Kingdom Come (27 page)

The time between morning and afternoon passed far faster than he had anticipated and soon he found himself ushered into his father’s rooms. The royal tailor handed him
a robe in blood red. The belt at his waist was ivory to reflect Abby’s own robe. He had yet to see hers, but Loreet told him she had chosen to express her mixed heritage.

An hour later, he followed his father and Abby’s from the room. Alfred Ashley had chosen to wear a suit from Earth. His one rebellion, he had said. Edric decided he rather liked the man’s straightforward demeanor. His father’s robes reflected Loreet’s colors.

The throne room was full when they arrived and Abby’s father split off from them to meet her. The crowd was a mix of Raena, Dorn, and Ghadrikan. He was sure so many enemies had never been together outside of the battlefield. He took his place to the right of the throne. From that day on he would have the honor of standing at Abby’s left.

Still smiling at the thought, he turned in time to see Loreet stroll down the aisle. She wore her ceremonial bonding robe as was custom and when she stopped next to his father, she gave
Edric a small smile. He nodded to her, eyes already fixed on the doorway. Kaleen came down the aisle next.

She wore the gown and sash of the Raena royal family. She gave him a respectful nod when their eyes met. While he returned it, his gaze was fastened on the doorway. Abby would be next. His heart beat fast in his chest and he leaned forward. Then, there she was and he could barely breathe.

She glided toward him in a bright ivory ball gown. The fabric hugged her to the waist, before draping elegantly down to the floor. She wore his color, a thin ribbon of crimson, around her narrow waist. The one shoulder style left her arms bare, making the addition of the crown jewels all the more obvious.

A silver armband circled her upper arm, the perfect match to the clear crystals draped around her neck. He could not tear his eyes away from her. He was vaguely aware
of Alfred Ashley walking at her side. It was only when Abby stood in front of him that he could look away from her long enough to acknowledge her father.

The other man’s eyes were red, but he gave him a curt nod. Alfred turned to face his daughter and leaned forward to place a kiss on her forehead, whispering something Edric could not hear. Abby’s chin wobbled and she blinked several times. After a final look at his daughter, Alfred turned to him and place
d her smaller hand in his.

His fingers immediately gave hers a reassuring squeeze. She raised her head and met his gaze. With a bright smile, she tugged him toward his mother. He was barely aware of most of the ceremony, unable to stop thinking of the feel of her hand in his. She cast him amused glances every few minutes, until it was finally his turn to formally ask for her acceptance.

“Abigail Ashley, Princess Abigaia, I ask that you accept my worldly possessions and my unending adoration.”

She stared at him long enough that nervousness made his chest tight. “I accept. So long as you accept mine in return.”

The crowd whispered at the change in the ceremony. He did not spare them a glance.

“I accept,” he said.

She rewarded him with a wide smile.

“You are bonded from now until death,” Loreet said formally.

The crowd cheered. So loud he had to lean in to hear Abby’s words over the din.

“On Earth we would kiss now.”

As Loreet pressed his right arm to Abby’s left and wound red and white ribbons around them, he leaned down to brush his lips against Abby’s. She kissed him back, wrapping her free arm around his neck. His lips tingled when she pulled back to look at him.

“There,” she said. “Now, we’re bonded.”

He smiled. “Most definitely.”