Warrior Rising - By Pamela Palmer Page 0,83

receive the same reception as before - a hail of arrows. But all Esri had known the moment Ilaria and Harrison came into their respective powers. Findris had introduced Charlie as King Harrison's brother and Tarrys as Charlie's soon-to-be wife, who'd come to free them from their captivity at their queen's request. All had fallen to one knee in gratitude.

Now they were all here - Ilaria's loyal companions of three centuries, his own brother and kids, his Sitheen friends including Myrtle and Norm. Even his mother had come, her alcoholism a thing of the past thanks to Ilaria's healing power. Time would tell if such a thing could truly be cured with an Esri touch, but he was beginning to think there was nothing Ilaria couldn't do.

He caught sight of a young human couple he didn't recognize doing an admirable jitterbug on the dance floor. They looked familiar, yet he couldn't place them. Had Charlie invited cousins of theirs and forgotten to mention it? He'd have to ask his brother before he embarrassed himself trying to introduce them to Ilaria.

Nothing, but nothing, would mar this perfect day.

His arm tightened around Ilaria's waist and he looked at her, the most beautiful woman who ever lived, even more exquisite in a diaphanous gown of pale ivory, with emerald and sapphire jewels braided into her hair. She met his gaze, the jewels no match for the brilliance of her eyes, for in them he saw his heart, his soul. His future.

How strange that he'd fought for normalcy, for a staid, controlled life when what he'd been looking for all along was the solid strength of true love. And he'd found it in the most unlikely of places.

Charlie and Tarrys joined them, Jack and Larsen close behind. "We can't find Myrtle and Norm," Charlie said, worried.

Beside him, Ilaria laughed, a music that never failed to bring a smile to his face and laughter to his heart.

He squeezed her waist. "What's so funny? Where are they?"

Ilaria grinned. "They're here."

The cousins walked up, arms around one another, their faces flushed and wreathed in smiles.

Harrison grimaced inwardly, knowing he should introduce his bride.

Ilaria gave Jack a playful swat to the shoulder. "You of all people should recognize your own aunt."

Jack's brows lowered, his expression one of utter confusion. He looked around. "What do you...?" His gaze landed on the cousins and he froze. His jaw dropped. "Aunt Myrtle?"

The woman, a pretty redhead who appeared to be in her mid-twenties, laughed. "I'm surprised at you, nephew. I'm sure you saw me looking not too much older than this when you were young."

Harrison stared at her, then swung his gaze to the dark-haired young man at her side. "Norm?" The man nodded and Harrison's gaze flew to his wife. "You did this," he breathed, wonder lifting his words.

She gave him an impish grin. "It seems I can heal aging. They're not immortal. They're still vulnerable to accidents and sudden illness, but I've healed the effects of aging."

"Can you do that for me?" Charlie asked. "When the time comes."

Ilaria reached forward, squeezing Charlie's hand. "Of course. None of you, or those you love, will grow old unless you wish to."

Harrison looked at his friends, goose bumps rising on his arms. Charlie exchanged a wondering look with Tarrys, the knowledge that they could potentially stay together for most of Tarrys's long life blazing in his eyes. Jack and Larsen looked stunned.

A grin slowly broke across Larsen's face. "I have to tell Autumn and Kade." She whirled away with an air of bursting excitement.

Harrison turned to Charlie. "Now might be the time to find a less dangerous line of work, little brother."

Charlie grinned, hugging Tarrys tight against him. "I was thinking the same." He glanced at Tarrys. "What about accounting? How do you feel about being married to an accountant?"

Harrison laughed. "Navy-SEAL-turned-immortal-accountant. That's almost as good as computer-geek-turned-king."

Charlie grimaced. "It's a good thing I have all the time in the world to learn accounting. It may take that long." A grin broke over his face as he turned back to Ilaria. "It's your wedding, Princess. We're supposed to be giving you gifts, yet you've just given us the most precious gift of all. Time to live and love to our hearts' content."

Ilaria smiled. "You and Tarrys saved me, Charlie. Without your strength and courage, and that of all the Sitheen, two worlds would have fallen. And I'd never have met the man for whom I've waited for millennia. I owe you more than I can ever repay."

She turned fully in Harrison's arms and the rest of the world ceased to exist. "I love you," she whispered, the tears once more in her eyes.

Harrison brushed the hair back from her beloved face, his once-stiff and rigid heart overflowing with warmth and happiness and rich, glorious love.

"I will love you for all the days of my life, Ilaria. You are my life."

"As you are mine."

He bent his head to hers, taking her mouth in a passionate, perfect kiss. Around them cheers rose into the air. Stephie's laughter trilled, infectiously.

Life was perfect.