Free The Way of the Blade by Stuart Jaffe

gave Mrs. Wrenley a peck on the cheek, whispered a thank you, and went upstairs to visit Soralia. Before he reached the door, she jumped out and went to wrap her arms around him. Stuck in the traditional wedding clothes — a thick, purple robe that started at the shoulder and wrapped around until it finished at her feet — she fell over, and he caught her with a laugh. To walk, she would need the help of her maiden — Reety, a close friend to Soralia that Javery knew in passing but never paid much attention to.
    “Jave! I’m so excited you came.” Her eyes glittered, and her smile nearly stretched off her face. Two white juri flowers decorated the curls in her hair, smelling fresh and full of life. “Father had me convinced you might skip the wedding entirely.”
    “Now why would I do that?”
    With a playful tap on the shoulder, she said, “Oh, don’t be like that. I know you’re not all that fond of Canto.”
    “Just because we don’t see the same when it comes to politics, doesn’t mean I can’t be happy for you at your wedding. And him. I can be happy for him, too.”
    She kissed his nose. “You better. I don’t want anything to ruin this day. And that means no fights with Father, either. In fact, maybe you should stay on the other side of the wedding all day. If you see Father, go in the other direction.” Javery chuckled and went to ruffle her hair. She slapped his hand away. “I had to sit still for two hours to look like this. If you try to touch my hair again —”
    From the dressing room, Reety called out, “You’ll have to deal with me long before anybody else gets hold of you. Now get back here, Si-Si, we’ve still got to paint your face and finish the costume.”
    “I’ll be right there.” Soralia looked to the skies with an exaggerated huff. “You’d think she’s the one having the wedding.”
    A soft voice called from the stairs. “Excuse me. Jave?” Druzane climbed the rest of the way. Her dress robe had flashy stones set at the wrists and a neckline which cut quite low for such a formal occasion. When she saw Soralia, she bowed her head slightly and placed her left hand on her stomach. “May Carsite watch over you on your special day.”
    “Thank you,” Soralia said. Still smiling, her voice took on a less pleasant tone. “I didn’t realize you knew my brother.”
    “Everybody knows your brother.” Druzane looped her arm around Javery’s. “He’s a bright, bold young man who is going to change to world for us all.”
    Javery felt his skin grow hotter, and he fought against the smile on his lips. “That’s nice of you to say.”
    Soralia stared at their linked arms. “Oh. You two are together?”
    “Indeed,” Druzane said, the word sounding false from her mouth. “And now I need to speak with dear Jave privately a moment. Do you mind?”
    With a confused shake of her head, Soralia said, “Not at all. I still have to finish getting ready.” She went back to her dressing room where Reety saved her from another fall and escorted her back to a chair. Then Reety closed the door.
    Druzane clutched Javery’s hand and pulled him into a bedroom further down the hall. She closed the door, spun around, and threw her arms around him. After a deep kiss, she pulled back and batted her eyes. Javery’s body stirred. She had such lovely eyes that could be a bird flying in the crisp, morning air or a snake leading him into a night of dark passions.
    “Let me see it,” she said.
    Javery shook his head. “We can’t. This is my sister’s wedding.”
    Giggling, Druzane said, “Not that . I’ll see that all I want tonight. I’m talking about my necklace.”
    “Necklace?”
    “You made me a promise — one that requires a promise necklace to make official.” Druzane’s smile never faltered, but Javery saw the quiver in her throat.
    “I guess I forgot.”
    She turned her head and looked at him like a scolding parent. “Javery Raxholden, are you trying to back out of our