Tides of Torment (Immortal Realms Book 2)

“Just think, Your Majesty, it has only taken a century to woo your bride,” Evun tittered as he tucked in the excess fabric of Travion’s white ascot.

It was beyond him as to why he needed such a ridiculous accessory. He scowled at the bulk of it. However, his irritation grew at his valet’s boldness. “I think you forget to whom you’re speaking.”

Evun pressed his lips together, tilting his head. “Have I?” He stepped back, assessing his handiwork. “One day, that is all, just one day of frills and perfection. Then you can run through the mud and look as you wish. Just give me one day.”

“Very well. One day.”

Evun winked and turned on his heel to leave, but before he did, he cast a glance over his slender shoulder. “Know that this makes me happy. That, a century ago, I was dressing you for an event that you were loath to attend. And here we are.”

Travion smiled, chuckling to himself. “And here we are,” he echoed.

Evun whistled as he left the small quarters of Cathair Cathedral.

Moments from now, Travion would be bound to Sereia until the end of their days. And despite the tumultuous events leading up to this day, the last two weeks had been quiet, allowing the kingdom to heal, and Sereia to mourn the loss of Adrik. Blood or not, he had been her kin, and his death had left its mark on her.

But this evening was a moment of joy and a new beginning for them—for Midniva.

Nerves were not something Travion was familiar with. Unease, certainly, but anxiousness? He flexed his fingers as he stepped from the room and walked down the hall toward the door leading to the altar.

The soft whine of a violin filled the air, and before he could allow himself to overthink the moment, he strode down the carpeted aisle. Row upon row of pews were full of courtiers, Sereia’s family and his own.

For all the pomp and circumstance, they’d both agreed no high priest would wed them, but a captain of the sea instead. Darragh, one of the finest captains in Midniva’s navy, inclined his head as Travion approached the dais.

The captain wore no robes, only tall boots, fitted breeches, and a hip-length overcoat. His clever brown eyes danced with laughter, but he remained quiet as Travion reached the dais.

A war raged on inside of him as he stood to the side. His fingers flexed and toyed with the hem of his overcoat, the polished buttons . . .  How many times had Travion addressed the kingdom? Spoken to a room full of lords and ladies? Yet here he was, picking at the embroidery lining the bottom of his overcoat.

Soft murmurs filled the cathedral, but they all blended together.

Then, the bow of the violin dragged along the strings, indicating a change in the song to garner everyone’s attention. A deep, slow melody played, and the creaking of wood echoed around them as the inhabitants of the building turned to watch as the bride entered.

Sereia was an absolute vision swathed in midnight blue. The skirt split high enough to show the tanned skin of her thigh, which he longed to cover in lingering kisses. At her waist, an intricate silver belt tapered the fabric, and his eyes dragged upward to the deep V-cut that enhanced her full breasts.

The same silver workmanship rested on her shoulders, lending her a domineering appearance befitting of a queen and admiral. And in her tidy updo, dozens of pearls winked in the candlelight.

His heart roared in his ears because seeing Sereia like this . . . would never grow old.

Travion swallowed and grasped her hand as she came to stand before him, squeezing it as they held one another’s gaze.

“What a beautiful evening to celebrate His Majesty King Travion and his lovely bride Lady Sereia Ferox’s union. Now, I’m not in the business of marriage, but rather of tending to the sea, so without further ado, let us begin.” Darragh reached inside his coat pocket and produced a braided rope. He draped it over their joined hands.

They’d recited the words prior to today, they’d memorized them . . .

Sereia glanced down at their hands, and if he wasn’t mistaken, Travion thought he saw her pulse leaping wildly in her throat, matching his racing heart.

Together, they spoke, and as they did, Darragh wound the silken strand around their hands. “You are the blood of my blood and bone of my bone. I give you my body, that we two might be one. I give you my spirit until our life shall be done.”

“Let none come between them.” Darragh smiled, nodding. “Your Majesty, you may kiss your bride.”

Elation filled Travion, and at that moment, no one else existed. Only them. He moved forward, and with his free hand, cupped Sereia’s face. He grinned and captured her lips in a deep, sensual kiss.

They had barely pulled apart when the cathedral’s door burst open, and wispy shadows snaked along the red rug.

A shrouded figure strode farther into their space, and guards immediately rushed into action. But as the unknown individual lifted a hand, they were halted, frozen in place.

Draven rushed to his feet, poised to run at the threat, but as the shadows eased away from the intruder, Phaedora’s light brown hair and growing smirk came into view.

“Congratulations. I hope you enjoyed this gift of time, because you won’t be this fortunate again.” Her gaze slid toward Zryan as he rounded the pews, and she eyed him like a long-lost possession. “I’ll see you very soon.”

The room seemed to shrink, then expand as a piercing light filled the cathedral, blinding Travion. He winced, blinking rapidly to gain his sight back.

Guests screamed or shouted. But the royal family stood, bristling and ready for battle.

“Zryan,” Alessia said lowly, fury blazing in her eyes.

“By the sea!” Sereia hissed.

“Guards, search the surrounding area in case she might be found!” Draven’s voice boomed.

“This isn’t my fault!” Zryan looked from Travion to Alessia, his eyes wide in surprise and muscles tense with anger.

Travion reached for the rope dangling from his and Sereia’s joined hands and tugged on it, freeing them both. “We had our moment,” he whispered softly, and when his gaze met hers, she nodded in understanding.

“It is time for war.”

And at least they were all together. A family united.

Travel back to the Immortal Realms…

The trilogy isn’t complete yet!

Wages of War is the conclusion to the epic trilogy, featuring Zryan and Alessia.