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wreaths of flowers draped around the necks of our mounts. At every step of the way, there were folk
flanking our path, cheering and throwing petals. I thought half the flowers of Terre d Ange must have
been stripped bare for this one day. We reached the gardens and dismounted, continuing on foot. Petals
fell like a blizzard.
Through the falling petals, I saw her.
Sidonie s dress was white, white on white, matching my shirt. It looked vivid and bright against
the greensward and the blue robes of Brother Thomas standing behind her. Her arms and shoulders were
bare. There were white roses woven into her honey-gold hair. We smiled at one another. There was a
throng of thousands present, but I saw only her.
I walked across the greensward and took her hand.
Another moment in life come around full circle.
Brother Thomas stooped to touch the green, growing grass, then lifted his hands to the blue, blue
sky. He invoked Elua s blessing on us. Once more, I felt my brow anointed with oil. I touched the golden
torc at my throat, remembering. I saw understanding in Sidonie s dark gaze. And then Bérèngere of
Namarre came forward and anointed us a second time in Naamah s name. Her daughter had kept our
secrets, but she knew the role desire had played in our union. The oil on the Lady Bérèngere s fingers
smelled of jasmine, and her expression was at once solemn and glad.
There were vows then. I repeated the words that Brother Thomas gave me to recite, finding my
voice gone suddenly soft and husky. Tears stood in Sidonie s eyes. I watched Sidonie recite the same
vows. A thousand memories crowded me. We d gone through so very much to reach this place, this
moment in time.
Let it be done. Brother Thomas voice was firm and carrying. He spread his arms wide as
though to embrace the world. In Blessed Elua s name, I bid you seal this union with a kiss.
The cheers rose.
Petals fell.
Sidonie smiled at me through her tears, joyous tears. She slid her arms around my neck. I
cupped her face in my hands and kissed her as though the fate of the world depended on it.
It was done.
We were wed. Melisande Shahrizai s son and Ysandre de la Courcel s heir. And the realm
rejoiced at our union, their cheers ringing to the heavens. A vast band of musicians began to play.
Servants began to circulate bearing trays of joie. I downed a glass at one swallow, gasping at the cold
fire that burned its way down my throat. Sidonie laughed with delight at my reaction.
The celebration began.
I would that I could have stopped time and preserved that day forever. It was a perfect day.
There was the shadow of sorrow, yes. It would always be there. But that was the nature of life. The
bright mirror and the dark, reflecting one another. And today there was so much brightness.
So many people I loved were there.
Dagda Mor! Eamonn said good-naturedly, folding me into a rough hug. I don t think I ve ever
seen you truly happy before, Imri.
I laughed. Elua willing, you ll see a lot more of it.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Maslin de Lombelon go to one knee before Sidonie, taking
her hand and speaking in a low tone. She listened, then kissed his cheek softly.
Urist came to clasp my hand, his grip hard and strong. We nodded at one another, sharing
memories in silence. She d be glad, he said simply.
My eyes stung. Thank you.
Maslin, rising to approach me, his gaze clear of the old bitterness. I m happy for you, he said,
honest and direct. Truly. Both of you.
I grinned at him. My thanks, my bright angel. It made him laugh. I m glad you came.
Alais, looking older and self-assured. She hugged me hard and whispered in my ear. I m so glad
to have you as a brother, really and truly.
I hugged her back. You always did, villain. She didn t protest at the nickname, only laughed.
No harpist? I inquired.
No. Alais pulled away to regard me with amusement. Not yet.
And then Drustan and Ysandre approached. I bowed. Your majesties.
Imriel. Drustan laid his hand on my shoulder. I told you once that you would always be family
to me. He smiled quietly. I am pleased to find it true.
As am I, Ysandre echoed.
I bowed again. I will try to be worthy.
I think you ve managed, Ysandre said wryly; but then she embraced me and touched my face,
her touch gentle and lingering. I did a very good thing when I sought to heal the rifts in our realm by
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