CHAPTER 48 #2
Kara stared at her. Sienna had broken the law to help them. With no proof that they’d been telling the truth. She’d known them days. The Arcalon, that was all. And she risked her life for them.
“You could have been executed for that,” Kara said, shocked. “If anyone had seen you–”
“They didn’t,” Sienna said quickly. “I stayed out of sight. But I couldn’t do nothing. Not when I saw Sebastian make for the dungeons.”
Sebastian raised an eyebrow. “You saw me?”
Sienna nodded. “I should have offered to help you then and there.” She looked at the floor. “But I was scared. I thought if you got out, you’d need a valmare, so I hid by the stables. And hoped I’d be able to do something.”
Sebastian looked impressed. “I did wonder why there was only one guard.”
“Well...” Sienna said, fidgeting nervously with her sleeve, “Don’t tell anyone, will you?”
“Don’t worry, we won’t,” Sebastian promised. “Thank you, Sienna.”
Sienna smiled at him as Kara pulled her into another hug. “You’re amazing, Sienna, truly. Say you’ll do it. Say you’ll stand up there with me, witness our marriage.”
Sienna flushed scarlet. Then she laughed, almost embarrassed, brushing her golden hair away from her face. “Well, yes, of course. I’d be honoured.”
Sienna wouldn’t understand, couldn’t understand, why Kara’s eyes shone with tears that had nothing to do with joy, a wave of emotion pouring out of her.
Sienna didn’t remember the nights she’d taken Kara’s grief, steadied her with violet magic.
Would never remember that she’d held Kara when her soul itself was broken.
But Kara would never forget.
And to find out she’d helped them escape, that sealed it.
Sienna wasn’t just a friend or an ally – she was family now.
So with her witnesses here, the wedding preparation started in earnest. In Thorne, to stand as witness was more than ceremony – it was trust, a bond stronger than blood.
And Kara could think of no two women she wanted more.
They now had just three weeks until the wedding and it felt as though every hour was suddenly consumed by plans for gowns, flowers and feasts.
Alys and Sienna were a storm, sweeping through the Keep, trailing servants and seamstresses in their wake, Rowan and Saffra helping at every turn.
The year turned quietly in the midst of their preparations; Kara and Sebastian raised a cup of wine in their chambers as the Year of Fire gave way to Year of Earth, then returned to their wedding plans – only a week to go.
Sheets of fabric had appeared on tables that had once held battle maps; and flowers replaced swords on the shelves.
Although Sebastian had been exceptionally patient, and far more involved than Kara had expected, even having strong opinions on which flowers were ‘appropriate’ for a Thorne wedding, apparently taking over his personal command room was a step too far.
Sebastian took one look at the chaos and muttered darkly, “This is supposed to be a war room, not a dressing room.”
Though Kara could have sworn the corner of his mouth twitched.
It was a strange enough sight that even Tobias paused on the threshold one evening.
He surveyed the mountain of silks and lace with a raised brow and a smirk, so like his sons.
“Careful, boy. Looks like you’ve lost control of this room. ”
Sebastian groaned, running an exasperated hand through his hair. “Gods, not you as well.”
“Even the best soldiers can be beaten,” Tobias said dryly. “Apparently by silk, in your case.”
Kara covered her mouth to hide her laugh, but Sebastian caught it. He shot her a look of pure betrayal. “I thought you were supposed to be on my side,” he scowled.
“I am,” she said, laughing openly now. “But I think your father has a point.”
Tobias grunted in satisfaction, turning away before either of them could answer.
But as he left, Kara caught him smiling, a real smile, and it wasn’t for the silks or the jokes or the chaos – it was for his son.
The sight of Sebastian happy had softened even Tobias Thorne. Kara glowed at the thought.
This is what we fought for.
This was what victory truly looked like.
Then Alys insisted she try on the gown in private. That Sebastian had to leave. Kara’s eyes darted to the door then back to him.
Sebastian saw her panic instantly and crossed to her, taking her hand. “I’ll be right outside the door,” he promised under his breath. “You’ll hear my voice if you need me.”
She steadied at his words. “Don’t go far.”
“Never,” he swore, and kissed her lightly before letting Alys and Sienna all but shove him from the room.
She let them fit her into the ivory gown that had been made for her.
It was perfect. Its long sleeves were fine lace, the bodice snug but soft against her ribs, and the skirt spilled out in thick, glittering layers, embroidered with flowers of crimson and emerald that shimmered softly in the candlelight.
When she caught sight of herself in the mirror, her eyes filled unashamedly.
She could truly picture it for the first time.
Herself. A bride. A future she’d thought lost forever, grieved over, was now standing in front of her. Real. Certain.
I’m marrying Sebastian Thorne.
Alys and Sienna oohed and ahhed in all the right places, circling her and fluffing her skirt.
“Gods, Kara,” Alys wept, dabbing tears away with the corner of her sleeve. “You’re beautiful. He won’t know what to do with himself.”
Sienna gave a soft laugh, but her own cheeks were wet. “You look exactly how a Thorne lady should – fierce and radiant all at once.”
A knock – then, without waiting for answer, the door banged open and Rowan and Saffra swept in.
“We’re not missing this,” Rowan declared, hands on her hips. Both sisters stopped short, gasping in unison.
“Oh, she’s perfect,” Saffra breathed.
Rowan grinned wickedly. “Do you think our darling brother will cry?”
Saffra laughed. “Definitely.”
They didn’t even wait for Kara’s indignant protest before sweeping back out again, their laughter trailing into the hall. A moment later, Saffra’s sing-song voice sounded through the door, “Better find a handkerchief, Seb!”
Kara groaned dramatically, but couldn’t stop the laugh that broke through. She had never been this happy.
That night, Sebastian insisted they go for a walk in the gardens after dinner. They hadn’t gotten far when he pulled her down to sit with him on a bench.
“Sebastian, what–”
He pulled a small velvet box from the inside of his cloak.
“I couldn’t leave you,” he explained, “so I sent my sisters to Blackwell village a couple of weeks ago. With specific instructions.”
He placed the box into her hands, suddenly unsure. “I should have had it when I proposed but...” he trailed off, nervous. Worried she wouldn’t like it. It spilled through the bond.
Silly. Of course I will.
She opened the box, and gasped. Nestled inside was a shining emerald, with small diamonds on either side, set in a simple Thorne silver band.
“Green for Hale–” he began.
“Sebastian,” she breathed. “It’s absolutely perfect.”
His face broke into a relieved, radiant smile. “You like it?”
“I love it,” she assured him as she held out her left hand. “Well, will you do the honours, Lord Thorne?”
He flushed and fumbled taking the ring from the box, nerves getting the better of him. He placed it carefully on her finger. A perfect fit.
Of course it is, the man misses nothing.
She held up her hand, watching in admiration as the emerald shone in the moonslight.
“In a few days,” Sebastian said, pulling her into his arms, “you’ll be my wife.”