Page 63 of A Rose Among Snakes (Gardens of Ruin and Revival)

Epilogue

Mihrra

I t was early autumn, and three months had passed since Velian proposed. The room was buzzing with the energy of people bustling around. I stood in front of Kezara’s full-length mirror and sucked in a breath as Ambrelle and Mother worked together to tighten the laces on my corset. The bedroom door opened and Kezara waltzed in holding a bouquet.

“Are you ready, Mihrra?” Kezara’s face was glowing with excitement.

I winced as the laces pulled tighter, forcing the air out of my lungs.

“Almost,” I croaked.

“Finished,” Mother said, tying a knot. Ambrelle carried over the large, white gown and gently arranged it on the floor for me to step into. I placed my feet in the center and my mother and sister pulled it up around me, waiting for me to slip my arms into the sleeves. Together, they worked to fasten the buttons descending from my mid-back that continued down the full length of my train.

I admired my reflection in the mirror. My eyes were bright and my skin flushed with anticipation .

What a lie, hissed an ugly voice from deep inside me. You’re too broken for this, and by chaining yourself to him, you’ll only drag him down with you.

I glanced down at my hand and wiggled my fingers, watching the diamonds from my engagement ring sparkle in the light from the window.

He loves me. Velian chose me, I countered.

I rolled my shoulders and smoothed my hands down my dress, grounding myself in that truth.

I was ready.

A soft knock sounded from the door.

“Come in,” I said.

Mrs. Shulling walked in and upon seeing me held her hand up to her mouth and blinked back tears.

“You are stunning, dear.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Shulling.”

“Are you ready? We have a very anxious groom in the garden.”

I looked around at all the smiling faces of the women I loved, my heart flipping in my chest. It was an honor to be surrounded by such supportive women; my mother, Ambrelle, Savine, Kezara, Taz, and even Mrs. Shulling.

I took as deep a breath as my corset allowed and said, “I’m ready.”

Mrs. Shulling nodded and my mother and sisters came and kissed my cheeks before leaving the room ahead of me. Taz blew me a kiss as she followed my family out, but I didn’t miss the sideways glance she threw at the back of Kezara’s head. Introductions had gone smoothly, but it was apparent both women were a little reluctant to learn they had to share me.

Kezara came and squeezed my hands before handing me the bouquet. Tucked into the ribbon binding the stems, I saw the chain with my father’s ring on it. Grief and love swirled together in my stomach, making me lightheaded. It was a touching gesture, and Kezara simply winked at me and bent down to carry my train as we left the room.

Downstairs in the foyer, Jem was waiting for me. Kezara dropped and smoothed out my train, then followed my mother and sisters out to the garden. From the front of the manor, I heard Wolf barking, signaling the arrival of more guests.

Jem smirked. “You look pretty good.”

I rolled my eyes and took his arm as he offered it to me. We stood by the front door and waited for the music to cue our procession. I looked up at my brother, and for a moment, I only saw my father’s face. In Jem, he was still there with me.

With a shuddering inhale, I said, “Thank you for standing in for him.”

He dropped his chin, gratitude pooling in his eyes. “You too.”

The depth of his words struck me hard in the breastbone.

“Alright, let’s go,” he said, tugging my arm, ready to move past the sentimental moment.

The music swelled and I twisted the ring on my finger, but in my jittery state, it slipped from my hand and clattered to the floor. With a jolt, I pulled my arm from my brother's grip and bent down to grab it .

But then Jehiam grunted and fell to the ground.

Before I could scream, a gloved hand covered my mouth and forced me to inhale sharp fumes from a damp cloth. A strong arm around my torso dragged me backward as my knees buckled and my vision faded to black.