Niam

NIAM

T he morning sun painted my chambers in gold, marking three months since that first formal audience. Three months of learning, growing, changing. And today, finally claiming my place at Tharon’s side officially.

“Hold still!” Lita tugged at my hair, weaving tiny crystal beads through the strands that had grown just long enough to style. “I can’t get these placed right if you keep fidgeting.”

“Sorry.” I tried to breathe slowly. “I just...”

“We know.” Denna squeezed my hand from where she sat beside my dressing table. Her own golden curls had been styled in an elegant mix of Shakai and human braids. “But we’ve got you.”

Mila bustled in carrying an armload of flowers. “The gardens sent up the freshest blooms. And you’ll never guess who just arrived - Serra! She’s brought half of Eight Ring with her, I swear.”

My heart lifted at the news. Serra had become a second mother to me during those dark days after escaping the Temple. Her strength and wisdom had helped guide me through the transition from prisoner to freedom.

“Your dress is ready, my lady.” Mistress Downin emerged from the adjacent chamber, followed by Lesrey and Yezzette carrying carefully wrapped packages. “Though I must say, combining Shakai and human traditions was quite the challenge.”

“But worth it,” Lita declared, setting the last crystal in place. “There. Perfect.”

I rose on shaky legs as they began unwrapping the dress. The silk shimmered like captured starlight, traditional Shakai blue shot through with threads of silver. But the cut followed human lines - fitted through the bodice before flowing into full skirts perfect for dancing.

“It's beautiful.” My voice cracked with emotion.

“As are you.” Serra’s voice drew my attention to the doorway. She carried something draped across her arms - delicate lace more like a cloud than fabric. “I brought something, if you’d like...”

“The veil!” Denna clapped her hands. “It’s perfect!”

I touched the fragile fabric reverently. “Serra, I can’t...”

“You can and you will.” She smiled, eyes suspiciously bright. “I’ve been saving this for a daughter’s wedding day.” She turned to hug Mila. “I couldn’t help missing this daughter’s wedding, and while you may not be mine by blood, you are in every way that matters.”

Tears threatened. Lita made a scolding noise. “None of that! You’ll ruin all our hard work.”

Someone rapped sharply on the door, making us all jump. Lita called out, “Unless you're the king himself, go away!”

“Then it’s fortunate I am.” Sarl’s familiar voice held amusement. “May I have a moment with my future daughter?”

King Sarl entered slowly, illness evident in his careful movements. But his smile was warm as he took in the organized chaos of the chamber.

“Ladies.” He nodded to my attendants before focusing on me. “I brought something, if you’ll permit me...”

He opened an ornate box to reveal a pair of earrings - delicate silver filigree supporting deep blue stones that caught and held the light.

“They belonged to my grandmother,” he explained. “Kiha never cared for them - too simple for her tastes. But I think they suit you perfectly.”

“Thank you.” I touched the gems reverently. “They’re beautiful.”

“As you will be.” He pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead. “I look forward to officially welcoming you to our family.”

After he left, the women descended on me again - helping me into the dress, arranging Serra’s veil, fixing the earrings in place. I barely recognized myself in the mirror.

“Ready?” Lita asked softly.

I nodded, too choked with emotion to speak. Together, we left the chambers that had been mine these past months, heading toward my future.

The great hall had been transformed. Sunlight streamed through tall windows, catching the crystal decorations and sending rainbow sparkles dancing across the gathered crowd. Nobles in their finest silks stood alongside merchants and craftspeople, while a delegation from Terr occupied places of honor near the front.

Music swelled - an ancient Shakai melody woven through with human harmonies. My heart tripped as I caught sight of Tharon waiting at the end of the aisle. His formal clothing emphasized his warrior’s build, but his expression...

I’d seen that look before, that mix of possessiveness and awe. The beast stirred visibly beneath his skin as our eyes met.

Step by careful step, I approached. The crowd faded away until there was only us - man and woman, human and Shakai, about to bridge generations of mistrust with our love.

King Sarl’s voice rang out, beginning the ceremony that would bind us forever. We spoke the traditional words, added our own promises. When Tharon’s hands clasped mine, his beast’s purr vibrated through both of us.

“You are mine,” he growled as the binding ribbon was wrapped around our joined hands. “As I am yours.”

“Always,” I whispered back.

The rest passed in a blur - congratulations from nobles and commoners alike, toasts and speeches, music and dancing. I caught glimpses of familiar faces throughout - Mahra’s proud smile, Bavak’s enthusiastic applause, Serra wiping tears as she embraced Mila.

But always, always, I remained aware of Tharon. His hand at my waist as we danced, his growl when other men approached, his heated gaze promising things for later.

“Look.” Tharon nodded toward a group of young Shakai warriors deep in conversation with Terr craft apprentices. “Already they find common ground.”

“It’s a start.” I leaned into him, watching the casual interactions that would have been impossible months ago. “A foundation to build on.”

As the sun set, torches blazed to life along the streets. The beast stirred restlessly as the celebrations continued. I felt Tharon’s growing need to have me to himself.

“Shall we slip away?” I murmured.

His growl of approval made me shiver from head to toe. We made our excuses and escaped to the palace gardens, now wild with summer blooms. The beast's excitement thrummed between us as Tharon led me to a secluded bower.

“Finally.” He pulled me close, nuzzling my neck. “My mate. My wife. My queen.”

“Yours.” I tilted my head, offering better access. “Always yours.”

His kiss held possession and promise. The beast purred satisfaction as my hands slid into his hair, drawing him closer. Everything else fell away - duty, responsibility, the weight of two cultures depending on us. Here, we were simply mates, lost in each other.

Later, we stood on our private balcony, watching stars emerge above the city. Tharon’s arms wrapped around me from behind as I took in the view. Lanterns still burned in the streets below, celebration continuing without us. Music drifted up, carrying remembered fragments of our first dance.

“What are you thinking?” he asked, nuzzling my neck.

“That I never expected this.” I leaned back against his chest. “When I first broke free of the Temple, I only wanted escape. Revenge.” I smiled. “Instead, I found you. Found myself.”

“Found us.” His arms tightened. “Everything I am is yours now.”

“Everything we are.” I turned in his embrace. “Man and beast, human and Shakai. The perfect balance.”

His beast rumbled agreement as he claimed my mouth again. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, no doubt. But tonight belonged to us alone.

I put my arms around his neck, melting into him as the stars wheeled overhead. His kiss deepened, passion building between us. The beast’s satisfied purr vibrated through us both.

My mate.

My husband.

My everything.