Forever Fae (Forever Fae #1)(69)
Ryder goes first, as is custom for the males. We don’t share rings or trinkets in our marriage bond ceremonies, only the sacred words are shared. Ryder looks deep into my eyes and into my soul. I can feel the love and passion floating off of him in waves. The tears burn the back of my eyes and begin to float to the surface. I might as well just let them fall because I know there will be more later.
Ryder’s voice is low and soft when he speaks.
“Calista, my love. I know we have not known each other long, but our hearts recognized one another way before we even met. You are all that I will ever need. Your soul completes mine and now I’m whole. You have made me into a whole new person, and I look forward to our journeys together in our new court. You are my queen, my love, my friend and my wife. Amin mela lle ilyamemie ar’ ten’oio” (I will love you always and forever). He lets out a deep breath and gives me the same charming smile that won me over in the beginning. Saying the sacred words in the Old Fae language binds him to me and now it’s my turn to say them to him.
With as much love and heart put in my words I say, “Ryder, the moment I saw you my world changed forever. I had full claim over my heart until you came along. I give it to you freely with all the love you could ever think possible. You have claimed my heart, body, mind, and soul and I trust in you to keep those safe. I will always and forever be yours, my love. Amin mela lle ilyamemie ar’ten’oio.” The words have been said and the bond has been completed.
Ryder and I are both lost in the moment and all the emotions and all the excitement comes together in one big rush. He plants his lips on mine and he circled his arms around my waist, holding me tight against him. The kiss is amazing and magical. His tongue caresses mine gently and the sweet taste of him has me wanting more. I hear hoots and hollers while we are lost in our kiss and I don’t feel embarrassed at all. The feeling of powerful magic sweeps across my body and then the crowd gasps and falls silent.
Ryder and I pull apart slowly and take a look around. They are all staring wide-eyed at us and that’s when I notice something different about my body. I touch the top of my head and there lays a crown that feels like it’s made of vines and leaves. I can’t see it, but I feel the weight of it on my head. I can see Ryder’s crown and his must be the same as mine with a bundle of vines and fall colored leaves with tiny berries scattered throughout. The crowns are amazingly beautiful and natural. This has never happened with any of the courts. No one has ever been crowned by the Land of the Fae. We look at each other once more in awe and then we turn to face the crowd and they all bow their heads.
Elvena shouts triumphantly, “Everyone, I would like to announce King Ryder and Queen Calista of the Fall Court!” Everyone stands and the crowd goes crazy with yells and shouts of laughter and celebration. The feelings are amazing and I know my face is beaming. I look over at Ryder and he looks the same way. He will be a good king…my King.
We walk through the center of the crowd holding hands and as we do, the trees to our sides begin to grow and the leaves begin to change colors. I stop to take a look around and I stare in wonder at the changes occurring right before my eyes. I bend down to touch the ground and the power makes my fingers tingle with electricity. The change is not fully complete, but it will be soon.
The rest of the night is spent dancing and feasting with our guests. I meet Ryder’s family and they accept me with open arms. I took great joy watching the celebrations and the people dancing together. Everyone looks happy, at least for the time being. I reach down to touch my locket and thoughts of Merrick pass through my mind. A tear rolls down my cheek and Ryder reaches over to wipe it away.
“I will never forget what he did for me,” Ryder vows. His eyes speak the truth and I know he is grateful for what Merrick did to save him.
My throat tightens up.
“I know, and I will always be grateful for it.” I guess he can see the sadness creeping its way back to me, so he gives me a reassuring smile.
He bumps me in the side playfully and says, “Yeah, I will definitely miss his smart ass comments. He sure knew how to use them.”
This makes me laugh. Merrick was known for his witty comebacks. We spend a few moments in silence while watching the crowd slowly die down and leave for the evening. Ryder puts his arm around my shoulders and pulls me in tight.
He murmurs seductively in his deep voice, “It’s getting late, my queen. Maybe we should retire?” His lust-filled gaze is lingering on my mouth and the heat is pouring off his body and into mine.
I bite my lip and rise up to whisper against his mouth, “Why certainly, my king.”
We walk through the house and up to our room. Anticipation and excitement are in each step I take. Our room is immaculate and painted in a variety of fall colors. It’s decorated to resemble being in a forest with falling leaves. Candles are lit around the room and the bed has an abundance of colored leaves scattered throughout. Most people like roses, but I like leaves. I have fallen in love with fall. This is my home. I’m with the man I love and in the court I belong.
I walk to the bed and run my hands up and down the silky red sheets. The bed spread is a mixture of colors and the pillows look soft and fluffy. Ryder comes up behind me and pulls me to him.
“Are you ready, my queen?” He whispers in my ear. I have been more than ready since the day I met him.
“More than you know, my king,” I reply passionately.