Freyja's Fire - Chapter 44 - A'mara Books

44

(Majanday, cont.)

Castel Velantia

.
“It was about two years ago when I stood here telling you that I had about given up on the possibility of my son and my nephew ever finding love,” Uncle Liam began.

“I thought the same about my daughter and my niece,” he admitted. “But then they went to Erion and assisted in treating some stranded and diseased sailors. Two of those sailors must have tricked them or something because they came home with our young ladies.

“Daughter? Niece? I pray to all the gods that these men are everything you ever dreamed of and more. Son? Nephew? I pray to all the gods that my daughter and my niece are all you ever dreamed of and more as well.”

Gemina looked into Kolt’s eyes and grinned. <So far, so good,> she sent to him.

The sparkle in his eye told her that he’d heard her.

“Aurelia and Garrick. Gemina and Kolt. Let me first of all tell you congratulations on having found each other. Also let me remind you that the gods and Guardians will hold you to a much higher standard than I ever will. Your commitments to one another are blood-binding in their eyes, except in case of gross misdeeds. The new lives you have created sealed that deal long before I became involved.”

Several giggles were heard. Gemina put her hand on her abdomen as she blushed, looking at Kolt again.

< Nothing to be ashamed of,> he reassured her.

“Next, I must confirm that each of you are here of your own free will. Gemina Inari?”

“Yes, Uncle.”

“Kolt Rain?”

“Yes, Uncle.”

“Aurelia of Velantia?”

“Yes, Father.”

“Garrick Heath?”

“Yes, my lord.”

“You may call me Father, Garrick. Anyone who can put up with Aurelia’s temper is worthy of the position!”

Another laugh was heard.

“Now the oaths. Aurelia of Velantia, do you take Garrick Heath to be your life partner; to love, honor, cherish and respect for all the days of your lives? Do you accept both the rights and responsibilities that being a wife means?”

“Yes, Father, I do,” Aurelia replied.

Uncle Liam repeated the oath to Garrick, finishing with, “Do you accept both the rights and responsibilities that being a husband means?”

“I do, my lord Father,” Garrick replied with a grin.

Uncle Liam rolled his eyes slightly with a grimace.

Then he turned to Gemina. She almost held her breath as her uncle read. “Gemina Inari, do you take Kolt Rain to be your life partner; to love, honor, cherish and respect for all the days of your lives? Do you accept both the rights and responsibilities that being a wife means?”

“Yes, Uncle. Yes, Kolt. I accept you, all of you, my Naked Prince!”

The King repeated the oath to Kolt, barely keeping back his laughter.

“I almost died, but I came back for you, my Gemina. Of course I do!” he replied solemnly, his eyes watering visibly.

“You may exchange tokens of promise,” Uncle Liam said.

Kolt put a bracelet on her left arm, then a ring on her finger. Then Gemina took an ornate chain from an attendant and placed it around Kolt’s neck. It shone splendidly across his bare torso. His Çtara amulet was perfectly framed. She could not take her eyes off of him.

“I declare you properly married under Velantian law. May I present to the village: Prince Garrick and Princess Aurelia of Velantia!”

The crowd cheered.

“May I present to the village: the Naked Prince Kolt and Princess Gemina Rain!”

The crowd cheered even louder, some people laughing as well. Gemina hoped it was a sign that her prince would be accepted by the people as he was. Looking at Kolt though, he was clearly very happy.

“You may share a token of affection,” Uncle Liam said.

“I’ve been waiting for this part!” Kolt murmured as he held her close and gave her the kiss that she would always remember. Not a chaste kiss at all, but one full of promise, reminding her how much he wanted her.

“Now, it’s time for us to leave for our honeymoon,” Gemina said when she was able to breathe again.

“Is there something special I should know about it?”

“Just lift me back onto Jerem, and join me.”

Kolt did that and momentarily, they were sitting tandem again.

“Normally, we would gallop out of the castle grounds, but we can do one better… Fly, Jerem!” she cried.

The two nuwa, with their passengers, suddenly leaped into the air to the loud cheer of the amazed crowd.

“Don’t forget to come back!” Doc shouted over everyone.

“They’ll come back, silly! I have to tend to their pregnancies,” Deby reminded.

Gemina grinned, looking down at everyone.

Kolt suddenly loosened his loincloth and threw it down to the crowd, to the whoops and cheers of the young women waiting below.

Gemina giggled. “You’re going to give everyone plenty to talk about for a very long time!”

He grinned back. “Let’s go!” Kolt said. “I want some time alone with you!”

A moment later, they were high over the castle, flying towards the mountains to the west.

♥

“I do believe they bested us,” Rachel commented to Breyind, stroking Herne’s head as he slept in the sling.

“Aye,” Breyind agreed. “I’m glad Obsidian agreed to help out. Melodia has got quite cranky since Jerem bred her.”

“Horses are like that,” Rachel replied. “Especially first time mothers. But she’ll get used to it. She understands her responsibility.”

“She’s not a horse anymore.”

“Which means it’s even more important that she understands. So far, we know of three nuwa.”

“I have a sneaking suspicion there are a few more about,” Stella said next to them. “I can’t imagine there being only three that were considered worthy of the upgrade.”

“I hope you’re right,” Rachel said.

“I suspect the foals will bond with some of the children. It’s going to be very busy in Castel Velantia!”

“I think you’re right,” Breyind said, looking at the children running riot around the castle grounds.