Page 125 of A Thief to Die For

Every resident except the guards protecting the perimeter of Notting is at the Dresden Circle.

Tristan and I secure our horses and approach the crowd as the musicians play soft music.

I point at Little John and give him a thumbs-up. ‘Nice shoes.’ They’re more of a handsewn leather slipper and possibly a little too big for him. Samuel whipped them up last night after being outraged at finding the boy still barefoot.

Little John smiles proudly, showing off his front tooth that’s starting to grow in, then also points out his shirt and shorts, which look like he only played in a barn, not spent years living in one. It’s amazing how removing a few rules, like taxing people into oblivion, can transform trade for a community and improve lives.

Clara pulls her son into a hug. ‘He says they slow him down when he runs, but he’ll wear them for the wedding.’

‘Because I’m the best man,’ Little John pipes up. ‘Again.’

‘Nice try, kid.’ Samuel huffs as he strolls up, crossing his beefy arms. ‘I’m the best man.’

‘What?’ Little John’s face falls, and he buries his head in his mother’s skirt.

‘Hey, kid!’ Samuel says in a tone that’s anything but kid-friendly. ‘I was only joking. It’s fine. You’re the best man.’

Clara picks Little John up and tries to console him by whispering in his ear.

‘You want a …’ Samuel glances around looking a little distressed. ‘A shoulder ride or something?’

Little John pops his head up and wipes his eyes. ‘No, but I’ll take your knife.’

Sam’s eyes narrow, but before he can reply, Brother Thomas interrupts us, nodding towards the road. ‘It’s time for everyone to take their places.’

The crowd quiets as Little John, who’s wearing his newly acquired weapon’s strap like a necklace, walks with me and Brother Thomas to the front. The music changes and a new song starts. Then the people begin to sing in unison.

I brush a hand over my hair. Take a deep breath, vibrating with anticipation. I’ve only been apart from Marian for a day, but there’s a sharp ache in my chest from how much I miss her.

Marian appears at the end of the aisle on her horse, white dress flowing behind her, a ring of flowers in her half-pinned-up hair. Everyone else disappears. My throat instantly goes thick as I take her in – she’s so beautiful.

The singing grows louder as Marian, and Dezzy behind her, step down from their mounts. They hook elbows and walk together through the lantern-lit path. Marian’s face lights up when she sees me.

I go to her, taking her from Dezzy. She touches my face, eyes soft as her finger wipes away a tear on my cheek.

‘You’re not ugly,’ Little John blurts out. ‘He’s not crying because of that.’

Marian laughs, along with most of the crowd.

‘He’s right,’ I say as I take her hands. ‘You’re stunning.’

‘This day has been a long time coming,’ Brother Thomas begins. ‘It’s a celebration. Marriage –’

Marian bites her lips and her eyes dance as Brother Thomas begins with the same words he spoke in his little hut at our first go at this.

The poems and his thoughts on love don’t go on for long, and soon he transitions into something heavier.

‘At Ryland and Marian’s request,’ he says, ‘we honour and remember Agatha today.’ My head lowers, respectfully. Marian squeezes my hands tighter.

‘We also remember that this freedom we now enjoy came at a cost, one that Agatha and others paid for with their lives. There will always be those who wish to take advantage of us. Control us. Imprison us so they can gain power, just like the Commander did. And we will not forget the sacrifice and bravery of those – including the two people getting married today – who stand against tyranny. Who fight to have a better way of life.’

I watch as Marian’s eyes crinkle in a fresh wave of grief. I feel it too, but in a different way.

Every thread of the connection tying Agatha and me together is gone. But I’ll always carry a mix of sadness and gratefulness for the sacrifice she made in an impossible situation. Through her, I got to experience the wonder of the connection.

And because of her, I get to live.

When Brother Thomas finishes, I nudge Little John. ‘It’s time, buddy.’ I stuck the rings in his pocket seconds before Marian arrived, but that doesn’t stop the stab of fear when he blinks up at me with a blank face.