Island of Glass (The Guardians Trilogy #3)(101)

“That is a most excellent idea.” Riley looked at Sasha. “You up for that?”

“Absolutely. Biggest and best celebration ever.”

“And done again. Okay, Anni, how about the big reveal?” Riley gestured to the mirror Annika had covered with a tapestry.

“Oh, yes.” But first she gave her friends a long study, and a nod of approval. Then swept the tapestry aside with a flourish. “We are beautiful!”

“Whoa.” Riley blinked.

She’d seen her companions, of course, Annika in a gown of blues and greens as iridescent as her mermaid’s tail with her hair a glory of sleek braids streaming down her back. And Sasha, hair in long, soft waves over a fluid gown of silvery blue. But she barely recognized herself in the fitted gown the color of crushed rose petals with a glimmering gold underskirt.

She touched a hand to her hair—Annika had managed to fluff and curl and add some style.

“We’re rocking it.” She slid an arm around Sasha’s waist as Annika did the same. Joining them. “We’re badasses who clean up really well.”

“Badasses,” Annika repeated and laughed. “Beautiful badasses.”

“That’s who we are.” Riley shot a finger at their reflection. “Let’s go party.”

She figured the endless primping time worth the effort when she saw Doyle’s face. And more when he took her hand, bowed over it, kissed it. “Warrior queen. Mine.”

“You look pretty good yourself.” She brushed her fingers over his doublet of dull silver. “Ready to do this thing?”

He offered his arm, and though she laughed, she laid hers on it so they walked, all six, up the wide stairs.

People in their finery crowded the ballroom where tables groaned with food on platters of silver and gold. Lights sparkled from the ceiling, massive candles glowed, and jeweled trees shined in air scented with the perfume of masses of white flowers.

Doors and windows stood open wide to bring the sound of music and celebration from outside in.

As the six entered, conversation stopped. At some signal, the happy din from outside stilled. Men dropped to one knee; women swept into deep curtsies. And the queen rose from her chair, walked to them.

“Tonight we honor heroes.” She curtsied before them, head bowed. “Your names, your deeds will be remembered for all time, and celebrated on this night through the ages. You, and all who come from you, will be welcome here, always.”

She rose, took Bran’s hand, took Sasha’s. “Bran Killian, Sasha Riggs. You have only to ask.”

“I’ve been given more than I ever dared to wish. I found myself,” Sasha told her. “And love. And family.”

“I have my heart.” Bran brought Sasha’s other hand to his heart. “Brothers, sisters. What I am, what I have, is stronger for it.”

“You are well matched. When it comes my time for a life mate, I hope to find such harmony. Our blessings on you.”

She turned to Sawyer and Annika, took their hands. “Sawyer King, Annika of the waters, you have only to ask.”

“Everything I could want is right here with me,” Sawyer said. “I don’t travel alone anymore.”

“I wished for Sawyer, with all my heart, and my wish was granted. I kept my oath, and my people can have pride. I have a new family, and we have promised to come together.”

“Child of the sea, your heart is so kind. Would you not ask for the one thing still held inside it?”

Now Annika bowed her head. “The moon must turn, my lady, for the worlds to be. I can’t ask.”

“The moon will turn, and you may ask.”

“But I . . .” She lifted her head, eyes wide and full of hope. “The legs? I could keep them, walk with Sawyer?”

“If this is your wish. Daughter of the sea, and of the land. Would you wish to be of both worlds?”

“Oh, yes! Sawyer.”

“Wait. She wouldn’t have to give up her parents, her sisters, her people?”

“She has, as you have, given all. She gives up nothing. Yes,” Aegle said, smiling back at Annika. “There can be children.”

Tears sprang to Annika’s eyes as she laughed, flung her arms around the queen. Riley braced, waiting for lightning to strike at the breach in protocol. But the queen only laughed in turn.

“You are joy, and deserve to have it.”

“Thank you, thank you. Sawyer!” Annika whirled, threw her arms around him. “I can walk and dance with you. We can make children.”

When she whispered in his ear, he cleared his throat. “Yeah, we can do that, right after the party.” Heart in his eyes, he looked over Annika’s head to the queen. “Thank you.”

“You would not ask it for yourself. You are well matched. Our blessings on you.”

She turned to Doyle and Riley. “Doyle McCleary, Riley Gwin, you have only to ask.”

“I have a million questions,” Riley began, and made Aegle smile.

“This is not a wish, but study. You may stay or come back as you will, and learn. The Island of Glass is forever open to you. If you stay, time is different here. You would have more.”

“No. No,” Doyle said, firm. “You have work, you have your pack. We’re fine,” he said to Riley.