The Magic Wakes (34 page)

Talia found President Cahal at one of the ceremonies. Relief washed through her and she realized how much she liked the man. She wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug.

“Well, that’s the nicest surprise of the day, my dear.” The skin around his eyes wrinkled as the grin filled his face.

“I’m glad you made it out safely.” Talia stepped back a respectable distance, and Cahal filled her in on how the SEF evacuated everyone successfully before the invasion.

Landry slipped through the crowd to stand by her side, placing his hand lightly at her elbow. The tremor of electricity that shivered through her at his touch still surprised her. She hoped she’d never grow used to it.

Landry bent his head closer. “Marry me?” he whispered.

She put her face into his shoulder and inhaled. “Yes.”

“Are you busy tonight? Stefan is free and the palace chapel is available.”

Her body drifted toward his. Everyone else in the room faded to the background.

Talia never thought she would marry. A tremor of fear flickered through her mind, but she focused on Landry’s eyes and it dissipated. There was room for love and happiness in this new world.

I’ll be there if you will.

I’ll be there.

They stood there, full of emotions and no words, until someone pulled Landry away to introduce another visiting dignitary.

Banners of deep blue and red with the Algodova crest fluttered in the breeze from the open windows. The scent of flowers filled the air, and the candles bathed everything in a soft glow. Only three people attended the marriage ceremony other than the bride and groom. Talia thought it would hurt to get married without her family, but Landry’s eyes held her attention and it was enough.

President Cahal gave her away and it surprised her how much that touched her. From the first day they met, he had looked past Talia’s strangeness and treated her kindly. Now he stood in her father’s place, leading her toward Landry.

The Lieutenant stood on one side of Landry, and Stefan, now king, stood on the other side. She glanced at Stefan. His smile appeared pasted on. Was it habit from the three-day coronation? Or was he still uncomfortable with Talia? After all, she represented this new magical world.

Talia couldn’t blame Stefan for being worried. She was a part of the new world and it made her uneasy. She pushed her worries to the back of her mind and returned her gaze to Landry, determined to concentrate on this one moment designed for them.

Cahal placed her hands in Landry’s with as much tenderness as her own father would have, kissed her cheek and stepped back.

About time
. Landry’s lips turned up and Talia’s cheeks warmed.

Sorry. I’ll pay attention
.

“Love is the union of souls. When one heart cries out and another answers, they become one. Stronger than two alone. You stand together, hand in hand. Hearts bound together through understanding and a willingness to sacrifice all for the other.” Stefan paused and the smile finally relaxed enough to look natural. “In light of recent events, I want to point out that love is still the strongest magic.”

Talia didn’t realize she was crying until Landry wiped his thumb across her cheek.

Before she knew it, they had reached the end of the ceremony and the traditional giving of gifts. Landry took a small box from the Lieutenant. He opened it and pulled out a gold and silver linked chain. The pendant heart held amethyst and sapphire halves wrapped around each other.

“Talia, as a token of my love and devotion, I give back what you lost.” Landry placed the necklace around her neck.

A lump closed her throat as the weight of the necklace settled just above her breast in the same spot as her mother’s necklace. Talia’s fingers knew the way, reaching for the reassuring stones. Swallowing and blinking back the tears, she turned to Cahal and took the flat package he held out.

“Landry, as a token of my love and devotion, I give you the gift of family. Past and future.”

Landry opened the wrapping and uncovered the intricately carved frame. One side held a picture of his parents on their wedding day, the other side was blank.

“All we need is a picture of today,” Talia said.

“How did you find this?”

“I’m good at research.” Relief flooded through Talia as she saw the joy in his eyes.

Stefan reached out, took one of each of their hands, and placed them together.

“As King of Algodova, I proclaim you husband and wife. Now let’s get some dinner!”

Everyone laughed. Talia turned to walk back down the aisle, but Landry pulled her back to him.

“Mrs. Sutton, our great king forgot one little detail that makes all this official.” He winked at Stefan.

Talia’s whole body warmed from the fire in his eyes. “And what’s that?”

“This.” He pulled her close, lifted her chin, and kissed her.