—The Dragon and the Blue Starby Analise Crewe
Ana watched the familiar landscape roll by, thinking how dear it all seemed to her now. A few weeks ago it had seemed strange, a world not entirely belonging to her, but now she watched for every milestone that brought her closer to the castle.
Dex sat with an arm flung protectively around her. He’d insisted that going back to Drakefell would help ease her mind,since she’d be with Tessie, and among her familiar possessions, and the Clovercote manuscript that she’d left unfinished.
Now, she was glad she’d agreed. After days of doing nothing but sleep, and cry, and sleep some more, her eyes craved greenery and sunshine. That tree—that meant they were a quarter hour away. The low stone fence—ten minutes to go.
Just outside the tree-shaded drive, Dex slipped something out of his pocket and brought it to her eyes. She felt the cool silk of a handkerchief as he placed it around her head and turned her face blindly toward him.
“What’s this?”
“I want this to be a surprise.”
When the carriage rolled to a stop, he lifted her down gently, strong hands encircling her waist.
“What’s that heavenly smell?” Her nose wrinkled appreciatively beneath the blindfold.
“You should ask me what it isn’t, first.”
“You’re being very enigmatic. Very well—whatisn’tthat heavenly smell?”
“Itisn’tsmoke from a backed-up chimney.”
“I should say not! It smells more like... cake! A delicious cake.”
“Do you remember our wedding, Ana? The smoke that made our eyes water, the mind-numbingly boring address of the curate, the interminable documents to sign...”
She shuddered. “Don’t remind me.”
“It’s a day best forgotten. And I aim to drive it from your memory. No peeking, please,” he said, as he tucked her arm under his and began walking.
“I was tempted! But I decided not to.”
“Good girl.”
“We’re not going into the house?”
“Not yet. Come, down this pathway.”
She had no idea where he was taking her, the pleasant sun shining on her upturned face and the sway of their bodies moving in tandem were hypnotizing. She guessed they were somewhere near the gardens, moving along the cobblestone path that led to the chapel. He walked her up one step, then another, and cooler air washed over her.
Dex’s knuckles lightly rested on the nape of her sensitive neck as he undid the blindfold and slid it off. She blinked, letting her eyes adjust.
They were in the chapel.
And it was full of people. Friends. She saw Thea, and Lulu. Celestia and Rupert: Rupert crying without shame, Celestia nodding serenely. Cloris, Agnes, McArdle, even Lady Glynis, all standing as one, turning toward her with smiles full of love and approval. They were bathed in beautiful light from the arched stained-glass window of the apse, emerald green, ruby red, cerulean blue, and a gentle gold turning them into enchanted creatures from one of her stories.
A string quartet, somewhere to the side, began to play. Softly. Something by Haydn, a gentle swell of joyful notes.
Rose petals covered the aisle between the rows of chairs.
“I... what... Dex! Please, explain to me what I’m seeing? Did I fall asleep in the carriage, and this is all a dream?”
“No,” laughed Dex. “You are very much awake.” She turned to look at him, just as he sank to one knee, his hand outstretched to clasp her own.
“If you can love this wounded, scarred man, then anything ispossible. Any dream can come true. Ana, I lay my armor at your feet. You have utterly conquered the dragon in me. You’ve driven the nightmares away and filled my heart with hope. With love.”
“Dex.” She began to cry softly.