Fragile Destiny (The Aether Chronicles) (32 page)

“Yes, you are.” Steven stood, the room swimming a
little. Already he’d had too much to drink. He had a feeling that was the point.

“Where are you all going?” Mr. Braddock asked.

Jeff raised his glass. “We’re going to visit Lady Luck.”

Mr. Braddock tipped his head. “Enjoy.”

Not likely. Steven wished he was with Noli. Instead, he allowed Jeff to put a new drink in his hand and lead him off.

He wasn’t sure what time it was when they piled back into a motorcab and returned to Noli’s grandfather’s house, reeking of alcohol and cigar smoke. At some point it had started to snow. Steven’s head pounded as they walked inside, knocking snow off their shoes, and hanging up their hats.

“I hope you had a good time, son.” Mr. Braddock clapped Steven on the shoulder. “I’m glad Noli has a nice chap like you to take care of her.” He went up the stairs.

Jeff snorted from behind them. “I think Noli takes care of
you
.”

“She does,” he and James agreed in unison.

Everyone went upstairs to bed. Steven waited until all was quiet then snuck down the hall to Noli’s room, a parcel in his hand. A light glimmered under the door.

“Noli?” he whispered, cracking open the door. She was in the window seat, asleep,
Great Expectations
on her lap. “Oh, Noli, you’ll catch cold.” He put her book and his parcel down, scooped her up, and tucked her into bed, pulling the covers up under her chin.

“V?” Her eyes fluttered open. She grimaced. “What do you smell like?”

“Cigars and whiskey.” He sighed.

“Oh. So you went to—”

He held up a hand. “Not a joy house, but it was some sort of … gentleman’s club. Like Mathias’ only with gambling and mortals.”

“And you didn’t have to bring a kitten?” Noli sat up.

“No. No kittens.” He couldn’t help but smile. “I heard that you tried to rescue us. Didn’t you have a party here?”

She made a face. “Yes, I now have more linens than I know what to do with. It was a present party, where all of Mama and Grandmamma’s friends gave us advice and things for our new households. It’s Vix I really felt sorry for.”

“It sounds dreadful.” Steven picked up the parcel. “I know it’s not Christmas yet. But I got something for you.”

“You didn’t have to get me anything. Though I do have something for you as well.” She opened the gift.

Steven sat down next to her. “I thought that we could read this together and discuss it, like we used to. It’s not Machiavelli, though I still want you to read that.”

“
The Art of War
, by Sun Tzu?” She traced the cover with her finger, then flipped it open to a random page. “
Can you imagine what I would do if I could do all I can?
I can’t wait to read this with you. I appreciate it.” Noli leaned in and kissed him. “I have something for you as well.” She went to the dresser and pulled out a small box. Her cheeks pinked as she handed it to him and sat back down.

“What’s this?” He opened the box and inside was a set of very fancy gold cuff links.

“They were Papa’s, from when he married my mother. She’d had them put away for me to give to whomever I
married.” Her cheeks remained pink. “My father said it was all right, that he’d be pleased for you to have them. I … I don’t have anything else for you other than a kiss.”

“That’s all I need, and the cuff links are splendid.” He tucked them in his pocket. It was such a thoughtful gift. “Now, about that kiss … ” Fumbling in his other pocket, he pulled out a bit of mistletoe. “I’ve wanted to kiss you under the mistletoe for some time.”

“Have you?” Her eyes danced. “There’s a kissing ball downstairs. Everyone’s asleep.”

“Us sneaking downstairs is asking to be caught.” Steven held the mistletoe over them with one hand, then pulled her to him with the other. Their lips met and he kissed her gently, so happy that after all those years of loving her from the shadows, that he could now share his dreams with her without reservation. All this he poured into his kiss. He broke it off, heart beating quickly. If he continued …

Instead, he kissed her forehead. There’d be time for everything else later. “Merry Christmas, Noli. I love you.”

“Merry Christmas, V. I love you too.” She grinned.

“Good night.”

Uncertain times were coming. They had a staff to assemble, a queen to defeat, and a future queen to raise. He was grateful to have Noli at his side.

Thirty-One

Wedding Bells

“Noli, dearest, it’s time.” Mama came into her room and straightened her veil, which was attached to a coronet of hothouse flowers. “You look beautiful. My baby girl is all grown up and getting married.” Her fingers ran gently down Noli’s cheek. “I hope this is enough for you—”

“Mama, I didn’t want a giant society wedding, or a season, or any of that,” Noli replied honestly. “All I really wanted was to have a wedding with my family … and Papa to walk me down the aisle.” She sniffed, trying to keep back the tears. She never thought she’d be the kind of girl to get weepy at her wedding.

Mama gave her a kiss on the cheek and smoothed her hair. “Thank you for never giving up on your father. You have no idea how happy I am to have him back. Oh, that dress is so beautiful on you.”

“I love it, Mama.” Noli turned to look at herself. “You outdid yourself on the design.” The dress wasn’t poufy, nor was it a bustle gown, yet it had some body to it. It was made of white silk, swathed with white and gold brocade. The back was a swirl of ruffles that fanned out like a mermaid’s tail, creating a small train. The brocade bodice laced up like a corset. Missy Sassafras would never approve—but Jo would. So would Miri … and Charlotte.

Mama beamed. “I just knew you would. It suits you perfectly.”

She had never realized her mother had actually finished a wedding gown and a complete trousseau, and had them packed away, ready and waiting, along with other trifles and family trinkets.

“You and Papa are staying in Boston?” Noli asked. Her mother’s dress was beautiful as well, as red as Christmas, with a slight gold accent around the neckline.

“Yes, he’s going into business with my father for now.” Mama beamed and picked up the bouquet of roses off the dresser. “There you are. You really do love Steven, don’t you?” She handed her the flowers. “You always have. He’s so young—and has so many responsibilities with his father gone. But … ” A smile crossed her lips. “You two always have been able to accomplish anything when you worked together. I hope you remember that. Marriage is work for both parties. It takes patience, love, and compromise.”

“It does, doesn’t it?” Noli sniffed her bouquet of flowers. “I do love him. So much. I’m not marrying for duty; I’m marrying for love.”

V made her a better person, and she’d like to think she did the same for him.

“I know, dearest, I know. Oh, before I forget.” Mama opened a little pouch that had been hanging around her wrist. “Here.” She fastened a necklace around Noli’s neck. “Your grandmamma gave this to me when I married your father. It had been hers, then it was mine, and now … and now it’s yours—it can be your something old
and
something blue.”

“Oh, Mama.” Noli’s eyes teared up in gratitude as her hand went to the rather large sapphire and diamond pendant. She remembered her mother wearing it for fancy occasions before her father had disappeared.

Her mother’s finger tapped her lips. “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue—and you have a penny in your shoe?”

“I do, Mama.” A penny slid around in the bottom of her borrowed slippers. It was rather uncomfortable. “Are we ready?” All this fussing made her fidget.

“Yes.” A sad look filled her mother’s eyes. “Oh, I’ll miss you. But now you have your chance to go to a university and see new and exciting places, just like you’ve always wanted.”

If she only knew.

“I’ll miss you as well, Mama.” She’d miss her so much, but …

“It’s a pity you must bring Elise with you. Are you certain you don’t wish for me to care for her for a while so you can enjoy being a newlywed?” her mother offered. “I wouldn’t mind.”

“We’ll bring her with us for now, but if it doesn’t work out, you’ll be the first person I aethergraph,” Noli assured her.

She had a feeling her mother needed something to keep her occupied, with both children gone and no dress shop. They’d have to see how everything went, but Noli knew the offer was genuine, and she greatly appreciated it. It might end up being the best option for Elise; right now they didn’t know. So much was uncertain.

“Noli.” Her father stood in the doorway. “I … you …
you … ” His voice choked. “And Eady … you both look so beautiful. It’s time, Noli.” He offered her his arm.

Mama pulled the lace veil over Noli’s face. “I’ll take my seat. I love you.”

“I love you too, Mama.” Noli watched her mother hustle down the hall. Then, she took her father’s arm as they walked down the stairs.

Vix stood in the downstairs hallway, trembling. Her lace dress wasn’t nearly as fancy as Noli’s, but its elegant simplicity was stunning. Then again, her mother probably started it at Thanksgiving when their engagement had been announced.

“Are you all right, Vix?” Noli left her father and gave Vix a hug.

“I’m fine.” Vix smiled shyly and didn’t shrug her off.

Noli looked around. “Are your parents here?” She hadn’t heard any mention of Vix’s parents, and she didn’t see any man to walk Vix down the aisle.

“No. It’s better this way,” Vix said softly. “It … I almost asked someone special to be here, but I’m not sure society is ready for the likes of him. I’m my own person, anyway. I don’t need someone to give me away.”

“I admire you for being such a strong woman.” Noli had a feeling that the person who Vix spoke of was the fae air pirate who’d given her her start.

“You’re stronger than you think,” Vix replied. “And stronger than some men give you credit for.” She grinned. “Keep in touch, all right?”

“We will.” Noli returned to her father’s side. They were to enter after Vix.

“Oh, you’re both so pretty.” Elise appeared, in a red and white ruffled dress, a basket of red rose petals in her hand.

“You look lovely, Elise. Are you ready?” Noli’s heart thumped in her chest.

“Yes.” Elise twirled around.

Jameson opened the great room doors. The music began to play and Noli’s ears roared.

The crowd stood and Elise walked down the aisle scattering rose petals. Vix took a deep breath and followed. When Vix reached the altar, Noli and her father walked down the aisle, arm in arm. Noli looked into the sea of faces and almost froze.

She had to remind herself that she wasn’t doing this for her mother or society. She was already married to V in the Otherworld. This … this was for herself and only herself.

Hattie waved at her. She caught sight of Thad and Winky and grinned. As usual, Winky wore his striped hat, glasses sliding down his nose. The great room at Grandfather Montgomery’s had been decorated with greenery and ribbons. Chairs were set up with an aisle in the middle, musicians in one corner, and an alter festooned with so many Christmas flowers it looked as if a garden had sprouted. The same pastor who’d married her parents had been found and he stood there, waiting, peering at a large book.

Next to him stood V, in a tuxedo, a nervous look on his face. James stood behind him. Opposite them were Vix and Jeff, Asa behind them as best man. All the men wore red accents. Someone had made Jeff shave.

Her father pulled her veil back over her hair and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “I love you, Noli,” he whispered.

“I love you too, Papa,” she whispered back, taking her place by V.

The pastor droned on about marriage and other boring things, and periodically read from the Bible. Her belly rumbled with hunger. There’d be a cake afterward for everyone in attendance, then an elaborate dinner for relations and close friends before they all went off to Christmas Eve services. It had already been a long day of preparations and it was difficult not to yawn.

Finally, the minister turned to Jeff and Vix. “Jeffery Cornelius Braddock, will you have this woman as your lawful wedded wife, to live together in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honor her, and keep her in sickness as in health; and, forsaking all others, be true to her so long as you both shall live?”

Jeff gazed at Vix, who wore no veil, only a coronet of flowers, as he took her hands in his, bringing her close to him. “I will.”

“Victoria Eleanor Adler, will you have this man as your lawful wedded husband, to live together in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you obey him, and serve him, and love, honor, and keep him in sickness as in health; and, forsaking all others, be true to him so long as you both shall live?”

“I will.” She grinned. “Except for the ‘obey’ and ‘serve’ part. After all,
I’m
still the captain.”

A scandalized look crossed the minister’s face as a murmur ran through the crowd. Someone cheered, probably Hittie. Noli grinned.

The minister turned to them. Noli stepped closer to V.

“Steven Darrow, will you have this woman as your lawful wedded wife, to live together in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honor her, and keep her in sickness as in health; and, forsaking all others, be true to her so long as you both shall live?” he asked.

“I will.” V’s eyes met hers. “By the Bright Lady I will.” This last part was in a soft whisper as he took her hands in his and drew her close.

“Magnolia Montgomery Braddock, will you have this man as your lawful wedded husband, to live together in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you obey him, and serve him, and love, honor, and keep him in sickness as in health; and, forsaking all others, be true to him so long as you both shall live?”

“I will.” She couldn’t stop grinning. “However, I’m still the queen,” she added in quiet Latin. V suppressed a laugh, his eyes dancing.

“The rings?” the minister asked.

Asa handed Jeff his rings, and James did the same for V.

V slid the thin gold ring onto her hand. “With this I thee wed.”

The minister droned on again about boring things. Not that she listened. All she could do was hold V’s hand and grin.

“Those whom God hath joined together, let no man put asunder,” the minister announced. “Mr. and Mrs. Braddock, and Mr. and Mrs. Darrow, as witnessed before God and this company, having given and pledged their troth and declared the same; I now pronounce that they are man and wife. Gentlemen, you may now kiss your respective brides.”

V leaned in and kissed her, so long and deep she could hear giggles and titters from the crowd.

The music played and Jeff led Vix down the aisle, then V led her out. Jeff and Vix disappeared and V led her into the parlor so they could steal a few moments alone until they were ushered back into the great room, which was quickly being converted into a reception hall.

With his foot, Steven pushed the door of the parlor closed and kissed her in a way that made her wonder how much time they had before they would be called back into the room.

Probably not that much.

“Why, Mr. Darrow, are you getting fresh with me?” She gazed into his eyes as he leaned her against the door, his face inches from hers, hat falling off his head.

“Why, Mrs. Darrow, I do believe I am.” His lips captured hers as their bodies pressed together.

Mrs. Darrow.
Oh. She was Mrs. Darrow, wasn’t she?

“The day after tomorrow you’re Your Grace again, but
for today and tomorrow, you’re Mrs. Darrow
.” His grin widened as he leaned in for another kiss.

Someone knocked on the door and they jumped away from each other, startled.

“Five minutes until photographs,” James called from the other side.

“That was
fast
.” Steven shook his head. “Your mother and grandmother make things move at a speed that would make the seneschal’s head spin.”

“And we’re not finished in the slightest. But yes, they’re quite good, aren’t they?” Even though the wedding had been quick and small, it was still an acceptably extravagant society affair.

“Oh, it’s snowing again.” Noli went over to the parlor window and gazed out at the piles of snowflakes. “I think tomorrow we need a snowball fight. Team Darrow versus Team Braddock.”

“Why, Mrs. Darrow, I think that’s an excellent idea.” V came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and bringing her close.

Noli traced the cuff links she’d given him last night, then turned to bury her face in his chest, breathing in the scent of him. He smelled like home.

“We did it, didn’t we?” she said. “We took a kingdom, fell in love, and got married. Now we’re going to university, ruling the kingdom, and doing our duty to your family. And they say you can’t have it all.”

V touched his forehead to hers. “No one can have it all. But we have what we need. At least, I have everything I need.” His fingers brushed her face, the movement as light as the touch of a feather. “Do you have everything you need, Noli?”

There was still so much to do, so much at stake, with Elise and the Staff of Eris and the state of the Otherworld. But it no longer seemed impossible. She looked into V’s eyes and ran her fingers through his hair, which still wouldn’t lie quite flat.

“Yes, Mr. Darrow, I believe I do.” Noli reached up and kissed him, pouring everything into that single kiss as church bells rang in the distance, rejoicing with them.