Blessed by Sapphires (A Dance with Destiny Book 2) (15 page)

Chapter 20

Viatrix

(VEE-ah-tricks)

After less than a week of my arrival, I was being prepared for my own wedding ceremony. Viatrix was explaining all this ancient ritual would entail.

I’d never witnessed a wedding in Vanahirdem. Mine to Varick would’ve been my first experience. In Ashgard, this joining of souls would’ve very much resembled the Life Celebration back in Tamar Broden.

Now that I’m standing here in front of the enchanting Viatrix, her tinkling voice is fading as my mind whisks me back to my own personal experiences with these customs and rituals, societal expectations, necessary traditions.

Aunt Marlise’s Life Celebration had turned into the end of my normal life as I knew it. My wedding day to the noble Vanir warrior, Prince Varick, had ultimately become the day of my execution.

The two most terrifying moments in my life were directly associated with the very thing my dear friend stood before me now explaining in painful detail—custom and ritual.

Damn them both
.

“Jenevier? Jenevier? Are you listening, child?” Viatrix’s voice rose. “Jenevier? What’s wrong?”

I felt her hands upon me as my eyelids fluttered. Only then did I realize I was absent breath, my racing heart skipping precious beats. My knees buckled, everything went black for an instant.

“I can’t do this…” I heard my mumbled words blending with the concerned voices of Viatrix and my beloved Vindicus.

My eyes finally focused on his angelic face.

“You scared me halfway to my death, little lady,” he was saying.

“I know not what happened,” Viatrix fretted. “We were talking about your upcoming nuptials. Her eyes rolled back and—”

“Do not forget the implications associated with this child’s concept of customary protocols and divine rituals.” Vybius interrupted the radiant woman’s account of my current state. “Her reality concerning such affairs is morbidly skewed,” he said. “These things have never brought her happiness.” He then leveled a cold glare at my blue Guardian.

“Nay, the opposite, in fact,” Vindicus said coolly. “And do not forget, Brother. While you may be able to read her troubled soul, I alone share it with her. Not a single emotion is hidden from me. I’m the only protection she will ever require.”

Viatrix looked from one celestial sentinel to the other. “Is there contention?” she asked. “Why do brothers speak thusly to one another? Why do you war? And don’t try to hide the truth of it from me,” she warned.

“There is no war, fair seer,” Vybius said. “My brother and I merely have related intentions toward this lovely young maiden.”

Vindicus snorted. “Brother, do you think her feelings for you are hidden from my heart? She loved you from the first moment. Whether she admits it or no, she loved you. But it will never compare to what is eternally between
us
. No matter how much you wish it to be so.”

“Please stop,” I whispered.

Vindicus helped me up as Viatrix placed a glass of water in my trembling hands.

“I am not the woman I once was. No longer am I the fragile little girl you all witnessed losing control of her heart and mask back in Vanahirdem. I will not pit brother against brother.” I looked then to the beautiful man whose heart I’d broken. “I will always love you, Vybius. And I will be forever grateful for your kindness and gentle love in return. But I belong to Vindicus, and he to me. Eternity won’t change that.”

“No, sweet Princess, you’re not the woman you once were. You are far lovelier, stronger, and more enchanting than she could ever possibly have imagined.” Vybius smiled at me as he turned and left.

“He speaks the truth,” Viatrix whispered. “Now, tell me what makes you tremble so.”

“The thought of being forever in my glorious presence has caused many a maiden to swoon thusly,” Vindicus purred.

I couldn’t help but giggle. Oh God, I loved this man ferociously.

“See the effect you have upon me, great warrior? How shall I ever be able to adapt my simple common self to be worthy your divine awesomeness?” I bit my lip, playfully batting my lashes. “Complete acclimation simply isn’t possible, a futile pursuit, folly at best. I cannot hope to rise even as high as you kneel. And you look exquisite kneeling, by the way.” I gave him my best smirk.

“Okay, enough now, fated lovers,” Viatrix said. “Tell me truly. What vexes you so, Jenevier?”

I looked into her worried eyes. She held my hands, smiling sweet encouragement upon me.

“My black curse and my execution,” I answered honestly.

“Ah, yes.” She nodded. “How could I have been so blind? Apologies, my friend. You carry a daunting past. But you are gloriously and wonderfully remade. Without reservation I tell you now. In ten thousand years, never have I met one such as you.”

“Nor have I,” Vindicus whispered.

“Take heart, child. You are already wed to this pious oaf holding you in his arms. The ritual won’t change that.”

“That’s not my fear,” I admitted.

“Then give words to your worries and see them forever banished,” Viatrix promised.

“…I am absent those very words.”

“Her fear comes not from the present, but from the recollected ghosts of her past,” Vindicus answered.

“Are you my tongue now, dear husband?”

“Only when yours falters, my love.” His tender lips erased any lingering doubts, soothed my mind and filled me with the strength I lacked.

“I love you, Vindicus.”

“And I you, tiny Angel.”

“Well now, since that’s all been settled, shall we continue?” Viatrix chirped.

“Apologies,” I said.

“Not necessary.” She waved my words away as she continued. “You are already bonded in the only way that truly matters. This ritual is simply a way for your friends to celebrate the joys of your love with you.”

“How is it you seem to always know exactly what to say, dear sister?” Vindicus asked.

“Ahh, Brother, a woman cannot share
all
her mysteries lest she lose her charms.” She winked at me.

“So… all I have to do is meet my husband in the temple in front of my friends?”

“Well there’s a bit more to it, but… that’s the summation of it, yes.”

“A bit more? How much is a bit?”

Viatrix laughed. “Our customs are simple compared to many you may have observed throughout the layers. As I said before, you’re not only joining with our handsome brother here, you’re joining our
family
as well. Your acceptance by your new brothers and sisters will be the main focus of this lovely ritual.” Her exquisite orange eyes glassed over with precious tears. She gently touched my Guardian’s arm as she whispered, “I never thought the day would come… never believed it was possible… never held out hope for…” Her shaking words choked off in her tightening throat.

“Nor did I,” Vindicus whispered. “Perhaps my punishment comes to an end. I never held out hope for a blessing of
any
kind, much less one such as her.”

I patted my husband’s hand. “I’m not as wonderful as all that, truly. I fear you’ll come to know soon enough just how exasperating I can be.”

“Little sister,” Viatrix said. “You simply have no idea the miracle that has happened here this day. And I have not the proper words to explain it.”

“Explanations aren’t necessary,” Vindicus said as he gave me a little squeeze.

“Tell me, Viatrix. How will our family’s acceptance be the focus of our public union?” I was sensing she was trying to lessen the sting of something she did not relish telling me. Putting off what she didn’t wish to say.

The elegant seer cleared her throat, discreetly wiped her eyes. “Well, to start with, your dress.”

“My dress?”

“Yes. The most important part of your joining will be the dress you’re wearing when you finally reach good Vindicus here.”

He smiled affectionately down at me, giving me another little squeeze.

“When I reach him? Sister, why do you speak to me in riddles? What is it you’re
not
saying?”

“She doesn’t wish to worry you, my love. Yet, I believe she stresses over nothing. Truth is, your dress will change upon your journey through the city, based on the people’s acceptance of you.”

“What? You mean I have to change my clothes if they accept me?”

“Not clothes, child—dress,” Viatrix said.

“Okay, so I have to change my dress based on whether the rest of the city likes me or not?”

“You won’t change your dress, tiny Angel,” Vindicus said. “Your dress will change on your journey.”

“Are you both plotting to drive me mad? Why can you not simply answer me?”

“We’re not plotting,” Viatrix said. “It’s actually quite simple. You will wear a lovely white shift, charming and elegant, fitted to your exact size. As you make your way to the ceremony all Vanir will be present, lining the street, bordering your chosen path…” She paused, nervously searching my expression.

“What Viatrix is trying to tell you
without
telling you, is that our traditional ceremony calls for you, the bride, to pass by all Vanir. If they approve of you joining our family here in Vandermil, they will pin a ribbon of their own design onto your shift. Thus, your dress may change on the way to the temple.”

“
May
change?”

“Well, yes,” Viatrix explained. “If they accept you, then your shift will be covered with many colorful ribbons. It will become a uniquely beautiful wedding dress by the time you reach the altar.”

“
If
they accept me? Why wouldn’t they accept me?”

“Well, my darling, you did threaten to gut them in their sleep,” he reminded me.

“Oh yes… I did do that, didn’t I?”

“All will be fine, child. It really doesn’t matter to Vindicus what your dress looks like. He loves
you
and that’s all that truly matters.”

“No, Viatrix, it’s not all that truly matters to my extended family Vanir. It will take many lifetimes for me to heal all the damage I have caused in such a short while. As for my wedding shift, I don’t care if I have to walk to the cathedral completely nude, absent dress entirely, as long as Vindicus accepts me. That’s all I want.”

“Completely nude? Wow, imagine what would happen if we all dressed to match.” He winked, smiling mischievously.

Viatrix laughed. “I’m glad you feel that way, my dear. I was afraid you would be terribly hurt if you were shamed on such a momentous day.”

“I will not lie to you and tell you it won’t hurt me terribly if my shift remains
ribbonless
. I deserve it. I know that. Yet I will proudly bear my shame if it means I can stand with the man I love, declaring our eternal union to all of Vandermil.”

“Will you marry me?”

I turned to find Vindicus kneeling beside me, a smile on his face, tears in his eyes.

“I didn’t get to ask you before, it happened minus our words. I wanted to ask you properly because… you take my breath away and I love you, beautiful Angel.”

My smile couldn’t be contained, and I never wished it to be. I jumped into his strong arms, kissing him over and over.

“So, I presume this is a
yes
,” he moaned.

Viatrix left us then, and I’m very glad she did.

*****

His attention was, as always, worshipful. Never had I felt so delicate, so precious, as I did when Vindicus held me in his gentle arms. He consumes me, melts me. I can’t get enough of this man. Never am I content. The more I have him, the more I desire him. His overwhelming love will be my undoing, and I revel in that glorious notion.

He is my Ambrosia, my Turkish Delight.
That thought made me giggle. My mind drifted back to the many wonderful books I’d abandoned back on Earth. I sighed.

“Do I bore you, dearest Anicee?”

“You know better than that, sapphire boy.” I tapped the tip of his nose.

“
Boy
, is it?” He scooped me up in his arms. “Shall I find you a man, or will this
boy
suffice?”

I giggled. “Apologies, Milord. If you are a boy, I shouldn’t be able to handle a man. You own me, Vindicus, own me in a way I never thought possible, never even imagined.” I gently traced my fingertips down his sculpted cheek, stared deep into his perfect sapphire eyes. “I cannot breathe when you leave the room. When you’re removed from my sight, even for a moment, a giant gaping hole opens up right through the middle of me. How is this possible, my love? How can one soul’s very existence depend so heavily upon another?”

“We are joined, Anicee. Never will we be whole without the other. I feel as you do, sense your every emotion, your every thought, every desire. We are one.”

He kissed me once more, tenderly capturing my lips.