Avondale V by Toby Neighbors Read Free Book Online Page A

officer, but he was the highest ranking commander in the earl’s war band now and he guessed that made him more of a spectacle.
    Earl Ageus arrived and took a seat of honor at the front. He was escorted by his daughters, and even though he was dressed in his finest clothes, Rafe noticed the look of worry in the earl’s eyes. Rafe felt that same sense of dread, although he fought to push it down, as well. The wait for Olyva seemed to last forever, and Rafe couldn’t help but fear that she might not show up at all. He wouldn’t have been shocked to discover that Olyva had a change of heart. There was certainly no benefit to marrying Rafe. Olyva didn’t even want to remain in the city. She was part of the blighted lands now and would have left Avondale with Tiberius if the earl hadn’t asked for her help.
    Doubts were buzzing in Rafe’s head like an angry swarm of bees when Olyva finally appeared. His breath caught in his throat when he saw her, and a silly grin appeared on his face. Olyva looked like a queen, or at least a princess. She was tall, her hair pinned high to accentuate her long, graceful neck and high cheekbones, which Rafe could see even through the veil. The gown she wore was modest, yet it seemed to amplify the curves of her tall, athletic body. The bottom of the gown moved and rippled almost like water, dragging the ground and hiding Olyva’s root-like toes. Rafe would have been happy if Olyva were wearing a potato sack, but he was in awe of his bride in what he thought was the most beautiful gown he had ever seen.
    Desyra looked happy to be walking with her sister, but Rafe didn’t see anyone else following. He guessed that Olyva’s mother and sisters didn’t approve of the marriage. He understood that, too. He knew that nobility counted for little after having lived in the blighted lands and experienced the treachery of court, but he understood that others didn’t. In fact, it was the nobility that held tightest to that elevated sense of self-importance and perpetuated the separation of classes. Rafe might be the commander of the earl’s war band, but he was not noble-born and he guessed that mattered to the countess and her other two daughters.
    Olyva joined Rafe, and they made their vows, led by the priest. Then Earl Ageus gave them his blessing, making a public announcement of Rafe’s new position, the rescinding of the banishment made by Leonosis, and the renown of Rafe and Olyva’s travels through the blighted lands.
    To Rafe it was all a blur. He was simply happy, and though he took part in the ceremony, all he could really think of was how beautiful Olyva looked. He preferred her in less makeup; since her change her natural appearance seemed to radiate a beauty that other women could only dream of. Still, he liked that she had been made up for the wedding. He had donned the official uniform of the Earl’s Commander. It had been his father’s, and Rafe was pleasantly surprised that it was a good fit for him now. Going through his father’s belongings would have to wait, Rafe knew that much. He wouldn’t be able to hold back the rising tide of grief when he explored what his father had left behind. The uniform had been kept in the commander’s office, which now belonged to Rafe. The possessions there were few; most of the items were military in nature and belonged to the commander of the war band, which meant they were Rafe’s now.
    The palace steward had informed Rafe that a room was being prepared for them, so for one night at least, everything would be taken care of. It was a relief for Rafe, who knew the next few days and weeks would be extremely difficult. There would be no rest after this night, no time to relax in Olyva’s arms or hold her body close to his so that only their breathing would move them. Soon everything would change, Rafe knew—he just didn’t know how soon.
    Rafe had just kissed Olyva, and the priest was announcing them to the crowd, who stood and cheered,