Inferno, page 34
Alexandra lifted a long lock of Rhi’s wavy, black hair. “It depends on what the dress looks like.”
“Fine,” Rhi said with a laugh. “I’ll tell you that it’s strapless, but that’s all you’re getting.”
Sophie smiled at Alex. “That’s really all we need.”
Rhi closed her eyes and let her mind wander as the others began messing with her hair. Their talk, and the feel of them touching the thick locks, was soothing, allowing her to rest in an almost meditative state.
She had been listening for the darkness inside her, but it hadn’t made a peep since Usaeil died. Con had told her it wasn’t the darkness, that it was her inner voice. Rhi knew that wasn’t true. The voice had been the darkness. Whether that changed or not, she couldn’t say.
The journey that she’d taken had been full of ups and downs, the road rocky, and sometimes, she had no choice but to crawl when she couldn’t walk. She’d reached heights in her life that she’d never thought to achieve, and she’d hit rock bottom more times than she wanted to think about.
But she always pulled herself back up, dusted off, and continued onward as her parents had taught her.
So many times, she’d believed that Fate was against her, but that hadn’t been it at all. The truth—as simple as it was—was that she’d had a journey to take. She had to walk a path only she could so she could become the woman she was. Someone who had never thought darkness could come into her world. But she hadn’t just encountered it, she had touched it, let it inside her, and used it to defeat Usaeil the first time.
Rhi was both light and dark. There was no doubt. Now, she was both—ying and yang.
Rhi felt a soft touch on her shoulder. Her eyes opened to find the room silent as death. She looked up at Denae, her whisky-colored eyes probing.
“What is it?” Rhi asked.
Denae shook her head and shrugged. “Just wanted to see if you were all right. You looked asleep.”
“Resting,” Rhi told her. She didn’t move her head when she felt the slight tug from someone working with her hair.
Denae laughed and leaned back against the wall. “I couldn’t rest on my ceremony day. I was a ball of nerves.”
“Why do you think I’m resting?” Rhi said with a wide grin.
The others laughed in response.
Rhi drew in a breath. “I think we need more champagne.”
“I’m on it,” Kinsey announced as she jumped up and rushed to the door.
Sabina followed her. “I’ll help.”
“How is it coming?” Rhi asked those working on her hair.
Denae smiled. “I wouldn’t do it justice by trying to explain. I had no idea Alex had mad skills as a hairstylist.”
“I can do anyone else’s hair, just not my own,” Alex said with a chuckle.
Rhi snorted. “Oh, please. I’ve seen your hair. It’s gorgeous.”
“So is yours. Annnnnnd, I’m done,” Alex stated.
Alex, Bernadette, and Esther moved to stand next to Denae. The four of them stared at Rhi until she frowned.
“I’m getting a little freaked out by the silence and stares.”
Bernadette wiped at the corner of her eye. “You’re always beautiful, but today … Well, you’re stunning. And this is without the dress.”
“Oh, for Heaven’s sake,” Esther said. “At least show us the shoes.”
Alex rubbed her hands together. “Oh, please. I’m dying to see if I’ve guessed which shoes you’ve chosen.”
Rhi moved a lock of hair that had fallen across her eye. She could tell that some of her hair was down, but she had no idea about the rest. She was dying to find a mirror and look, but she made herself wait.
“Fine. I’ll show you the shoes,” she announced.
Kinsey came in with a bottle of champagne and Sabina on her heels. “Shoes? Did someone say shoes?”
“Rhi is going to show us hers,” Elena announced.
Standing, Rhi turned her chair to face the majority and motioned the other four to join. Then she called the box of shoes to her.
“I knew it!” Alex shouted when she spotted the light brown box.
Rhi laughed and took off the top of the Christian Louboutin box. Then she folded back the red tissue paper and lifted the Grotika Spiked Clear pump. Glittering gold crystals mixed with gold spikes on a clear, pointy toe with a golden leather back and finished with the renowned—and Rhi’s favorite—red sole. She held it one way and another, letting everyone get a look at it.
“It’s Rhi to perfection,” Grace said.
Rhi ran her hand along the side of the shoe. “I knew as soon as I saw them that I had to have them.”
“If those are your shoes, your dress is going to be fabulous,” Faith replied.
Rhi put the shoe back into the box and handed it to Esther to pass around. Then Rhi looked at the clock. Another few hours had passed, but it was still too early for her to get ready.
“What is it?” Eilish asked.
Rhi twisted her lips and held out her empty glass of champagne to be filled as the bottles made the rounds. “I want it to be time, but I’ve still got at least an hour to kill.”
“Actually, you don’t.”
Rhi blinked. “What does that mean?”
Instead of answering, Eilish nodded to Denae, who turned to the others. “It’s time, ladies.”
Half of them rose and hurried out the door without a word.
Rhi looked from Eilish to Denae and back again. “What’s going on?”
“The Dragon Kings would like to see you before the ceremony,” Denae explained.
Rhi’s frowned deepened. “Um … okay.”
“It’s fine,” Eilish said with a wave of her hand. “Con visited each of us beforehand and spoke to us, and since it’s his ceremony, the Kings would like to do the same for you. Since there are so many of them, it’s going to take a while.”
“Oh. That sounds … nice,” Rhi said with a smile.
Denae beamed. “I thought so. Unfortunately, that means we’ve got to get ready, too. Half of us are doing that now. When they return, the rest of us will dress and hurry back.”
Rhi sat back, listening as idle conversation started up. It was nice to be a part of something so wonderful. She laughed at the jokes, giggled at the antics of some of the Kings, and threw in ideas for upcoming date nights.
Before she knew it, the first half of the mates returned. They each sparkled in gowns the color of their King. Rhi looked at the time and noted that it had only been twenty minutes since they departed.
“Magic,” Shara said as she walked past her.
Rhi laughed, realizing that she hadn’t thought about them using magic. Eilish gave her a wink as she left with the second half. Rhi finished off a second and third glass of champagne before the remainder of the mates returned. They stood together, one big family that had seen both hard and glorious times.
“I’m really happy to see my friends find such amazing women as their mates,” Rhi said. “Each of you brings something unique and special to your relationship, and therefore, Dreagan. I’m lucky to have all of you.”
It was Lily who said, “We’re the lucky ones to call you our friend.”
“Stop,” Claire said as she wiped at her eyes. “I’m going to cry.”
Sophie chuckled. “You’re going to cry anyway.”
“I know,” Claire whined and sniffed loudly. “Why do you think I have waterproof makeup on? I don’t want black marks down my face.”
Rhi laughed at the two of them, but inside, she feared what was to come with Claire, V, and their child. It could be something wonderful, or it could be something terrible. The fact that Usaeil was involved meant it could be either. No one said anything. They didn’t need to. No one was more aware of the situation than Claire and V.
“All right,” Darcy said. “It’s time we see that dress.”
The mates began chanting, “Dress. Dress. Dress,” until Rhi finally threw up her hands and got to her feet.
“All right. I’m getting it,” she said with a laugh.
She set aside her champagne flute and walked into the dressing room. Just as she shut the door, there was a knock, and Cassie poked her head inside.
“You’re going to need these,” she said as she held out the box of shoes.
Rhi smiled and took the box. Only after the door was shut again did she release a breath. She kept herself turned away from the full-length mirror in the room and removed her clothes. Then she put on the sexy champagne-colored lingerie she knew Con liked so much. Next, she sat on the round stool in the middle of the dressing room and put on her shoes. Rhi stood and took several deep breaths. Only then did she call the dress to her.
Her gaze lowered to the full skirts. The sight of them made her smile. She’d had this gown for so long, but nothing had altered her love of it. It was classic, elegant, and withstood time.
Slowly, she turned to face the mirror. She locked gazes with her reflection and could only blink in surprise. They had put very little makeup on her, focusing on accentuating her eyes, making them look even larger, and her lashes longer. The barest hint of color was on her cheeks and lips. It was perfect in every way.
Her gaze then moved to her hair. The front and sides had been pulled back and pinned so the locks fell softly around her shoulders. The back was loose, or at least some of it was. A turn of her head showed that Alex had put a small braid on either side of Rhi’s head.
Finally, she looked at her gown. She’d never tried it on until now. She hadn’t been sure how everything would look when it all came together, but Rhi knew that she’d made the right decision.
She walked to the door and opened it. Without announcing herself, she stepped out. The room grew quiet as the mates noticed her. Then, everyone started talking at once. Rhi could only laugh as she listened to their compliments.
It was Eilish who whistled to get everyone’s attention. “As much as I want to stay and chat with Rhi like the rest of you, we can’t. It’s time.”
Rhi waved as the mates began filing out. She liked having them there, and now that they were leaving, she wanted them back.
“We’re going to the cavern,” Eilish told her. “Con will be there, as well.”
“And the Kings?”
Eilish’s smile grew. “Con walked each of us in. They’re going to walk you in.”
“Oh,” Rhi said, taken aback by the gesture.
Eilish shot her a dubious look. “Did you really think they would do any less? They adore Con. They adore you. This is their way of showing it.” Eilish gave her a quick hug. “I’ll see you soon.”
Once the Druid walked out, Hal came in, followed by Guy, Banan, and then Kellan. It took her a moment to realize that they were in the order of who had found their mates, with the single Kings coming in last. As they filed in, Rhi remained standing. She met each of their gazes, smiling as she did. They took up much more of the chamber than the mates had.
Rhys spoke first. “There was a time I didna think you and Con would reconcile. I’m pleased more than you could ever know that hope prevailed, and you will be our queen.”
“Aye,” they agreed in unison.
Ulrik then stepped forward. “Life hasna always been easy. Yet, you never let any of us down. You risked your life, time and again, for everyone at Dreagan. You did it no’ just because you loved Con, but because you were our friend. We may no’ have always told you, but we saw the effort, we noticed the sacrifices. No one deserves happiness more than you and Con.”
She blinked to hold back the tears. She had to look away before she cried. When she returned her gaze to Ulrik, he held something behind his back.
Ulrik grinned at her. “Con has put a lot of thought into the gifts he has given each of the mates, as he will for the Kings who have yet to find their other halves. I saw for the first time yesterday just what he goes through when he decides on a piece of jewelry for the mate in question. And it made me think of you.”
Rhi frowned. “I don’t need anything from you all except friendship and love.”
“You’ve got that and more,” V replied.
Darius nodded. “Con is King of Dragon Kings. You, as his mate, will be our queen.”
Ulrik then went down on one knee as he pulled his hands around and showed her what he had been hiding.
Rhi gaped at the crown that glittered with so many gemstones it blinded her. It was made of various colored metals as well as having a stone for every color King. The colors were arranged in such a way that they faded from one set to another. And in the center of it all was a large, oval, champagne-colored stone the size of her palm.
She could find no words as Ulrik got to his feet and walked around her to set the crown on her head. It was heavy, a reminder of what she would now help Con carry as his mate.
One by one, each of the Kings came to her and bowed their heads, letting her know they welcomed her into the family. It was all she could do to hold back the tears. Ulrik was the last, and after his bow, he held out his arm. Once she looped her hand in the crook of his elbow, they proceeded from the chamber.
The two of them followed the rest of the Kings down the stairs, moving through the conservatory and into Dreagan Mountain and the cavern where all mating ceremonies were conducted.
As the entrance loomed, Ulrik leaned close and asked, “Ready?”
“I’ve been ready for this my whole life,” she answered, giddy with pleasure and excitement.
He chuckled as they walked into the cavern. Rhi’s gaze immediately went to Con, who stood at the front. He beamed at her, his excitement palpable.
“I told you he never stopped loving you,” Ulrik whispered before they reached Con.
She didn’t get a chance to answer as Con took her hands and kissed her, which brought cheers from everyone.
CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE
Beautiful didn’t begin to describe Rhi. Con felt choked with emotion when he saw her walk into the cavern. The sight of his mate, his beloved, made his heart nearly burst.
The strapless ballgown showcased her ample breasts and faded from a soft cream at the neckline to a deep gold at the hemline. The dress glittered with rhinestones and sequins that grew progressively thicker as the gold deepened.
Then he saw the crown.
Con’s gaze jerked to Ulrik, who stood in the place Con usually did to preside over the ceremonies.
“I’m barely holding it together to keep from crying,” Rhi warned. “If either of you say anything, I’m going to lose it.”
Con chuckled and quickly blinked to fight the emotion that choked him. He looked out over the cavern to the Dragon Kings and nodded. He couldn’t find the words to thank them, but he would later.
Ulrik cleared his throat. “I always knew that one day, one of us would be up here when it was Con’s time to be mated. I’d hoped it would be me saying these words.” His gaze slid to Con and held there for a heartbeat. “I’m beyond grateful to be home at Dreagan and back with all of you. And, Con, you’re my brother. You always have been, and you always will be.”
Con heard Rhi sniff and saw a lone tear fall down her cheek. He squeezed her hands, causing her to look at him. Then he smiled. She returned it and gave his hands a squeeze, as well.
“It’s now time to officially welcome Rhi as mate to Con.” Ulrik asked, “Constantine, do you bind yourself to Rhiannon? Do you vow to love her, protect her, and cherish her above all others?”
Con could barely contain his joy. “Without a doubt.”
“Rhi, do you bind yourself to Constantine, King of Golds and King of Dragon Kings? Do you swear to love him, protect him, and cherish him above all others?”
“Absolutely,” Rhi announced in a clear voice.
Con watched as Rhi’s lips parted and surprise flashed in her eyes at the brief pain of the dragon eye tattoo forming on her upper arm.
Ulrik smiled at them. “The proof of your vows and your love marking Rhi as Con’s for eternity!”
A loud cheer erupted in the cavern. Con pulled Rhi close and kissed her, but he ended it sooner than he wanted. “I have something for you.”
The cavern began to quiet, but Con didn’t care if anyone witnessed or not. He’d wanted to wait until he and Rhi were alone to give her this, but he couldn’t. He wanted her to have it now. He’d crafted the ring years ago when he’d sunk so low without her, hoping against hope that one day he might be able to give it to her. He pulled the velvet box from his suit pocket and opened it so she could see the ring inside. Her hands went to her mouth as her eyes widened.
She looked up at him. “It’s gorgeous.”
He took the ring from the box then reached for her hand. The emerald-cut gold moissanite gem was three carats and set in rose gold metal. The band also had smaller, pave moissanite gems that encircled it.
“You had my heart before I knew you existed. You will have it for all eternity,” he vowed.
She put her hands on his chest and said, “We said our vows long ago. I never stopped loving you or wanting you. And I never will. I was yours from the start of creation. Together, we can do anything.”
“Together,” he murmured before he kissed her once more.
The cheers of the Kings and mates was deafening, but it was time for a celebration unlike anything Dreagan had seen in thousands of years.
Con wanted nothing more than to continue kissing her, but he made himself stop until they could be alone later. He met her sparkling silver gaze and said, “I invited some friends.”
“You did?” she asked with a small frown. “Who?”
He jerked his head to the side. “Take a look.”
Rhi followed his gaze. He knew the moment she spotted the Druids and Warriors from MacLeod Castle. She gasped and waved at them.
“Keep looking,” he urged.
Her gaze swung to him, surprise in her eyes. “The Reapers?”
“All of them.”
There was a brief pause before her head turned back to the Reapers and their mates.
Then Balladyn stepped forward. The once Captain of the Queen’s Guard and King of the Dark walked to them. Balladyn bowed his head to Con, then looked at Rhi. “You outshine the moon this night. You and Con deserve all of this and more.”
