As the Rosetti sisters made their way toward to the platform, I watched Sofia, mesmerized by her glowing countenance and the dazzling sapphire gown trailing gracefully behind her. Her smile seemed brighter than the sun as she faced Jamie. With a sickening lurch in the pit of my belly, I watched them exchange a meaningful glance before she sank to her knees and made her pledge. I tore my gaze away from the touching scene and let my eyes wander over the crowd.
It seemed the Doonians were trying to ignore Kenna and me. Aside from a few nervous glances, they seemed determined to enjoy the festivities. I turned to ask Ken if she’d noticed their indifference when tingles skittered up my spine. Searching the room for the source of my discomfort, I spotted a middle-aged woman—tall, wafer thin, caramel-colored skin—staring at me. I recognized Roddie MacPhee’s wife from the marketplace.
Her mocha-colored eyes pleaded with me, silently begging me to do something to return her loved one. My throat tightened as she turned away. I didn’t understand exactly how the witch’s magic worked, but the disappearances were partly my fault for bringing the cursed book into the kingdom in the first place. I just prayed taking the journal across the bridge would restore the missing people to their families … unharmed.
The minister’s reverent voice shifted my attention away from Mrs. MacPhee and back to the ceremony. “The Completing affirmation shall now commence.”
The announcement echoed through the chapel, every word like a nail in my heart. My eyes darted to Sofia seated several rows in front of us with the rest of the Rosetti clan. Gabby, practically bouncing out of her seat with excitement, leaned over to whisper in her sister’s ear.
The ever-poised Sofia smiled indulgently and then whispered something back that caused the younger girl’s eyes to widen, an irrepressible grin lighting her up from within. Sofia glanced over her shoulder and scanned the crowd. When her eyes landed on me, she lifted her chin, a small smile sliding across her lovely lips. And I could almost read her thoughts: You may have had him for one night, but he’s mine for eternity.
“Nice,” I mumbled under my breath as I broke eye contact with the gloating queen-to-be. My spine crumbled and I slumped in my seat, focusing every ounce of energy I possessed on not falling apart. Jamie was supposed to be mine! For a brief second, I fantasized that I’d met him in Alloway that day I saw him on the street, and that he was an ordinary boy. He would’ve smiled at me and said hello, maybe inviting me to get a coffee.
The image popped like a soap bubble. Jamie was nothing close to ordinary and no amount of wishing would change him—not that I really wanted to.
“Did you say something?” Kenna asked belatedly, her eyes glued to Duncan as he took his place beside his brother.
“Nothing,” I mumbled, hoping she was preoccupied enough to let it drop.
A young steward walked up the center aisle carrying an elaborately carved wooden box. He ascended the stairs to the platform and set the box on a table to Jamie’s right. The chamber was silent enough to hear a pin drop.
The clergyman’s voice rang through the crowd. “Man is not meant ta be alone, nor in Doon shall he rule alone. James Thomas Kellan MacCrae, have ye chosen a suitable partner that will help ye rule the kingdom in wisdom and in truth?”
“Aye,” Jamie answered with certainty, a tiny smile curving one side of his mouth—the smile I’d always imagined was just for me. My stomach clenched, bile clawing its way up my throat.
“Laird, please record yer selection for our future queen on this slip o’ parchment.” The vicar handed Jamie a feathered quill with one hand, while gesturing toward the table and the wooden box with the other.
What did he mean, “record yer selection?” All the muscles in my body stiffened.
“What the—?” Kenna exclaimed.
“Shhh.” I pressed my elbow into her side as she scooted out of my reach.
“Seriously, Vee, could they draw this out any more? Is he trying to torture you?”
I smiled gratefully at my friend—my sister—who voiced the words I felt but couldn’t let myself say. Coming clean with Kenna had not only lifted a huge weight from me, but also united us in a common cause.