Born of Flames

Chapter 35 ~ Drenusha's Boons

Their preparations began the next morning and carried into their second day on the Isle of Lorn. By that time, more reports had come of attacks by Astaroth's undead creations and scouts had sighted a horde heading straight for Arcan.

Rehema had directed the Council of Elders to secure the city and protect Drenusha's Library in her absence. Morana was relieved not to have to see Delmar again, but she couldn't help but feel guilty that she wasn't going to be one of those protecting Arcan.

She distracted herself by helping her father arrange the warriors that would be heading out to intercept more of Astaroth's hordes and protect the smaller villages scattered between the mountains and the Vidar.

Even before the sun reached its peak on the second day, multiple groups had been sent out. Humans traveled with Shifters who were large enough to carry them so the horses could be spared for the other Fae. Morana didn't miss Tarion and Neeri's pride at the sight of all the Ash Fae interspersed with the warriors.

She herself was proud to see the obvious respect each member of the Cahirim showed to Neeri and Arlon, and that pride doubled when their warriors rode by and bowed their heads to Tarion, placing a fist over their heart just as they did to salute her. That knowledge also quelled a doubt she kept hidden deep within.

For so long, she had been convinced that their people wouldn't be willing to accept either of them, but perhaps she was wrong. She could see now that the Cahirim knew just as well as she did that Tarion was the King they needed, and that meant the other Asterrians would see it too.

As the sun was setting that evening, the last patrol set out. Only those tasked with guarding the Isle remained in the camp, and as they drifted into their huts one by one, a stillness crept over the settlement. Morana lingered on the outskirts of the camp, breathing deeply of the misty night air. She didn't move even when grass rustled behind her.

"Having second thoughts?" Lonan asked, his tone light and teasing.

Morana's mouth tilted into a smile. "No. Would I be wearing this dress if I was?" She gestured to the sheet of ivory and lace that draped down to her feet.

Astelle, Neoma, and Neeri had spent most of the prior day stitching it together from pieces of old lace pillow covers and tablecloths. Not the wedding gown their future Queen deserved, as Astrelle and Neoma had reiterated multiple times, but Morana thought it was beautiful.

The design was very simple, with the bodice and skirt being one whole piece of fabric, rather than two, and drawn in to accentuate her waist by neatly concealed stitches and laces down the back. The neckline was square, save for a small dip just below her collarbone, revealing the tip of the blazing eclipsed sun upon her sternum.

The sleeves were fitted down to her elbows, but from there, widened into bells at her wrists and hung almost all the way to her feet. Her golden caramel hair fell in loose waves down to her waist, waiting to be ornamented by the boons Drenusha would lay along the path to her wedding ceremony.

That was what her father had come to collect her for. She and Tarion had told him last night of their desire to be married. "Are you sure you're all right with this, Father?" Morana asked, lifting Lonan's hands in her own. Despite his excitement last night, she knew he had to be somewhat confused.

He nodded with a gentle smile. "I didn't expect you to marry the day after you told me, but yes."

"I meant to tell you why, but I just couldn't before."

"I know."

"We just didn't want to..."

She broke off as Lonan squeezed her hands. "In case there isn't a later, right?" He murmured. Morana nodded and swallowed, her throat constricting with the weight that lay heavy on her chest. "We'll make sure there is," he promised, squeezing her hands again.