The Shattered Way (Champions of the Crystal Book 7)

Chapter 8.1

Sabrina couldn't believe she had ever thought she could spend the morning in a meeting and still be ready for the ceremony in mid-afternoon. With less than half an hour to go, she and Ranja were still struggling with her hair, and a seamstress sat nearby, quickly fashioning a small hairpiece to hold a cluster of white roses.

"This would all be unnecessary if you'd agree to the tiara," Ranja said. "You own one; it wouldn't have to be part of the Bathiran collection."

"No tiaras. This is supposed to be something I'd put on randomly to come to this event like anybody else," Sabrina said.

Ranja snorted. "With your speech all prepared and having read the contract in advance!"

"I'm not saying it makes sense," Sabrina sighed. "Ranja, I'm so glad you're here. I don't know how I would have managed otherwise."

"I'm glad to be here, my lady. I just want to go out and get a good spot to watch, so I can describe it in detail for my memoirs."

"You and your memoirs!" Sabrina laughed.

"Now that they'll have a royal cachet, I'm expecting a vid, too," Ranja grinned. "Don't laugh; this is my retirement plan!"

"What, Ford isn't paying you enough? I'll have a word with him."

"No, he's been incredibly generous. Nerrill and I will have a hard time spending all of it, after scrimping so long! In fact, my salary will let him stay home with the children, once we have them. Everything is set, and we couldn't be more pleased."

"Good. Now if we can just get this over with, everybody will be happy."

Ranja chuckled. "Wait until the public wedding!"

"At least I'll have had some practice princessing before then."

There was a knock on the door, and Ranja went over to open it a little ways. Then she opened it completely to reveal Aurora.

"Aurora! I'm glad you're here. I could use a calming influence," Sabrina said, looking up at her sister-in-law. "You look lovely! But I think you're starting to show."

"That is all right. I will be able to tell Her Majesty very soon now," Aurora said, with a glowing smile. "I have a surprise for you, Sabrina."

Sabrina looked toward the door, where Mukryilla was standing in her dress uniform, smiling. She moved aside to reveal the officer behind her, equally formal. "Hi, Rina!"

Sabrina let out a shriek and flung herself at her brother, nearly knocking him over. He laughed as he caught her and swung her around.

"Scotty! Oh my God! Where did you come from? I can't believe it!" she cried.

"Believe it. I couldn't miss this, could I?" he grinned. "Congratulations, by the way."

"You're the one who needs congratulating!" she replied. "If only I had a cigar to give you!"

He laughed. "Thanks. It's been a great homecoming!" He moved over to Aurora and put his arm around her shoulders.

Sabrina looked at Mukryilla. "Thank you so much! This is the best present I could ask for!"

"I wish I could take credit, but this gift is from the Tirqwin," she said.

"And Khediva, and Mara," Scotty said. "I'm the ultimate group gift. They decided they couldn't have us apart on a day like this, so they brought me back here for the day."

"Oh! You're not staying?"

"Don't worry. Now I  have a real incentive to wrap this mission up at lightning speed. Oh, hey, Stecklan says hello, and congratulations. He said to tell you that he remembers the conditions under which he is invited to the wedding. Whatever that means."