Chapter 54 Epilogue

Chapter 54 Epilogue
Fiona

I study my reflection in the mirror. The emerald gown shimmers like a living thing, soft and lush in the morning light pouring through the windows. Varek had none so subtly hinted that he’d appreciate me in Caldara colors on our wedding day and every day. I don’t much care for the color, but knowing that I can get anything I want from Varek just for wearing green made me inclined to agree.

I’m not sure when I would need the favor, probably to get him to play proper host for a little longer, but the thought made me smile. Varek had not been shy about how much he wanted me. Every chance he’d gotten these past year to push me up against a wall and kiss me breathless, he had. It was likely only the fact that he had a lot more to manage that he hadn’t coaxed me into his bed yet, or maybe he was more romantic than I thought and wanted our first time to be after we were officially married. 

This past year has been a whirlwind of change for Caldara. Between Varek’s ruthless practicality and my insistence on diplomacy, we’d managed to open trade with several other countries and expand Caldara’s borders into fertile lowlands. The kingdom of Hyath had been absorbed into Caldara’s domain, along with several others. Its silver and salt wealth brought more wealth and leverage than Varek had ever dared dream of.

Elara now sat on Solara’s throne with Corin. Seeing them together is like drinking syrup in the best ways. With Marvane firmly allied with Solara, and thus Caldara, most of the continent has been forced into a sort of peace. The siege had been the last time the Caldaran army had actually gone into battle. 

A knock sounds on the door. “Your Majesty? It’s time.”

I head out.

The halls of the fortress are filled with the scent of summer air. Caldara’s brief warm season has arrived, softening the bite of mountain wind and melting the frost from the stone courtyards. Flowers dot the terraces where none had grown before. Some of it had been Liora’s doing. She brought seeds back with her every visit south, so Tamsin had a bit of home with her, and the castle doesn’t always look so bleak.

I step out onto the terrace and head towards the welcoming archway. I see Varek waiting. Even now, even after all the time we’d spent together this past year, the sight of him made my chest tighten. He stands at the gates in full ceremonial dress of black, green, and silver, cloak clasped with the insignia of Caldaran. His posture is regal and dangerous all at once.  When his eyes found mine, the grin that curved his lips was entirely indecent.

“You look breathtaking… I hate that this ceremony’s going to take hours.”

I arched a brow, fighting a smile. “Have some patience.”

He made a low sound in his throat, half a growl, half a laugh. “I have patience by the bucket.”

“Or time by the thimble?” I brush my fingers over the embroidered crest on his chest.

He catches my hand, brings it to his lips, and murmurs against my skin, “Maybe.”

Guests start pouring in with banners and laughter. We greet everyone as politely as possible. Ronan stands off to the side, scanning the crowd and flinching a bit as Dante and Liora arrive. They’re glowing and darker than the last time we saw them. They’re matching and beaming. Beside them was Cara, carrying her son. 

She actually lets Varek hold him and hugs him. They hadn’t completely healed their relationship, but it’s an improvement, considering the last time they visited, she basically played keep away with the baby.

Elara and Corin follow soon after. My sister squeals and throws her arms around me. 

“You look beautiful.”

“So do you,” I whisper back. “Corin being good to you?”

“Always!”

Ronan stands rigid as a sword. His usual easy charm is missing, replaced by polite stiffness as he greets Dante and Liora. Liora barely glances at him. There’s no malice. It’s just an unyielding indifference. I almost pity him, but he sort of deserves it from what Varek has told me about all of his flings. 

Suddenly, his expression shifts. His usual composure falters. His eyes go wide, then darken with interest.

Varek leans toward me, murmuring low. “Did you see that?”

I nod and follow Ronan’s line of sight. He’s staring across the crowd, gaze fixed on someone near the back of the gathering where a young woman with dark hair and sharp eyes stands. She glances at Ronan just as long as his gaze lingers on her before she makes a wary expression, scowls, and turns away. Ronan practically deflates.

Varek’s mouth twitches into a smirk. “Is my horndog of a beta finally struck by love at first sight?”

I bit back a laugh. “Seems so.”

“Should I be worried for the poor girl?”

I look at him sidelong, mischief curling in my chest. “I think you should be more worried for him, honestly.”

He chuckles. “I can’t wait.”

The bells start ringing, announcing that the receiving hour is drawing to a close. We head inside after all the guests have entered and split up to help get everyone settled and make sure everything will go smoothly. Varek opens the gates of the castle courtyard to allow the rest of Caldara to come and watch the ceremony. It seems just a few minutes before the next bell chimes. The sound carries through the courtyard and into the city below, where people gather along the walls and rooftops, all eyes directed on the main balcony of the castle. 

I stand across from him in front of the priest officiating. The whole congregation watches from the giant open doors leading into the main hall. I can’t focus on any of that as I look into Varek’s eyes. All I can hear is the steady beat of our hearts syncing the way they always did when we were close. 

He offers me his hands. His gaze is so soft and loving, I feel like I’m melting under it. I take them, and my heart quickens at the warmth of his hand, the roughness of his calluses, and the way his hands tremble a little. It’s comforting a little to know that he’s just as affected as I feel. His thumb brushes the inside of my wrist, tracing the quick pulse there.

He leans down, voice pitched low for my ears alone. “You came willingly this time.”

I smile faintly. “Don’t ruin your own wedding by reminding everyone of your bad habits.”

He grins. “You seem to like them.”

The priest takes a long green and silver cord, holding it out as she asks us to recite our vows. 

“Varek of Caldara,” I say. “I swear to stand beside you as your luna and mate, to share your strength and your throne, your fury and your grace.”

Varek’s gaze never leaves mine. “Fiona of Solara, I swear to stand beside you as your alpha and mate, to share your strength and your heart, your fire and your mercy.”

I swallow the lump in my throat as the priest takes the long cord and wraps it around our joined hands. The magic of the binding prickles through my skin and pulses to match our heartbeats. 

“In life and in death,” the priest says, “in storm and in stillness, let your souls recognize what has already been claimed.”

The cord glows briefly, leaving a faint shimmer of light behind as it sinks into our skin and vanishes. Varek draws a deep breath. I feel it as if it’s mine. The same warmth that flooded my veins the first time we kissed follows. 

He steps closer, his hand rising to cup my face. 

“You’re mine,” he murmurs, just loud enough for me to hear. “Finally.”

I smile up at him. “And you’re mine.”

The priest steps back, her voice rising over the crowd. 

“May your reign be long and your bond unbroken, Alpha King Varek and Luna Queen Fiona of Caldara.”

Applause thunders through the hall. Varek pulls me into his arms for an unrestrained kiss that surges through me. His hand slides into my hair as the crowd below roars with approval. His scent fills my lungs. The bond hums, alive and bright, twining through both of us like wildfire.

When he pulls back, he rests his forehead against mine. 

“How soon can we leave this party?”

I laugh softly. “Have a little patience… or you won’t get to see the surprise I have planned.”

He groans, low and hungry. “How long do I have to wait for that?”

“Just enough to be polite, so maybe…”

“Maybe?”

“Three hours?”

“Two.”

“Two and a half.”

“Done, unless I get everyone drunk in under an hour.”

I laugh. “Two and a half, even if everyone is drunk.”

He huffs. “Fine, wife. Two and a half, but only because you’re pretty.”

I laugh as he kisses me again. Then, he turns, twining our fingers together to face the crowd and leads me inside to our first dance as king and queen.