As such, in little time they made the base of the wide set of steep steps that ran the length of the cathedral, and as they did, he saw the various personages that the steward had suggested, Elena had approved, then Cassius had approved, all milling about the steps.

There were a few lords who had sworn fealty to Cassius, though not many as most were at their homes in order to be there to defend them if need be, however, those members of the gentry had sent representatives.

There were also professors. Healers. Architects. Merchants. He saw Reginald, his chief of Slán Bailey standing with his wife, both of them smiling large.

And he saw a number of faces he recognized, for they were servants in the Citadel, but few he knew their names, and they were dressed at their best and also smiling large at the honor that Elena had bestowed on them.

As they were at his wedding, Cass determined to learn their names.

At some point.

Without any fanfare, he stopped Caelus and waited until Mars and Aramus dismounted, for he’d prearranged that Mars take hold of Aelia and put her to her feet while Aramus did the same for Dora.

When this happened, only then did he swing off his steed allowing a page to rush up and take the reins.

He saw Theodora round Caelus’s rump as the horse walked away, this the big sister doing in order to get to Aelia and take her hand, whereupon Aelia imparted on a loud whisper, “I want to marry a man just like Uncle Mars one day.”

“Well, I want to marry a man just like Cassius,” Dora replied.

At her words, Cass stood stock still, a burning warmth he did not mind sweeping through him.

Mars chuckled, Silence giggled and Ha-Lah laughed.

Aramus took affront.

“Do neither of you wish to marry the likes of me?”

Aelia’s eyes became huge before she broke from her sister, rushed to him and threw her arms around his legs, crying, “Me! I do! I want a husband just like you too! It was just that you didn’t help me off Papa’s horse and I forgot!”

Aramus put his hand to her head and grinned down at her, teasing, “You wish two husbands?”

“Yes!” she cried.

“Greedy minnow,” Aramus muttered on a laugh.

“Trust me, my lovely,” Ha-Lah entered the conversation, taking hold of Aelia’s hand and drawing her away from Aramus. “You’ll find one is more than enough.”

Mars boomed with laughter again, Silence giggled and Aramus took further affront.

“I’ll show you more than enough,” Aramus warned.

“Promise?” Ha-Lah asked on a cheeky smile.

“Absolutely,” Aramus said low.

Good gods.

“Why the laughter?” Farah asked, arriving with True at her side, as well as Jorie, who approached Silence and Mars.

She was smiling brightly at them all.

“Aelia wants two husbands,” Silence shared.

Farah’s eyes grew large.