Chapter 765: Betrothal Day
So much for diving into action. I arrived home from the Sidhe cavern to an anxious Mom and Shenka. Ever eager, Gram took Gabriel from me, fighting Charlotte for the chance to snuggle him. Sassafras's clear irritation at my departure lulled me back into keeping my family happy. I allowed myself to settle into that same pattern of care and love for my son.
I did have a moment of intense fear jolt me from sleep only a few nights later, a nightmare reminding me of Fate's words to me:
"You have so much more to do, Syd. I wish I could lay the burden on another, but you were made for this."
Which meant, among other things, I wasn't done, was I? Fate had so much more in store for me.
And, one day, I would outlive my son.
Couldn't go there. Think that way. Lurched from bed and snuggled Gabriel close while he woke and cooed to me as though in comfort.
Met Sassafras's glowing eyes in the dark where he slept in my son's crib.
Sobbed.
The demon cat sighed, rose, came to me. Set both front paws on the railing of the crib.
"I know," he said. "But you can't think about it yet, Syd. You have so many years yet."
Of course he knew, didn't he? I slipped back into bed, Gabriel beside me, Sassafras purring us both into sleep. How many witches who he'd loved did my dear demon cat raise, only to watch them age and die?
I couldn't bear to think of it.
July rolled around before I knew it, the beginning of Gabriel's second month seeing his accelerated growth finally slow, just as Fergus said it would. Now a dear with the body of a six-month-old, a babbling brook for a mouth, Gabriel's need to communicate led him to words-real and made up as required-as well as a constant magical connection.
Mom hovered close, still living with us, traveling back and forth to Harvard to fulfill her duties as Council Leader. The old Mom would have dropped everything and run at a moment's notice when the Council called. But I would often catch her, holding Gabriel and rocking him gently, eyes far away as she conducted business with her grandson firmly in her arms.
Every day that passed I woke with the conviction I was going after Ameline today.
And every night I kissed my son and told myself he was too little, yet.
Wasn't he?
Besides, it was so easy to forget with him in my life. The light of his spirit filled me with more joy than I'd ever known. Almost made the losses I'd endured worth it. Until I caught sight of Gram making paddy cakes with him. Felt the absence of the bulk of her power. Remembered just how much Ameline stole from me.
From Gram. From all of us.
I was still riding my merry-go-round of indecision when Meira came through the veil one morning with an expectant and upset look on her face.
And I finally remembered what today was.
Dad's formal request for my attendance at his betrothal arrived only a week ago, in the hands of Theridialis who hummed and blushed as he handed it over.
"Forgive him," Sassy's dad said, round face sad, before the veil snapped shut.
And I stared down at the piece of black rock, a shaving from the Seat itself, engraved with fiery amber letters.
"I can't." Panic gripped me now as it had then while my sister strode up the basement stairs and into the kitchen, pale skin and blue eyes a shock after seeing her in demon form so many times. I had just finished feeding Gabriel, his dirty spoon in my hand, knuckles covered in mashed potato. "Meems." I dropped the spoon, reached for my son, safely in Gram's arms rather than his high chair, watched carefully by a purring Sassafras.
Meira nodded immediately. "It's okay, Syd," she said.
But it wasn't. Her face was composed, but her whole being ached.
Dad's betrothal day.
I couldn't leave Gabriel. But how could I let Meira go through this alone?
My feet rebelled, my knees. I stood up anyway. My heart begged me, my soul pleaded and fought. What if something happened? What if Ameline-
No. I shook off my fear, kissed Gram's cheek. Stroked Sassafas's fur.
"I'll be back in an hour or so," I said, trying to keep my voice light despite my previous outburst.
Hugged my sister who shook in my arms, her human form feeling frail all of a sudden.
And descended the stairs to the still-open tear in the veil.
Ahbi embraced me as we slipped inside. I didn't allow myself to stop moving. Knew if I did, I'd spin and race back upstairs and leave my sister to handle this disaster alone.
Crossed over to Demonicon with my heart hurting in so many ways. For my son. My mother. My sister and me. And, for my father, who had no choice at all.
Meira's demon form shifted back immediately when we stepped out into her bedroom. But, as was normal for me now, I remained human.
Pagomaris stood waiting, her hands clasped in front of her chest. Ahbi's aide, now my sister's, shrieked when I appeared, lunged for me. Stopped, face crumpling, looking me up and down before turning to my sister with a hopeful look on her face.
"Perhaps her demon form...?" Like I wasn't there, or some inanimate object to be repaired. As if Meira could make me do anything-or would ever try.
I rolled my eyes, sank into my irritation with pleasure, welcoming it as a mask for my sadness and nerves. Prepped for the coming fight. From the polished, gem-studded perfection of Pagomaris's horns to the sparkling spikes attached to her face and nails, down to the leatherette body stocking covered in a sheath of frothy gauze the aide wore, she was the epitome of Demoniconian style. Meira took after her, though in a subtler way.
I, on the other hand, refused. I'd allowed it in the past, the dressing, the pretending I was a demon.
No more.
Before Pagomaris could say another word, my egos rose, power flaring, a rainbow of maji magic appearing in flickering flames around me.
"We are maji," I said, allowing their voices out with mine.
She backed off with a meep, bowing almost to the floor. "Of course, maji," she whispered in a quavering voice. "Forgive me, maji."
Oh, damn it.
"It's okay." Reined the girls in, sighing. "But I'm not up for theater today."
Meira grinned at me. "But Syd," she said, "it's so fun."
Um-hum.
Looked down at myself when my sister giggled.
"Maybe a change of clothes, at least," she said, amber eyes sparkling. "Unless you'd like to set a fashion trend where a ripped t-shirt, baggy jeans liberally sprinkled with food bits is de rigueur."
Crap. I barely thought about my appearance these days. As if it was front and center previously. I looked up, sighed.
Nodded.
A compromise later and I was plucking at the thick leather armor Pagomaris altered for me with her own magic. A flowing cape of shining black, strewn with more crystals than I could shake a stick at, cast a rainbow glow around me. I even let her put up my hair, winced I didn't know when I'd showered last, hoping it wasn't too greasy.
Grateful two months post pregnancy and nursing helped me shed the majority of my baby weight, my body feeling mostly normal. The hard shell of black did a great job holding in the rest of my flab.
I'd take it.
But I remained human, normal height, even. Turned down the ridiculous platform boots my sister seemed to adore. Pagomaris was lucky I went this far.
For Dad, had to admit it. Besides, when I checked myself in the mirror, I looked pretty damned badass. Like some modern-day knightess ready to kick some butt.
Yup, this would do, thanks.
With my maji power flowing freely around me-so much for cutting out the theatrics-I accompanied my sister into the throne room, joining her beside Dad, as the family gaped and trembled.
Let there be no mistake. I wasn't interested in Demoniconian politics. And anyone who came near me had better have friendly intentions or they'd be finding out what it was like up there on one of the plane's moons.
The fact my little show was a game in itself?
Touché.
Meira's mind locked on mine, mental giggles almost hysterical.
I. Freaking. Love. You. Her power hugged me in a fierce embrace.
The feeling was totally mutual.
I spotted Ram standing with Bakari. Weird to see him after all these months. My former kidnapper turned friend smiled, nodded to me. But his attention was all over my sister.
As for Bakari, I grinned at him. I hadn't run into my grandfather's quiet and dangerous bodyguard since the whole fiasco after Ahbi's murder. I wasn't his biggest fan, but Henemordonin trusted him, clearly. And so, it seemed, did Ram.
Speaking of Ram...
Well now, I sent to my sister. Someone seems a bit taken.
She gasped in my mind, embarrassment coming through loud and clear. I'm sorry, she sent in a rush. I know you like him. That you two...
Meems. I let her feel my heart. Ram and I are friends. Always were. That's all.
I think she was surprised by my openness and embraced me for my generosity.
Thank you, she whispered in my head. I think... I think I'm falling in love with him.
Young love.
So like me to be cynical.
I shoved it aside, wished I could hug her for real. Almost did. Fixed Ram with a glare so sharp he tilted his head at me in curiosity.
You hurt her Rameranselot, I sent, and I'm going to kick your ass so hard you won't feel it until weeks later. Get me?
His demon fire mingled with mine. I think you have more to worry about her hurting me, he sent, voice gentle.
Hard not to grin.
Okay then.
No time for more chit-chat, not when Dad strode down the center aisle, all official Ruler and crap, draped in so much robe, jewelry and a giant crown I was surprised he could carry the lot. His amber eyes avoided mine as he stomped up the steps, my grandfather behind him, and spun on the spot. Henemordonin took his place at Second Seat while Dad thudded a giant staff topped with a blazing golden jewel three times against the polished stone.
When Dad sat, I shuffled closer to his throne, standing on the left to Meira's right, down a step, feeling my father behind me, wishing I could turn and shake him.
Stop this somehow.
"The betrothed may enter." Someone at the back of the room had an irritatingly official voice. Which carried. I spotted the demon in a uniform standing by the lift entrance. Even as the elevator appeared and a demon woman appeared.
I wanted to hate her. Struggled with the need to crush her like a cockroach the moment she showed her face. Rolled my eyes when she paused-posed-on the lift before sweeping forward.
Her amber gown unfolded behind her in a flaring, endless train, almost half the length of the throne room by the time it unfurled. The cuffs hung to the floor, making soft tinkling sounds from tiny bells sewn into the hems. She was beautiful, small in stature for a demon, almost as small as Sassafras's sister, Avenesequoia. And this demon woman looked at my father like he was the center of her Universe. From her shining black horns to her heaving bosom, Dad's future bride seemed as vapid as Meira said.
Seemed.
Time to find out if she was what she said she was.
I hoped to uncover some plot, some deception. To be able to turn to Dad with a knowing "ah-ha!" and a reason he shouldn't marry her. But as she swept into the most graceful curtsy I'd ever seen, my mind probing hers, I realized my sister was right.
She wasn't stupid. Or as weak as maybe she made herself out to be. But her entire existence was dresses and status and being Ruler's wife. No ambition.
Nothing.
Sucked. So. Much.
"Zinniaperimote, Lady of the Eighth Plane." The same official voice introduced her at last.
"My Ruler." She curtsied again, hands clasping to her impressive chest, amber eyes wide and full of innocence. "My love.
Choke.
I dug deeper. There had to be something.
Even as Dad rose with a stiffness telling me he wasn't any happier about this than I was.
"Lady," he said in his deep voice. "Welcome." And sank down into his throne again.
The ceremony was short, thankfully. I missed the whole damned thing digging around in Zinnia's head.
Finally came to the conclusion we were screwed. Yes, she had the personality of a carrot stick. But of any of Dad's choices, she was the best.
She wanted to give him kids. Make him happy. Wear pretty dresses and throw parties and be special.
Gross.
She finally spun and strode away after one last curtsy, three demon aides who gathered her train for the return trip carefully guiding it as Zinnia retreated.
I turned half way around. Met Dad's eyes, feeling defeated, seeing the horrible unhappiness in his eyes.
Thank you for being here for your sister, he sent as the court broke and began their usual chatter. She's so strong, Syd, but this has been hard on her.
And you. I wanted to be angry with him, but what good would it do? I felt far too much empathy, as it turned out. Being forced to marry sucked.
I should know about that.
I'm sorry I haven't come to see Gabriel. I realized then, with a startled understanding so profound I almost lost it to tears, he was right. How had I failed to realize my own father hadn't met my son?
Self-centered much?
Now that this is over, I'll stop by. Dad rose, bowed his head to me. "Maji," he said.
Screw that crap. I reached up and grabbed his shoulders, pulling him down to kiss his cheek.
"I love you, Dad," I whispered. "I'm so sorry." Had to stop speaking.
Couldn't go on.
Sadly stood there and watched Dad retreat while my sister's rigid face hid the crying echoing inside her mind.
***
