Like me, the other couples had also prepared their wedding bands and necklaces. On the other side, I could see Janus holding a small pouch similar to mine and a white wedding band around his neck with gold and red trim and embroidery of the rising and setting sun.
Seymour took two torches from a brazier and lit the two bonfires with a wistful expression. Flames leapt up, hungry and bright, chasing away the dusk.
Now was the time for everyone to light their candles. Some daring enough would light their candle directly on the bonfire, while others used a burning stick or torch like Seymour, and soon the whole crowd that surrounded us was illuminated by small flickering candlelight.
All the brides and grooms drifted closer, one by one. Drawn like moths to the flame, all the couples soon stood together between the two blazing fires. I stepped in front of Janus. Anticipation warred with nerves. My heart thundered so fiercely that Seymour’s passionate words faded into nothing. I could barely breathe. Excitement and fear tangled together in my heart, making me fear it might burst right there in the firelight.
The only thing on my mind was his bashful smile. For a long moment, I was completely overwhelmed by him: the way the firelight danced across his features, the gentle curve of his mouth, the impossible blue of his eyes. He looked so achingly beautiful to me, so open and earnest, that I lost my breath for a second. Maybe for the first time, I saw him exactly as he was: a lovestruck little boy, a fool even. The subtle dimples that formed on his cheeks, the clean-shaven face that smelled of peppermint and roses, the single rebellious brown hair that hung into his face, each detail seemed impossibly perfect. The fire raged around us, but nothing in the night could outshine the light in his eyes. For the first time in what felt like forever, the fog in my mind lifted, and I could finally see the path ahead.
A sudden chill brushed against my skin, pulling me back from my thoughts. Surprise turned to tenderness as I realized Janus was there, his usually steady hands trembling just a little as he fastened the moon necklace around my neck. The silver was cool and bright, with a crescent of white jade cradling a blue sapphire as deep as midnight. For a heartbeat, all worry faded, and I just felt the weight of his promise resting against my collarbone.
For a moment, I was speechless. Then I noticed Janus watching me, eyes full of expectation. My heart skipped as I realized my mistake, and I rummaged through my pouch, quickly placing the sun necklace around his neck, standing on my tiptoes. As my arms brushed his shoulders, I felt them rise and fall in quick bursts of suppressed laughter. His smile widened now reaching from ear to ear.
Maybe I should step on his feet during the dance.
Lost in everything else, I completely missed Seymour’s sermon. Around me, people dabbed at their eyes or let their tears fall freely, swept up in a moment I’d barely noticed.
A pang of guilt crept in for missing it all, but at least my makeup survived. Small mercies, I suppose.
Sorry, Seymour.
With Seymour’s words fading into the night, it was time for the first dance.
We knotted our wedding bands together, the fabric circling our necks and binding us close like a gentle tether, both comforting and terrifying. One by one, the couples drifted into place.
There was no kiss to seal the vows here. In Armentis, it was the first dance after the necklaces and bands were exchanged that truly bound us. As the music drifted through the night, Janus squeezed my hand, his smile soft and full of promises, and led me forward. The melody was gentle, forgiving, letting us float lazily across the hilltop. The band around our necks pressed us close, no space left between us. My belly nudged against his stomach, and for a moment, I felt awkward and exposed, wondering how I must look to everyone watching.
But when I looked around, all I saw were the smiling faces of my friends and now family. There were no judging gazes or snickered remarks. Maybe Emma was right: a big belly during pregnancy was seen as a good omen, even something beautiful. Until now, I hadn’t fully believed her, but now I do.
With each step, his strong arms supported me as we spun around the bonfires. The world blurred at the edges; only Janus and I existed, moving in perfect synchrony to the music. With each spin, I glimpsed the fire reigniting in his eyes’ reflection, again and again. He skillfully led me around the hilltop, evading the other couples and making sure I wouldn’t stumble. Murmurs and soft laughter rippled through the crowd. Some clasped their hands over their hearts. Others wiped at their cheeks. A few children bounced in excitement as we whirled past. The warmth of their smiles, the glistening of happy tears, made it clear our joy was contagious. It felt as if I could take on the entire world. I was certain it would turn out well, as long as he was with me.
And before I knew it, the music stopped, and the dance was over. For a heartbeat, a hush fell over the gathering, then the entire hilltop erupted in cheers and applause. Friends and family called out our names, some whistling, others simply beaming at us, their joy as bright as the bonfires that lit the night.
With the wedding ceremony now concluded, the separated crowd mixed again and, one by one, threw their lit candles into the flame, adding to it so they would burn until dawn.