“You, my daughter, would make one of the best mothers.” Willa stood. “I fear for any who dare to hurt your offspring.” She clapped her hands together. “Now, eat and bathe. I’ll keep the horde at bay for another hour, but after that I can’t promise anything.”
“I have been warned.” Rell watched Willa walk to the bathtub and shut off the water. Her nose tingling with the hint of impending tears. “Thank you again—for everything.”
Willa smiled and glided to the door. “Thank you for coming home to get married, Esmeralda.”
With that she quit the room, leaving Rell alone with her thoughts, a steaming tub of water, and a plate of food that smelled delicious. She made quick work of the latter two, picking at the plate of meat, cheese, and fresh bread while reclining in the steaming water. When she’d finished her meal and scrubbed herself raw, Rell stood and stepped out of the tub, wrapping herself in a large linen bath sheet.
A knock sounded at the door, and as she turned the door creaked open and Matilda stuck her head in. “She’s up.” Matilda pushed open the door, letting in a line of girls and women. “We’re here to help you get ready.”
Caught naked, with nothing but a sheet to wrap around her, sent panic racing through Rell. She pulled the sheet tighter and backed toward the wall. “All of you?”
“Shooo.” Willa squeezed into the room, waving her hands. “At least let the girl get dressed in her essentials before you descend upon her like locusts.”
The girls moaned and with slumped shoulders, scuffed out of the room, leaving Jade, Meran, Ravyn, and her mother.
“We’ll let you get dressed,” Jade said. Her smile belied her amusement at Rell’s discomfort. “Call us when you’re ready.”
“I don’t think I will ever be ready for that,” Rell mumbled.
The door closed, but she waited a few seconds to make sure nobody would reopen it. When she was fairly certain it was safe, she dropped the sheet and slipped the long sheath that hung at the front of her dress over her head. Next she donned the thick robe Willa had provided and sat by the fire to dry her hair.
She blotted the ends with the bath sheet and sighed. It looked like she was not going to get out of her sisters’ eagerness to be involved in her wedding preparations. Another sigh slipped from her and she stood, tossed the towel to the side, and walked to the door. Mustering her courage, she pulled the door open to reveal the six excited, freckled faces of her half sisters.
Rell inhaled. “All right, girls, I’m ready.”
A cheer went up and they filed into the room, moving Rell to a chair in the center. Hands fluttered about her body and hair, combing through the locks. After the first few minutes Rell lost track of who was doing what to her and gave herself over to the ministrations of the young girls.
When they were finished, she didn’t recognize herself. Flowers had been woven into her hair and the green wedding gown that Delphia had created made her eyes even greener. As she stared at herself in the looking glass she truly felt beautiful.
The lilting music of flutes wafted through the door. Rell stood at the entrance, her gaze fixed and unseeing on the people gathered at the front of the inn. A bouquet of fall flowers appeared in front of Rell, the red-and-orange bunch bright against the lively green of her gown. She reached for them with a shaking hand and took them from Jade.
“You look as if you’re about to lose your luncheon,” her sister said.
“I’m so nervous.” Rell gripped the stems with both hands and looked at Jade. “I feel like something is bound go wrong, as if I don’t deserve this happiness.”
A sweet smile spread across Jade’s face. She brushed her hand against Rell’s cheek. “Trust me, this is the most right thing you’ve ever done in your life.” She sniffed and squared her shoulders. “Now, it’s time.” Her eyes rounded with excitement. “Let’s get you married to that dashingly handsome man waiting at the end of the path.”
Rell swallowed hard. “I can do this.”
“Of course you can,” Jade said. “This should be the easiest thing you’ve done in the last thirteen years.”
“You’d think as much, wouldn’t you?” Butterflies tumbled in Rell’s stomach.
Elizabeth gave a little tug on the gown’s train, fluffing it to spread it in a wide arc across the ground. “You look beautiful, Esmeralda.”
Though they only known each other for a day, there was an undeniable bond between her and Elizabeth. “Thank you for all your help today. My hair has never looked so lovely.”
“Got five bratty sisters, each with a mass of locks that require more taming than a wild horse.” She walked to stand beside Rell and tugged gently on the sleeve of her gown before smoothing the short brown fur to fall in one direction. “Had to learn quick or else they’d walk around looking like a bunch of hedgehogs.” She smiled at Rell. “I’ve always been the oldest. It’s nice having grown sisters, women more my own age.”
“Yes, sisters need to stick together—always,” Jade said, taking her place in front of Rell.
“So tell me, sister,” Rell gave Elizabeth a conspiratorial wink. “Has Luc asked for your hand yet?”
“Shhht.” Her sister turned and glared at her. “Let’s not ruin the day.”
Rell repressed a laugh and followed Jade out the door. Every so often the breeze would rustle the trees and send bright yellow leaves fluttering to the ground, as if in celebration of her and Siban’s marriage.
The assembled crowd stood on either side of a path that had first been cleared and then strewn with the same orange-and-red petals of her bouquet. Smiles graced all her friends’ faces and warmed her heart. They had battled together, and now they would celebrate together.
The freckled faces of her brothers and sisters beamed at her from the front row. Hayden’s blond head stuck out among the sea of red curls. He raised his hand and wiggled his fingers at Rell. Tears welled but thankfully didn’t spill down her cheeks. She blinked back the emotions threatening to overwhelm her and waved back at the little boy.
Orvis stood beside his children, wearing the grin of a proud father. Though she knew her mother had loved her father more than anything in the world, she certainly understood how the charming innkeeper had won Willa’s heart. He treated her like gold and had given her exactly what she needed to fill what the Bane and Rell had taken from her.
At the sight of her mother, a lump formed in Rell’s throat. Willa watched her, her pale blue eyes round and glistening. Tears were to be expected at joyous occasions, but seeing her mother truly happy made this day even more perfect.
Her breath caught when she saw Siban standing under an arch of vines and leaves. Never had he looked so handsome. Strands of gold and reddish-brown hair reflected in the afternoon sun. His trousers and boots were fashioned of dark brown leather and the shirt he wore beneath his coat was a paler shade of green to match her gown. Crafted from rich brocade and velvet, his waistcoat matched the brown of his pants. At his hip hung his immortal sword, but it was Siban’s sparkling hazel eyes that held Rell’s gaze.
She opened herself to him, drinking in the love that he sent flowing to her. In turn, she directed her joy at becoming his wife across the distance. His grin spread.
Both Gregory and Malachi stood at the arch, waiting to perform the ceremony. They would be wed both in the eyes of the Order of the Saints and the Bringers. There would be no disputing their union under any law.
A faint prickle of Bane skittered along Rell’s arms. She searched the trees but didn’t see Icarus. With the grounds of the inn warded, he’d not be able to get close, but she was certain he could see her. The demon was clever and if he wanted to view the ceremony, he’d find a way.