robes opened the carriage door.
She gazed at the brown-skinned, brown-haired young man standing beside the carriage door with his head bowed.
He was a servant Sana didn't recognize and while she hadn't been gone from Lightbourne for that long, she realized her father and brother may have gotten rid of a lot of the servants she once knew.
As she stepped out the carriage, Rhyel was quick to straighten out the silken skirts of her dress behind her before he tucked her hand in the crook of his arm. "Thank you," she whispered, gripping his arm as she kept her eyes on the steps, afraid to look into her father's eyes.
Even knowing she wasn't his child and he had no power over her, it didn't stop the fear creeping up her spine and nipping at her heart. It was hard to let go of the twenty-plus years of abuse he'd lambasted her with.
Hold your head high, Sana. Do not lower your eyes to that man who never loved us. He is not our father and we are the Lady of Darcanos. We owe Lightbourne nothing.
A proud smile graced Sana's lips as Ember woke from her slumber and filled her veins with a courageous warmth.
I'm so glad you're awake, Ember. I needed that.
I know.
She laughed in a joyful trill.
I wasn't going to miss this wedding or the chance to see our dragon looking so dapper.
A soft laugh escaped Sana's lips as she and Rhyel walked up the steps toward her father and brother. She looked up at Rhyel dressed in his deep blue suite and golden waistcoat.
He does look mighty handsome this evening, but I prefer him in his Barshaa robes.
Ember laughed and purred at Sana's remark.
As do I, Sana.
Sana's heart thumped as a tight smile spread across her father's lips, but there was contempt in both her his and her brother's eyes as they gazed upon them.
"Lord Rhyel, welcome to House Lightbourne," Sirius said with a bright smile gracing his brown face and glee twinkling in his violet eyes.
His joyous demeanor was something Sana had never really been privy to besides that one smile he'd given her before she left and her father's joy still unnerved her–like his happiness didn't fit his features because she truly couldn't remember a time when he looked at her with anything but disgust and disdain.
"House Lightbourne is honored to receive your House for this wonderful occasion." Sirius gave them a curt bow. "And I'm happy to hear of your recent engagement to my daughter," he said, glancing at Sana and she fought the urge to flinch at his warm gaze. "I'm glad your betrothal is going well."
"Thank you, Lord Sirius. Sana and I are very happy and the people of Darcanos have welcomed her with open arms," Rhyel said, looking down at Sana. "She's the best thing to happen to House Darcanos."
A blush burned over Sanas's cheeks as she looked up at him and her jewels pulsed in a soothing rhythm calming her anxious heart. "You're too kind, my Lord."
"Yes, and you're all anyone has been talking about," Kai said, chuckling. "I believe Lord Rhyel should be thanking us a bit more for the blessing we've given to House Darcanos."
A low rumbling growl vibrated from Rhyel's chest as he shot a menacing glare at Kai and a smug smile nearly curled over Sana's lips until her father laughed as if this interaction was just playful banter.
"There's no need for that." Sirius laughed, waving off his son. "I'm just glad you've found happiness together," he said, turning to Sana and hiding out his hands to her. "But I hope we might have a closer relationship now that you'll be the Lady of Darcanos and the Luna to the Alpha of Darcanos."
Sana gazed at his open palms as she dug her nails into Rhyel's arm while her hand shook at her side.
She didn't want to touch him, but she also didn't want to show disrespect to him either for fear it would hurt House Darcanos' reputation.
"I'm...I'm sure we can discuss that after the ceremony," she said, opting to give him a curt nod instead.
"Thank you for your kind words...father. "
"Yes, of course," Sirius said, gesturing to the flowered path leading to the ceremony. "I look forward to speaking with you both soon."
"And so do I," Kai said, bowing his head to them. "Thank you for coming."
Sana and Rhyel nodded to them before walking along the flowered path to the rumbling chatter in the back of the estate.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes, I'm fine." Sana sighed, looking up at Rhyel "I hope I wasn't too disrespectful, but I couldn't bring myself to touch him."
"Not at all." He shook his head before he leaned down and pressed a kiss to her head. "You were perfect, my lady. You never have to do anything you don't feel comfortable doing."
She nodded, leaning into him. "Thank you," she said as a soft laugh escaped her lips. "But do you think Kai was being sincere when he mentioned we are the talk of the nobles?"
Her heart thumped as they neared the gathering of guests finding their seats in the manicured lawn before the altar dressed in a canopy of silks and flowers.
The hum of chatter softened as they entered the ceremony before a swell of cheerful excitement erupted amongst the guests—mainly from Lady Daphne, Nori and Galia's group of Ladies—but Sana was honored to be welcomed with such excitement.
"Lady Sana! You look absolutely magnificent this evening," Lady Daphne gushed, as she took Sana's hand with her deep indigo eyes full of glee. "I was so worried when you and Lord Rhyel left so early. I didn't even get to say goodbye."
"Thank you and I'm so sorry for leaving as we did," she said, looking up at Rhyel. "We just had some things we needed to take care of in Barshaa first."
"Mm, I see," Daphne said, smiling with a knowing gleam in her eyes. "Nori and Galia told us about the Barshaa party last night. It seems you and Lord Rhyel were also celebrating your engagement."
A blush burned over Sana's cheeks as Rhyel wrapped his arm around her waist and a prideful smile spread across his lips. "We certainly did, Lady Daphne. It was a lovely night spent with my family."
"Honestly, Lord Rhyel." Daphne giggled, patting his arm. "If any of us Ladies knew how sweet and charming you could be, I don't think we would've ever bought that brutish attitude you've always had."
A small wave of jealousy snaked round Sana's heart at Lady Daphne's flirtatious remark. She wasn't used to feeling such an ill way toward anyone, but she would prefer it if Daphne refrained from touching Rhyel in such a way.
I agree...
Ember huffed as her fire licked through Sana's veins.
Between Sirius trying to act like a doting father and this woman touching our dragon...
Ember growled.
I believe someone might get burned this evening.
Sana thread her fingers through Rhyel's resting on her hip as she cleared her throat to calm the fire burning through her. Rhyel must've felt her unease because he pulled her close and pressed a kiss against her temple.
"Ah, Lady Daphne, but Sana's the only one I'd ever shed my brutish ways for," he said with a menacing bite in his tone. "Otherwise, you Ladies would've seen it before.
Daphne's eyes grew wide as Nori and Galia laughed beside her. "You see, there he is," Galia said, grinning. "He hasn't changed a bit. It's just Lady Sana is lucky enough to enjoy our cousin's softer side."
A smile splayed across Sana's face as she squeezed Rhyel's hand. "He doesn't mean anything by it, Lady Daphne," she said, leaning back against his chest. "But yes, I'm very lucky to be the fiance of such a brute."
"Yes, you are," Daphne said, smoothing a hand over her dress of glittering navy blue silks. "And I'm so glad to know those rumors about you are true."
Sana raised an eyebrow. "What rumors?"
Daphne looked away from Sana to Rhyel before she took Sana's hand. "It's nothing bad and all you need to know is, everyone wishes the very best for you and Lord Rhyel. You are quite a remarkable couple and I hope nothing stands in the way of your love."
"Oh," Sana said with another blush scorching her cheeks. "Thank you for saying that."
"You're welcome," Lady Daphne said, bowing her head. "Would you mind if I steal you away? Nori, Galia and I are going to do some mingling before the ceremony begins."
"Um, yes I'd love to," Sana said, looking up at Rhyel. "As long as you don't mind?"
"I don't, go enjoy yourself," he said, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I won't' be too far away," he whispered.
She nodded. "Thank you," she said, kissing his cheek and she didn't miss the way his breath hitched at her display of affection. Maybe she should do those things more often. It wouldn't hurt to be more open about her feelings for him. Maybe it would help her understand how to love him.
We do love him, Sana. We've loved him for a long time.
Ember sighed with longing.
You just need to learn how to accept love and it will come in time. I have faith in you.
Sana smiled and greeted the other Ladies and Nobles she recognized from the previous festive season engagements.
Maybe she had always loved Rhyel. Ember certainly spent a lifetime loving his dragon.
Maybe the reason she truly wanted to stay in Darcanos when she first met Rhyel was because part of her soul had always known she was meant for him?
Glancing across the guests gathering, she caught Rhyel's gaze as he stood with Loic, Zena and Rivo. A smile graced his lips as he nodded to her as if to reassure her that he was near. She nodded and matched his smile before turning back to the Ladies she was conversing with.
Yes, it was possible that she'd been in love with Rhyel for longer than she knew.