Riley gasped when Cyprian lifted her up and seated her on one shoulder.
“I’ve got you,” he reassured her.
“I know.” Riley always felt safe in Cyprian’s arms.
Riley looked to see June perched on Tytus’ shoulder, and Sundara being proudly held by Metcor, as they started down the aisle. She smiled at her friends when Cyprian walked by.
The three men formed a line, in front of the priest. A gnarled gray Toufik hobbled forward and abruptly the drumming stopped.
“We are gathered here today so these three couples can declare their bond before Kali and all of Cadi,” Ismat spoke for all to hear. “This joining will be a mix of traditions, like the pairs here.”
Ismat bowed to the old gray Toufik and stepped aside. The hairy man began a series of gestures.
“I hold you up, because your burden is great,” Ismat translated the Toufik’s graceful broad gestures. “You now carry the weight of two souls - yours and mine.”
Cyprian swung Riley low, and cradled her in his arms. He pulled her head against his chest shielding her head, like the other two men did with their women.
“I give you shelter from the driving sands, as you willingly shelter this undeserving beast with open arms.”
Cyprian released Riley’s head and she looked up to see he held a cup. He pressed it to her lips and she took a sip of the cold refreshing water.
“I give you food and drink, because you nourish me with your spirit,” Ismat continued. “The two have become one. And from that one will come the future.” With those final words, there was a moment of calm introspection.
Riley smiled up at Cyprian. She couldn’t help the tears that filled her eyes. Riley was in awe of how she felt connected to him. It happened the moment she first laid eyes on Cyprian. It was like her soul recognized its counterpart. The emotion was difficult, and far too profound to describe.
The abrupt loud stomping, cheers and drumming beat startled Riley. She couldn’t help but laugh at herself. Cyprian smiled at her as he set her on her feet. She reached up and caressed the dimple in the corner of his cheek. Cyprian wiped the moisture from her eyes, then joined Tytus and Metcor.
“I don’t know if I can watch this part,” June said, her chin trembling.
Ismat and his assistants gathered brands from the bonfire. Riley knew what was coming. It was going to be hard enough for her to watch. She could only imagine how her squeamish friend was handling it.
“I told him this wasn’t necessary,” Sundara choked out, as one of the Toufik shaved a spot of hair from Metcor’s chest.
Cyprian’s dark eyes pinned Riley’s as the first brand was placed against his chest. He didn’t flinch when the white-hot metal seared his flesh. Not even his eyes held a hint of pain, only love. Riley knew he would sacrifice everything for her. In return, she would do the same, and share all her joy, pain and love, till their final days. There was no more holding back, or letting foolish nonsense get in the way.
June gripped Riley and Sundara’s hands as the designs took shape on the chests of the men they loved. When it was complete, Riley could read her name in English and see the scrolling script that said the same.
“Kali has seen your devotion,” Ismat started to say as he turned to the crowd.
“Wait,” Sabin jumped up.
“Sabin,” Giselle called to the boy.
“No,” Sabin said, evading Kagan when the Daimio reached out for him. “I belong up here.”
“Sweetheart.” Giselle slowly walked toward Sabin. “Tell me what’s going on.”
Sabin lunged forward and snatched baby Graca from Giselle’s arms, then retreated. Kagan and Giselle stood very still, so they didn’t startle the boy, making him drop the baby. Graca didn’t cry in distress. She just looked happily from Sabin to her parents.
“I hear them talking about me and Graca,” Sabin growled as he pointed into the crowd. “They call my female a hybrid. They say they’d rather see their former enemy as Daimio. They are wrong,” Sabin snarled. His face contorted in pain at the cruel things prejudiced people said. “What is on the outside doesn’t matter, because we are rich of spirit,” Sabin told Graca, his voice breaking as he spoke the sincere words to the baby in his arms. “It’s true. You told me that.” The boy looked to Giselle.
“It is,” Giselle replied with a nod, her eyes filled with tears. “Our friends are getting mated, because even though they are different they love each other.”
“And I love Graca.” Sabin shifted the baby and pulled open his cape, to show the design he’d carved into his chest.