reschedule the ceremony for another day.”
Something doesn’t feel right about that statement.
“No, we need to finish this today.” Taking a deep breath, I gather all of my remaining energy and swing my legs off the side of the bench, much to the displeasure of the guys around me, if their disgruntled grunts are anything to go by. Exhausted just from that small movement, I roll my head to look at Revna. “You need to make the announcement today too.” I don’t know why, but I just have a feeling it’s important we set everything in motion today. “Help me sit up?” I glance at Vaeril as I speak, his eyes softening as I ask. He knows how much it costs me to ask him for his help. As he leans forward to wrap his arm around me to help me up, I lower my voice so I can whisper to him. “Keep touching me, please?” I’m not sure if I’ll manage to stay upright if our skin-to-skin contact was to break right now, and thankfully, he seems to understand this.
“Of course.” Glancing at Tor, Vaeril frowns, a slightly pained look crossing his features, but when he looks down at me, it passes quickly. “It might help if you were touching her too,” he suggests.
Tor raises his eyebrows, surprised the elf is the one to suggest it, as he’s been quite territorial since we bonded. While Vaeril agreed that I didn’t have to choose between those I had a bond with, he was finding the actuality of it was far harder than the theory.
Nodding, Tor shuffles closer, placing one hand on my arm and sliding his other hand under my arching lower back. As soon as his hand is on my skin, I release an embarrassingly loud breathy sigh. Someone storms from the tent, I’m pretty sure I can guess who, but I’m so focused on how good their hands feel on me that I can’t focus on anything else right now. It’s not sexual, although in a different context it probably could turn into that, but right now, it’s like they’re soothing all of my aches and pains, giving me back strength and easing my sore muscles. Gently, they help me sit upright, and I look at the two of them with wide eyes, wondering if they felt the same thing I just did. Vaeril is actually smiling for once, his pupils blown wide, and as I look at Tor, I see he’s grinning at me in a way that promises trouble and makes my insides clench.
A loud cough has my head snapping around, my gaze landing on Naril, who’s watching us with a lazy grin. Sudden realisation dawns that we’re being observed by the very people I’m trying to convince to let me become one of them. Fighting the urge to apologise, I simply roll my shoulders back and swallow my embarrassment, smiling slightly at the pride in Tor’s eyes. Spotting my aunt, I know I should stand to greet her, but I’m not strong enough right now. However, if I conserve my energy, I should be strong enough in a few minutes, I can feel my vigour returning swiftly thanks to Vaeril and Tor.
“High Chief, would you be willing to continue the ceremony?” I inquire from the bench, my mates on either side of me. Revna pauses for a moment, her lips pursing, and I know if we were alone, we would be having an entirely different conversation. However, with the attention of the tribe chiefs on her, I’ve backed her into a corner.
Turning from me, she directs her heavy gaze on the others in the room, saving the last for Ragnar. “If we got the backing of all of the chiefs, then yes.”
Ragnar winces as everyone turns to look at him, but to his credit, he straightens his back and holds his head high. “I will follow the will of the goddess.” His eyes meet mine. For a second, they flicker with a flash of fear, and I know he’s remembering what it felt like to have that much power and magic focused on him. “I won’t stand in your way, you have my blessing.” Dipping my head in understanding, I lean slightly against Tor’s shoulder, using him to help prop me up and hoping that no one notices. While I don’t think Ragnar and I will be friends anytime soon, I believe we may have come to an understanding.
Revna has been watching the whole exchange with