21. Vale

Chapter 21

Vale

M y hand shook as I reached for the hairbrush, my nerves getting the better of me despite the crushed lavender sachet Briar had stuffed into my hands when she’d brought me breakfast. The brownie had taken one look at me and gasped in horror—something no one wanted to hear on their wedding day.

I couldn’t blame her.

Despite Xavier and Kian curling around me while Idris made sure I didn’t dream walk, I hadn’t managed to sleep more than a handful of minutes the whole night. I was too worried about the mage advance, too focused on the convoluted bullshit in my family’s book, too scared that I couldn’t live up to what a Luxa really was to fix anything. It didn’t matter if I was warm and safe in this castle—the coming war would change the face of Credour, and I had no idea who would come out on top.

Briar said the lavender would calm my nerves, but so far, it had only made the room smell nice and gave me something to pummel.

As it was, I avoided the dressing table mirror altogether, handing the brush off to Freya. If I was walking into my wedding looking like a zombie, I’d prefer not to know. She was working on a complicated hairstyle, and I was trying to calm myself down.

Only one of us was successful.

My gaze fell onto the dress hanging from an intricate hook in the dressing room. In mere minutes, Freya would cinch me into the beautifully delicate thing, and I would become a whole new person.

Not a poor miner from Direveil.

Not the starving-child-turned-mother too soon.

Not the broken sister.

I would be a queen. Idris’ Queen. Credour’s Queen.

Of all the things I did not want to fail at, this was at the top of the list.

The golden and silver threads of the dress converged into a shimmering fabric, the intricate beading catching the light and cascading into a work of art that only the finest dressmaker could create. It was made of magic, and I didn’t feel worthy of wearing it.

Freya fit the last pin in my hair, arranging a lock of it just so. “You sure are quiet, little Luxa. Penny for your thoughts?”

Kian and Xavier were still pissed at her for last night, but I wasn’t. She might not have gone about it in the right way, but I couldn’t argue with the results. Since I’d met her, Freya had been the big sister I’d never had. Still, she was Idris’ family and telling her I was nervous to be marrying into the Ashbourne line would likely still be considered rude. There was so much I still didn’t know about my mates—so much I needed to know—and yet I’d run out of time.

“There isn’t much to say, is there?” I murmured, my gaze not leaving the dress. It hurt my heart how perfect it was. “None of this feels real. It’s like I’m dream walking again, only this time there’s no one to wake me up.”

Freya’s chuckle did what the lavender could not, easing my nerves by a fraction. “I hate to break it to you, but all weddings feel like that. I remember my first marriage. It was a whirlwind of duty and protocol, only it was simply a business relationship for us. I wasn’t in love with the man I married. You are.”

I opened my mouth to deny her, but that single red eyebrow kept me from lying outright. “I feel like I don’t know him, and yet… I don’t want to disappoint him. All my life I’ve been warned against breaking his curse, and now I know that all of it has been a lie—one lie on top of another in an avalanche of misinformation and half-truths. Nothing I knew—not about me, not about my parents—none of it is real. How do I know if what I’m feeling is?”

Her smile sent a blanket of comfort to my jangling nerves. “Because even when you were convinced you hated him, you still stayed. You can say it’s for Nyrah, but you and I both know you hate the injustice of what was done to him.”

“Not that I know the bulk of it.”

“True. But there isn’t much to tell. He fell in love with a Luxa, and he thought she loved him back. Instead, she was in league with his brother to steal his crown and drain him of every ounce of power he had. The lore spouts a story of warring brothers, but the truth is much worse. Arden and Idris did fight over Zamarra, but her curse was never meant to stop it.”

The faint glow from my hands filled the room before I could pull it back.

“See? One mention of someone hurting him, and you go all glowy. You looooove him. You’re going to marry him, break his curse, and have little dragon babies with him and the rest of your mates, and everything will be fine.”

I choked on air. “Excuse me,” I wheezed, trying to process her teasing. “Dragon babies?”

Freya’s cheeks colored as she pressed her lips together to keep from laughing at me, but this was serious. “Never fear, little Luxa, that will happen many years down the road. Dragons take ages to reproduce if they do at all. It’s a wonder the species isn’t extinct.”

My heartbeat thrummed against my ribcage, aching to take flight. “Don’t scare me like that. It’s bad enough I have to go out there in front of all those strangers, let’s not keel me over before I even get my dress on. This day is going to be hard enough as it is.”

Freya put a quelling hand on my shoulder. “Strangers or not, in this dress or in a potato sack, you will be their Queen. You are more than just a Luxa, more than just a witch or a woman or a sister. You’re a beacon, Vale. Just like your light, you will guide us home. I have faith in you—even if you don’t have it for yourself.”

Blinking away tears, I fought off the urge to smack her. “If this makeup runs because you made me cry, I don’t want to hear shit from you.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

Minutes later, I was cinched into the dress, the delicate fabric so beautiful I almost made good on those tears but managed to hold myself together. With no other option, I let my gaze fall to the trio of full-length mirrors. In it was someone I didn’t recognize but knew all the same. Crystal pins held my mass of hair in an intricate arrangement, gleaming in the flickering light.

But it wasn’t the shimmering beauty of the dress that held my attention. No, it was the way the high, transparent back of the cape exposed my scars.

The heretic brand stood out against the translucent fabric, a dark and jagged mark between my shoulder blades. Around it, smaller scars twisted across my flesh like fractured lightning, each one a reminder of where I'd come from.

“You look perfect,” Freya said softly, stepping back to admire her work.

My throat tightened as I stared at the brand. The symbol burned into me had once been a mark of shame, meant to strip me of my dignity, meant to break me down, meant to keep me a slave forever. Now, it was on full display for all to see—a stark, unflinching declaration of what I’d survived.

Unlike the ball, I didn’t have a quick entrance to save me. I would be up on a stage for all to see, all to witness. I struggled to swallow as I fisted my gloved hands.

“Do you think they’ll accept me?” I asked quietly, the question slipping out before I could stop it.

Freya’s hands stilled again, and she placed them gently on my shoulders, turning me to face her. Her gaze was steady, filled with the kind of certainty I wished I could bottle to save for a rainy day.

“It doesn’t matter if they accept you or not, Vale,” she said firmly. “What matters is that you stand there as you are—unapologetically. Not a brand or scar in the world can take that away from you.”

“That’s a lot easier said than done,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.

Freya smiled faintly and picked up the veil resting on the edge of the table. The delicate fabric was woven with silver and gold threads, catching the light like the stars had been sewn into its folds. She placed it gently over my head, her touch reassuring. “You’ve done harder things,” she said simply. “And you’ll do this, too.”

The door creaked open, and we both turned to see Kian and Xavier standing there, their black dress uniforms hugging their shoulders like I wished I could. Kian leaned casually against the frame, his sharp grin made of mischief as his amber irises glowed with his power. To anyone else, he would seem cool as could be, but I knew better. He was putting on a brave face for me, but I knew he was worried about the mages headed our way, about potential attacks at the wedding, about a whole host of things he would never tell me because he didn’t want me to worry.

Xavier stood beside him, his icy gaze locked onto mine with an intensity that sent warmth curling through my chest. The last few hours, he’d locked himself away from me, and as much as I hated it, I knew he was protecting me in his own way. He was just as worried as Kian was—as we all were.

“Well,” Kian drawled, his eyes caressing every inch of me, “if the goal was to make Idris lose his fucking mind, I’d say mission accomplished.”

Xavier moved closer, his expression softening as he reached out to brush his knuckles along my cheek. “You’re breathtaking, Vale,” he murmured. “More than he deserves.”

“Exactly,” Kian quipped. “You sure you want to do this? I know a dragon or three who could fly you out of here, no questions asked.” He waggled his eyebrows, and I managed a shaky laugh. I knew only part of him was teasing.

“You two are supposed to calm me down, not make me more nervous.” It was bad enough there were mages on their way to Tarrasca. I couldn’t even joke about leaving the kingdom and Idris to deal with this alone.

Kian smirked and held out his arm. “That’s what we’re here for, little witch. Let’s get you to that courtyard before Idris comes storming in to fetch you himself.”

Freya stepped back, smoothing the folds of my dress before resting her hands on her own gown. “You’ll do fine,” she said, her voice soft but sure. “Now go show them all why you’re the queen.”

I took a deep breath, slipping my arms around Kian’s and Xavier’s as they led me toward the door. My heart was pounding, but as I glanced at them, I felt a flicker of courage take root.

I wasn’t walking into this alone.

The faint rustle of my gown against the stone floor was drowned out by the ringing in my ears, the trek through the castle not quelling my nerves one bit. It felt as though there were hundreds of people in this hallway with us, all with their eyes on me, and yet I saw no one.

"I don't know if I can do this, Rune," I whispered through the bond to the one person who could likely snap me out of this.

I caught the mental snort, and I could practically feel him rolling his eyes. "I could have sworn you were the woman who broke a siren queen's jaw a few days ago. Maybe that was another Luxa. If so, you should probably fess up now so that one can get married instead."

Irritated, I wished I could flick the overgrown pigeon in the nose. "You know damn well it's one thing to fight for my life and another to get married. Everyone will be staring at me."

"Yes, and I'll be staring at them. No one will so much as say ‘boo’ to you. You'll see."

“You’re doing fine,” Xavier murmured, his voice a low rumble of reassurance, like he could hear my heart fluttering in my chest. “Focus on us.”

I tried grounding myself in the steady cadence of their steps, but I could still feel the eyes on me. Kian’s grip on my arm was firm, and when he caught me glancing at him, he winked. “Almost there, little witch.”

His abilities made illusions almost real, and I narrowed my eyes at him. “There are people in this hallway, aren’t there? You made them disappear for me.”

He gave me an impish grin as he held a finger to his lips. “A little present to calm your nerves. I won’t tell if you won’t.”

The heavy double doors leading to the courtyard came into view, and my heart went from fluttering to a full-on gallop. The soft murmur of the gathered crowd filtered through them, their anticipation palpable even through the thick wood. A pair of guards moved to open the doors as we approached, their ceremonial armor gleaming in the torchlight.

The moment they parted, the world seemed to shift.

The courtyard was almost unrecognizable, transformed into a breathtaking winter landscape under a protective dome of magic. Snowflakes drifted gently against the translucent bubble, melting as they touched its shimmering surface. Within, the air was warm, filled with the scent of citrus and pine and something wonderfully floral.

I could barely see the stone walls through towering trees blossoming with delicate white flowers, while enchanted lights floated through their branches like tiny stars. The aisle was lined with tall wrought-iron candelabras, their flames flickering softly in the still air.

At the end of the aisle, Rune sat perched on a raised platform near the altar, his massive red form gleaming like molten metal under the magical lights.

“I told you you’d see. You’re safe, my Queen. I promise.”

Idris stood beside him, his broad shoulders squared, his golden eyes fixed on me. Even from a distance, I could see the faint curve of a smile tugging at his lips, the private expression meant only for me.

“Ready?” Kian asked, his voice softer now, but I shook my head. “I can make them disappear, too, you know. If you want.”

Looking up into his liquid amber gaze, I nodded shakily. With a kind smile and a wave of his fingers, the guests, the council, everyone except us melted away. Instantly, my heart went from hammering so loudly I was sure they could hear it, to slowing to a crawl, the relief nearly making my knees weak.

“Let’s do this,” I whispered, taking my first step, Kian and Xavier’s support making the trek bearable.

When we reached the altar, Idris stepped forward, his hand outstretched. Kian and Xavier paused, each leaning in to kiss the golden swirls of our mating mark on my shoulder. The warmth of their lips lingered as they pulled back, giving me one last look before they stepped away to take their seats.

I placed my hand in Idris’, and the world seemed to quiet around us.

“You’re stunning,” he murmured, his voice low enough so only I could hear.

The courtyard was silent except for the faint crackle of Rune’s scales shifting behind us, the only reminder that this wasn’t a dream. The magical bubble overhead sparkled faintly as the archbishop stepped forward, his crimson and black robes brushing against the altar as he raised his hands. Aged but kind, the withered man gave me a benevolent smile before he began the ceremony.

“We gather here,” his voice resonated, deep and commanding, “to witness the union of Idris Ashbourne, King of Credour, and Duchess Isolde Vale Tenebris, Grand Luxa of Tarrasca. This is not merely a union of hearts and fate, but a binding of magic, of power, and of purpose. It is a union that will shape the future of this realm.”

I forced my breaths to steady, though my fingers trembled in Idris’s hand. His golden eyes searched mine, warm but unreadable, as if he could sense the storm raging inside me. I had agreed to this—chosen it, even—but that didn’t mean I didn’t question everything. My life, my freedom, my very future—everything would change with this moment.

Idris turned to face me fully, and the intensity in his gaze stole the breath from my lungs. He reached for my other hand, his warmth seeping through the delicate fabric of my gloves as his thumbs traced small, soothing circles against my skin.

“Vale,” he began, his voice low and steady, yet brimming with emotion. “You are more than I ever expected. More than I ever deserved. You are strength, power, and light. Today, I vow to stand beside you—not just as your King, but as your ally and protector, and to never falter in my faith in you. I vow to fight for you, to honor the magic that flows between us, and to build a future where we both stand strong.”

My vision blurred with unshed tears, his words sinking deep into the cracks I thought I’d hidden so well. I swallowed hard, the lump in my throat making it almost impossible to speak.

“Idris,” I said, barely above a whisper, though I knew he heard me. “Your voice found me when I was lost and scared and alone. It kept me alive when I’d thought that feat was impossible. I was afraid of this, of you, but you’ve shown me that strength isn’t about fighting alone. It’s about trusting someone to stand beside you. Today, I vow to be at your side—not as your Queen, but as your fateborn mate, your partner. I will honor the trust you’ve placed in me, to wield the strength I’ve found within myself, and to fight for this kingdom—for all of us.”

A soft rumble from Rune behind us rippled through the courtyard, almost like an acknowledgment. For a moment, Idris’s eyes softened, but he didn’t speak. He simply lifted the small onyx band from the archbishop’s outstretched hand. The jewels in the band gleamed faintly, their red swirls pulsing as though in time with my heartbeat.

“Rings are the symbol of eternity,” the archbishop intoned. “A promise with no end. As you place them on one another’s hands, so too do you bind your lives, your hearts, and your magic.”

“With this ring,” Idris said, sliding it onto my finger, “I bind myself to you, in fire and in life, for as long as my soul burns.”

My hands trembled as I took his ring, a solid band of blackened metal engraved with intricate runes. I slid it onto his finger, the metal cool but quickly warming under his touch. “With this ring,” I whispered, “I bind myself to you, in light and in shadow, for as long as my soul shines.”

The archbishop raised his arms again, his staff glowing brighter. “By the power of magic and the will of the realm, I pronounce you bonded, mates, and sovereigns united. You may seal your vows.”

Idris didn’t hesitate. I barely had time to draw a breath before he closed the distance between us. His hands cupped my face, his touch impossibly gentle as he leaned in. When his lips met mine, the world seemed to tilt, the emotions he’d held back from our bond flooding through me as his joy lifted every bit of trepidation from my heart. His tongue swept into my mouth, curling my toes as he laid his claim. The best I could do was hang on as I fell into the kiss.

Funny, I’d always been afraid of falling before, but as Idris wrapped his arms around me and lifted me off my feet, I knew he’d be there to catch me.

When we pulled apart, the crowd erupted into cheers, the veil of Kian’s magic lifted as the sound echoed through the courtyard. Rune let out a low, rumbling roar, and the magical barrier above us shimmered as if in celebration.

Idris leaned close, his lips brushing against my ear as he whispered, “You’re mine, Vale. And I’m yours.”