Page 64 of The Dragon Queen Complete Series Collection

Chapter 64

We were married in a little chapel Brom knew in Harlston. It felt wrong, slinking into the duchy of those who were determined to kill Glimmer and I, but Brom seemed to think it important, in case the queen tried to dispute our joining. And so we walked into the church, the golden light of the afternoon streaming in through the window as the priest stood there expectantly. He’d quibbled about the marriage being such a rushed affair, but when Brom made clear the union was already consummated and he was just a man trying to do his duty by me, the priest agreed. And so I walked down the aisle, clad in what remained of the silver dress.

I’d left Deepacre in a similar garment, ready to marry a prince, but when I stared at the man I was about to marry, Soren and I taking one step, then another, getting closer and closer, I couldn’t regret the change in my fortunes. For all of his hot looks and glares, Draven had never looked at me like Brom did now.

Like I was his world.

This might be an arranged marriage of sorts, but despite what the novels I’d read had said, that didn’t preclude real love forming. Father and Mother had been assigned to each other by their parents and I felt the echoes of their love now as I let go of Soren’s arm and took Brom’s hand. The priest said the words, and we repeated after him everything we were told to say, but our eyes were only for each other. We were making a promise right then, to fight as hard as we could to get the life we’d outlined and I couldn’t think of anyone I’d want by my side.

Apart from my other mates.

The two of us signed the register, the other riders putting their marks beside it as witnesses, which would make this whole thing harder to dispute.

We returned to the keep on dragon back, Glimmer and I on Obsidian, clinging to the dragon’s spikes right up until we reached the keep roof.

“Where the hell have you lot been?” The general had obviously been sent word we’d been seen in the air and was there to greet us, Draven beside him. “No one flies their dragon during a queen’s heat. No one! It’s a wonder you weren’t shot down in the sky.”

“We left just before the heat hit, sir,” Brom replied. “Pippin has been feeling the effect of it for some days prior and we…” Draven watched us so very closely as Brom stared down at me, the picture of a husband passionately in love with his wife. “We had intended to get married properly but found we just couldn’t wait.”

I held up my hand to display the simple golden band there. It was actually Brom’s ring, much too large, but it was all we had until proper rings could be sourced.

“We didn’t quite go about things the traditional way…” I almost smiled at the slightly embarrassed tone of Brom’s voice. “But we consummated our connection as the heat hit us and this morning I made things right and married Lady Pippin before the gods themselves, in a church in Harlston.”

“Oh, well…” The general seemed to deflate just then. “I’ll have to send word to the palace right away. The king got word of this and is demanding a report.”

“There’s no need, Rex,” Draven said, patting the man on the shoulder. “Now that Zafira’s heat is over, it’s safe for me to return to the palace. I’ll let my parents know. I’m sure they will share in the lucky couple’s joy and… understand that some things happen in the heat of the moment.”

I hadn’t been sure how Draven would respond. I’d had a few hastily delivered explanations, but that didn’t give me the full picture. But the searing look he gave me, all five of us really, it spoke of something I was yet to discover.

“The men and I have accrued quite a lot of leave,” Brom went on. “So much so that one of the petty officers made mention that we needed to use it or lose it. I’d like to put in a request to take some time for a honeymoon on my wife’s estate. The wing will come with us as escorts.”

“There was this very pretty girl in the kitchens there,” Flynn said, every inch the indolent nobleman. “Was giving me the eye before we left. Couldn’t think of a better way to rest and relax.”

“Probably best you make yourselves scarce for a short time, let this incident blow over.” The general gave us a short nod. “Approved, effective immediately. I’ll let those down in staffing know.”

When we got to my family estate, the four of them followed me upstairs with our bags, Flynn throwing himself down on my father’s bed. He patted the mattress beside him as the other men filed in.

“Come here, Lady Pippin. I’ve an idea that’ll make you scream so loud your chamber maids come running.”

“Gods, Flynn…” Soren muttered, but I tossed myself down beside him.

“Show me,” was all I said in return.