Secrets of the Siren [Sirens and Sailors 5] (Siren Publishing Classic) (20 page)

Ligia fought back tears and nodded at her new big sister. She thought it was lovely that they weren’t trying to change her, but the subtle touches they had added made her look and feel beautiful. “I’m really grateful to you both for all your help today. I never imagined it could be like this.”

They all hugged again.

“We’d best get some breakfast,” Suzette said after a while.

“I’ll quickly do my hair,” Geva said, picking up the curling iron.

“OK, let’s you and me get this place cleared up a little. The ship sails soon and we don’t want you missing it, do we?” Suzy gathered up her things and slipped them back into the bag. Ligia collected her own things and stuffed them into her overnight bag.

“You packed up yet?” Suzy called over to Geva, who was muttering something about her hair not being right.

“No, I’ve put everything in those drawers.” Geva sounded irritated.

“I’ll pack them. Why don’t you help her?” Ligia suggested, and made her way to the dresser. She emptied all the drawers into Geva’s bright pink suitcase while Suzy fixed her sister’s hair. Ligia felt like part of the family already. Soon they all made their way to the restaurant.

There was no sign of their party so they had their meal in peace. After they had finished, Geva stuffed a few buns in her purse for later, as her sister rolled her eyes.

“There you are! My, Ligia you are the most beautiful girl in the whole world!” Eritha approached them as they crossed the lobby.

“Thanks for that, Mom,” Geva interjected with a laugh.

“Yeah, just what’re you trying to say here?” Suzy joined in the tease.

“Oh, you know what I mean.” Eritha waved off their comments and threw her arms around the bride.

“Hey, mind her hair,” Suzette admonished playfully.

“Yeah, and for God’s sake don’t make her cry. I had a helluva job putting that makeup on her.” Geva was laughing.

“You should never gild a lily,” a deep voice announced as Nuri arrived with their bags, and Hyam ran up to hug Ligia’s legs.

Eritha finally released her, and Ligia bent down to cuddle the little boy. “Don’t you look smart?” He was dressed in neat shorts and an open-neck shirt. On his feet he wore brown leather sandals.

“He takes after his daddy,” Nuri remarked with mock conceit.

Ligia looked up at the handsome man and smiled. “He sure does. You look smart too.” They all laughed, though the comment was true. Nuri had tailored trousers and a buttoned-up shirt with a blue tie. He had decided to dispense with the jacket, as the island was due to get very hot by this afternoon.

“Well I think we all look lovely.” Suzette laughed as they left the hotel and headed for the harbor.

“Ligia, I’d like a little advice on this hat.” Eritha took her arm as they walked. “Should I wear it or not?”

“Oh, Mom, wear what you like.” Geva groaned as she linked up on the other side of Ligia.

“But I’m not sure.” The old lady frowned.

“Put it on and let’s see,” Ligia suggested.

Eritha was dressed in a pale pink, flared dress and little white sandals. The hat was a good size and offered a little shade to her pretty face. Ligia thought of how hot the older lady would be once the midday sun started to melt all that makeup off her face. “Wear it.”

Eritha smiled at her and adjusted the hat slightly.

“It suits you,” Ligia told her, “and looks perfect with your lovely outfit.”

“Thank you, dear.” Eritha was genuinely pleased to get Ligia’s approval.

The ship was waiting for them when they reached the harbor and they chatted away happily as they boarded.

“We’ve got good conditions today. We’ll have you there in no time.” The captain smiled as they took their seats.

He was as good as his word. The crossing was very smooth and fast. There was time for a cup of tea and some cake on the way, and lots of discussion about the wedding. A young man approached them as they chatted. “You must be Ligia.” He was dressed in a smart suit, including a jacket, and had a big grin on his pale face. “I’m from the council. I’m going to marry you today.”

Ligia frowned and a lump began to form in her throat. “No, I’m marrying Aitan,” she said firmly. She felt something prickle the back of her neck and she jutted out her chin. She was ready for a fight.

The young man looked a little stunned and then burst out laughing. “Of course you are. I’m so sorry. What I meant was that I’m performing the ceremony. I’ll be making it all legal for you.” Little creases had appeared around his narrow, green eyes and his grin got even wider as he spoke.

Ligia visibly relaxed and smiled back at him. “I see. Will it take long?”

He laughed again. “No. You say the words you want to say and I’ll say something before you both sign the register. Then you’re free to party.”

“Thank goodness for that. We don’t want one of those long-winded boring ones like Suzy and Nuri had. I don’t know how I didn’t fall asleep!” Geva laughed.

“Our wedding was beautiful,” Suzette protested, looking to her husband for support.

She didn’t get any.

“Yeah for you, but what about the rest of us? Honestly, Ligia, these two had written a whole thesis on how they felt about each other and why they wanted to marry. It went on for hours.”

“It was very touching,” Eritha interjected in a bid to keep the peace.

“Well, you just say whatever you want to say, short or long, it’s your day.” The man got up and left them to argue it out.

“Yeah, Ligia, it’s
your
day. You say as much as you want to. You only get married once so make the most of it.” Suzette’s stubborn chin reminded Ligia of Aitan.

“I don’t have much to say. I love him and I want to marry him. That’s all.” Ligia shrugged.

Eritha threw her arms around the young girl. She was clearly happy that Ligia was the girl to marry her only son.

A massive crowd of islanders were waiting to welcome them as they docked at Refrainia. A cheer went up when they saw Ligia, in her new bikini, looking absolutely stunning as she disembarked. Everyone was wishing her luck, hugging her and patting her on the back, and she flushed at all the attention.

“You look lovely!” Kalliope didn’t usually dish out compliments but she had to admit her friend was gorgeous. “We’re getting ready at the big house. Pallas is up there with the dress.”

Ligia felt a warmth in her tummy. “Did she finish it?”

“Wait and see.” Kalliope’s eyes danced with excitement as she hugged her best friend and took her and her new family up to the main house on the island. Kalliope always looked beautiful, but today she was even more lovely. Her black hair hung loose around her shoulders and she had popped a large flower in the side. She was wearing her best bikini over her enviable olive tan. Ademia had put her hair up with her pretty blue clip which her men had bought her. Her eyes sparkled and she looked radiant.

Melantho served tea to the family while Pallas took Ligia upstairs to get ready. Kalliope and Ademia went along to help. The dress was laid on the huge bed and Ligia gasped when she saw it. “Pallas, it’s lovely!”

The old lady beamed. “I had a little help but I hope it’s what you wanted.”

The women helped her step into the beautiful long dress which glided effortlessly over her slender body. It was shaped around her pert breasts and draped fluidly down to her feet. The thin straps showed off her elegant neck and shoulders, and Ligia smiled, grateful that she had shaved her armpits. Kalliope produced a pair of white flip-flops which the girls had decorated with tiny diamantés to match those on the front of the dress.

“You have to carry flowers so we got you these.” Ademia handed her a large bouquet of Refrainian flowers, which she smelled as soon as she took them. She was so pleased she had declined the scent which Geva had offered her earlier. This was the only perfume she wanted for her wedding. Kalliope placed a few of the flowers strategically in Ligia’s hair, using Suzy’s pins.

“Perfect.” Pallas clapped her hands excitedly as she gazed at the young girl. Ligia beamed. This really was the best day of her life.

“They’ve all gone to the beach to wait for you,” Melantho explained when the girls got downstairs. “Everyone else is already there, too.”

Ligia’s heart hammered all the way to the ceremony. She was excited and nervous, but oh, so happy. As they neared the crowd she could see Aitan standing on the beach. Since the incident in the woodland dungeon Ligia had noticed that he had an extra air of authority about him. His dominance was more evident and it only made her love him even more. He held his head high, although she guessed that he would be as concerned as her. He was dressed in his sailor’s uniform which had been cleaned and pressed for the occasion. His boots shone in the sunlight, as did his gold buttons. Ligia gasped at how handsome he was. His sandy-coloured hair looked golden as the sun lit it up like a halo, and his gray eyes were large and twinkling. He turned slightly and caught sight of her and his face beamed.

Kalliope accompanied Ligia part way up the beach, before leaving her to join her fiancé.

Aitan stared at his bride as she made her way steadily toward him.
Her hair had been styled perfectly and it shone in the midday sun. Her alabaster skin had a sheen to it and her elegant dress flowed over her slim body like a wave on the sand. Her face was shining and she looked happier than he had ever seen her. There was a serene look about her, too. She looked perfectly comfortable with what she was doing. He evidently resisted the urge to kiss her as she stood next to him. “Beautiful,” he whispered into her ear as he took her empty hand.

“I love you,” she mouthed up to him, with a dazzling smile.

Aitan clearly wanted to tell her he loved her too, and scoop her into his arms, but the registrar cleared his throat to indicate he was ready to start the ceremony.

“Aitan and Ligia are here to declare their commitment to each other in the form of marriage,” the man began.

Ligia had her back to the congregation, but could imagine Geva yawning already.

“Before I pronounce them legally married they would like to say a few words of their own.” The handsome young man nodded to Aitan, who took a deep breath before turning to face his bride squarely.

“Ligia, you know how I feel about you, darlin’, so I’m not gonna waste your time and embarrass you in front of everyone.” There were a few sniggers from the crowd. “I just want you and everyone here to know that I love you with all my heart and I will do my best to make you the happiest woman in the whole world.” He swallowed hard, probably to quell a lump which had formed in his throat, and she saw him blink back the tears which gathered at the corners of his big gray eyes. He clearly had intended to say more, but his emotions prevented his speech.

Ligia’s eyes began to fill and she took a deep breath. There was silence as everyone waited. The registrar nodded at her a couple of times to indicate it was her turn, but she didn’t want to start until she was ready.

“Aitan, you have already made me the happiest woman alive and I want to thank you for that. I promise I will make you the best wife I can and I want to make you the happiest man in the world. I love you so much.” The last line was not much more than a whisper as a tear rolled down her perfect face.

Giving them a few minutes to compose themselves, the registrar rattled on a little about the sanctity of marriage and a load of other stuff the couple didn’t hear. Their hearts were thumping and they fought to keep their breathing under control. Aitan held her one hand in both of his, rubbing his thumb up and down the back of her hand to soothe them both. She watched him breathe in the scent of her favourite flowers and he closed his eyes momentarily. When he opened them again she was smiling up at him. Her eyes were shiny and bright and her smile dazzled him. He smiled back, whispering, “I love you, darlin’.”

Ligia felt that she could fly in that moment. They exchanged gold rings before going over to a little table to sign the register. When they turned back to the crowd the registrar finally announced that they were husband and wife and the islanders erupted. Aitan threw his arms around his wife and kissed those beautiful lips with the passion of a desperate man. Ligia wrapped her arms around his neck and ran her fingers through his soft hair. They could feel their hearts beating in unison.

Pallas and Eritha, the only guests who had a seat, stood up and went over to congratulate the couple before the rest of the crowd rounded on them. Melantho, Ademia and some of the other girls ran up to the big house and fetched down some food and drinks, which they quickly laid out on some tables that had already been brought down and left ready for them. The happy couple didn’t notice all the activity as they were being hugged and patted by their friends.

“Let’s have some pictures,” Nuri called out as he appeared with a camera.

Ligia blinked as a bright flash assaulted her eyes and she looked up in surprise.

“What’s that?”

“Haven’t you seen a camera before? I’m taking pictures of you that you’ll be able to keep forever to remind you of today.” Nuri obviously did his best to sound matter-of-fact so as not to embarrass her, although it hadn’t occurred to him that, of course, cameras were hardly commonplace on an ancient island.