Oh. Joy.
Chapter Eighteen
Stamel
Seidrik and Virion had become thick as thieves in the days leading up to their wedding. They’d been scheming and Stamel wholly approved. Watching his mate have goals and working toward them made something warm nestle in his belly. And he owed Nemiah and Virion so much for the kindness they did for him by lending their healer.
Stamel’s fathers, brothers, and Askara had sent a message they would arrive on the thalmway, and should have been there already. Stamel had been too busy seeing to wedding preparations as Seidrik did his best to stay out of everyone’s way. Especially Alluin. The stupid beta couldn’t utter a kind word if his life and kingdom depended on it, and Virion had, understandably, become very protective of Seidrik despite their quarrels.
Either that or he really hates his former attendant.The wispy tow-headed female,Pilkie, he believed, kept milling about in their hall, finding reasons to snoop in their things. Couldn’t even fuck for her constant barging in, and Tyran was absolutely afraid of her.
“She looks mean!” Tyran had whined and cried when she cropped up unexpectedly.
Stamel finished the final touches on his outfit, tucking his tunic and chains into place as he made his way into Seidrik’s room. For his part, he’d donned a set of chainsunderhis clothing for something more festive afterward. Hopefully Pilkie would fuck off or get the offense of a lifetime. He would not be denied a consummation.
He turned in place, hands fidgeting. “Father is absolutely angry.”
“Not our fault word got around. I think he’s spinning it as you having alate manifestand trying to allude to the goddess having her reasons.” Stamel winked at Seidrik and earned a blush. When his cheeks went pink, it was his favorite. “But you’re beautiful.”
“I won’t be able to…you know. I don’t think I can hide things much longer.” Seidrik glanced toward his belly and back up. “Virion says he cannot tell, but I can. Someone will figure it out.”
“Let them. We’re a mated pair. Mates have sex. Sex makes babies.” Stamel waved his hand about, hoping to bring Seidrik relief. Judging by his face, it did nothing.
“Come, my jewel. We’ll have this thing done with and feast then retire. And Virion will be drinking juice, so swap cups with him when you walk around and nobody will know you’re abstaining.” Stamel grinned and Seidrik’s flush eased.
“I was worried about that. Thank you.” Seidrik pushed onto his toes and exchanged a soft kiss with Stamel and they headed off together.
The ceremony was a nice one, family gathered on either side as they stared at the two with boredom on Seidrik’s side, with the exception of Saria who bore a nervous and suspicious demeanor, protected heavily by her two mates—far away from Alluin. For Stamel’s part? His family seemed genuinely pleased—and he wondered what they’d say when they found out that Seidrik was carrying. Ingred would tease him relentlessly. Pallosar and Kershai would sigh in exasperation, and Lumic might be happy for him. Probably. Askara would, at any rate. He didn’t know better.
Before the windows of a noonday sun, they raised their wings and horns before the crowd, earning gasps and looks of surprise and wonder. Seidrik didn’t know just how gaudily beautiful his wings were in hisregalia, how his horns shone in the sun, and how his hair had paled since they’d returned. He wasbeautiful.
Alluin sat in the front row, arms perched stiffly in his lap as the high priest of the temple performed the rights. The goddess didn’t speak, as she’d already united them in private, but she did flare her light of approval for them.
“Mother Goddess, sun that shines and brings life. We gather here today to unite Blessed Prince Seidrik Merrimar of Liaberos with Firstborn and Third Mighty Prince Stamel Taras of Croatens.” The priest held his hands up.
Themightydesignation meant alpha andblessedmeant omega. Stamel had never heard Seidrik called that before, and Virion was right. It was like announcing him by his ass first. He did well to hide his severe distaste.
“As all light that shines brings change, shall we all see light shine upon our couple, blessed genders uniting under the sun’s graces…” Stamel tuned the prattle out. He had his relationship with the goddess already, and it was built on mutual favors. His obedience and her promises went far. “I now pronounce you mates before our goddess and witnesses, who require no proof of consummation other than a kiss.”
They leaned in to one another, lips pressing. The soft and gentle performance of a kiss brought him much satisfaction. It cemented things as the priest passed a cup of vitalis to them to share a sip of to cement their union.
Like damned foxcane sugar water and static.Stamel did his best not to make a face.
Polite clapping preceded the playing of the thalm organ, and they flew together, Seidrik’s wings whirring in the air, throwing a light show of rainbow sparks from the way sunlight danced on their papery surfaces.Stamel’s hard strokes lifted him, and they bathed in her warm light for a moment. And so, it was done.
They were wed, and none could tear them apart.
The party moved from the chapel to a great hall in the conservatory rather than the castle’s dining hall. It had a morepublic affairtheme in the conservatory, just shy of how commoners would celebrate.
Citronelia wine flowed from attendants pacing the room, and Seidrik took Stamel to mingle with Virion and Nemiah, their page watching dutifully as he minded Tyran with the help of his nursemaid. Stamel had been insistent his child be there.
Seidrik and Virion exchanged glasses as attendants swept by, filling them easily until Tyran grew fussy, demanding Seidrik pick him up. Seidrik relented, hoisting the little one on his hip and losing his footing a little, accidentally spilling his juice, a similar color to the wine passing about.
Virion finished hisjuiceand got another, quietly swapping with Seidrik again as an attendant brought him another glass. Stamel took a quick sip to make sure there wasn’t a mix-up and continued on with his best smile. He took Tyran for a hug and sent the boy off with his governess and Sima to go have cake once they cut it.
Alluin hadn’t sprung for a feast, so dessert and wine with appetizers it was until the sun set on the beautiful night.
Virion, a usually pale creature, seemed a little clammy, his pallor taking on a gray hue that escaped Nemiah’s notice but not Stamel’s. “Nemiah?”
