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"Ladies, it is a pleasure" Thor stepped forward Taking Adriana’s hand in his, he kissed her knuckles, bowing just the tiniest bit at the waist "King Dahlmar is a lucky man"

"And I, a lucky woman" She smiled as he released her hand Then he turned his attention to ht sky with flecks of starlight, took me in fro a gentle kiss on ertips I felt a jolt of electricity pass froasped in surprise It made him chuckle, a loicked sound that earned hiive her the h, but releasedher close to him

"Very well My father said to tell you these words ‘Have faith The right weapon can overco, if vague "I don’t suppose he told you which weapon or what is co tone in h

"I’ at all, but he likes you You remind him a bit of the Valkyries"

That was a serious coht about the Norse pantheon back in my university days so that I could phrase my thanks properly "My thanks to you Thor, Thunderer, and to Odin Allfather I’ll endeavor to be worthy of such high praise"

He leaned forward, close enough that his beard tickled my ear when he whispered, "You already are Your exploits will soreat hall So it has been foretold"

What could I say to that? I was literally speechless Fortunately I was saved fronaled dinner was about to be served Gunnar, Thor, and his ladyroorabbedme bodily down the hallway to the back entrance

"Come on, we’re late! We were already supposed to be in there at the head table when the chi daents standing guard came to attention One opened the door The other pulled a sun to confir Will you relax? It’s not like they’re going to start the party without you You’re the bride, for heaven’s sake"

She glared atlike that" She offered her hand to be sprayed She passed, of course, and scurried through the door and onto the dais I was seconds behind

The head table was long and narroith all seats facing the crowd King Dahlht Igor was to ht Natasha had the last seat on our side Dahl, Queen Lopaka, Dahla I didn’t knoho’d eh to Adriana to protect her if need be, and Olga was as far away as we could decently ht to see by, we had stage lighting It made it difficult to see clearly out into the crowd, but put us on display nicely Of course it alsohideous and e in front of hundreds of people And it would be just my luck for it to happen

I shook my head Don’t even think about it

It took a few uests were all in their places and only the servers were on their feet, lasses

"Ladies and gentleuests" Dahlmar spoke without a hout the room All murmured conversations ceased as every eye turned to hi me in this celebration I a my beloved, and truly overjoyed that you have chosen to join us We met by chance and were paired by duty, but have had the extraordinary luck to find love"

He turned to Adriana, and his s Either he truly loved her or he was one hell of an actor "Thisthe Princess Adriana was baptized into my faith I did not ask this of her It was her choice, her decision But I alad to know that she shares asps from several places in the room So Adriana’s actions had been a surprise to some, at least "In honor of this, I wish to present her with a very special gift"

He gestured to Igor, who reached into the jacket of his tux to produce a jewel case, which he passed to the king Dahl it on the plate in front of Adriana She stared down at it, her eyes gone ith shock