“Yes, you’re growing on me.”
His fingers threaded through her hair, the touch gentle against her scalp."Hellgate doesn't seem like such a curse anymore.If I hadn't been sentenced there, I'd never have found you here on Verrian.Perhaps the universe has its reasons, even for the darkest moments."He pressed his lips to her cheek before taking the album and setting it aside."We'll explore those memories later.For now, let's see what other treasures my mother packed away."
They rummaged through the remaining boxes until Ancelin pulled out a delicate pink tablecloth, its lace border, intricate as spun sugar.
"This is perfect for a baby shower," she said, running her fingers over the pattern."How did you end up with something so feminine?"
"A wedding present, I imagine.Or my mother and sisters shopping for me again—they never could resist buying things I didn't need."His voice caught slightly, eyes glistening.
Ancelin traced the lace edge and sighed."I dreamed of having a wedding with beautiful things like this."
"Ancelin, we can have a wedding if you want," Krevan said, taking her hands in his."Not like the one with Gillian—all for show and status.Ours will celebrate something real."His eyes brightened."We can gather everyone on Earth, or here, or even maybe on Triaxe.I'd take you to the Mars Colony after—the gardens in the biodomes are incredible."When she shook her head, he squeezed her fingers."It's just a ceremony.The important part is what comes after."He kissed her, his lips lingering against hers.
Ancelin's fingers traced the edge of the tablecloth."I don't need all that.I'm yours already."She glanced at the photo album."But sometimes I remember being little, imagining myself in a beautiful dress beside someone who looked at me the way you do now."She sighed."My parents just signed papers at the district office, but my mother always said it was perfect because it was theirs."She looked up, vulnerability in her eyes."What was our moment, Krevan?Did we have one?"
"We have special moments everyday we’re together.Plus, we had our own special day at the Coti store," Krevan said, his eyes crinkling at the corners."Half the town watched me knock a man to the ground and announce you were mine.Not exactly traditional, but memorable."He winked."Welcome to Verrian customs."
Ancelin's lips finally curved upward.“You’re funny.”
"I know it wasn't the fairy tale you imagined," he continued, taking her hand."But I promise you'll have those special moments.The kind worth remembering."He leaned forward, pressing his lips gently against hers."My sisters and my Earth-born mother taught me how important these things are to women.One day, I'll be that prince-charming from your childhood stories.You deserve everything you've dreamed of my innocent bride."
"Not so innocent anymore," Ancelin murmured, studying the floor.
Krevan's smile faded.He tucked a loose curl behind her ear."You'll always be my innocent bride."
"About my medication," Ancelin said suddenly."Could I have just one pill bottle back?"
Krevan's hand fell away."I thought you'd forgotten about those."His voice cooled."You don't need them.Are we having this argument again?Should I prepare myself?Maybe warn me if you're planning to slap me this time."His smile returned as he dramatically clutched his chest."My poor heart couldn't take it."
"I won't argue," Ancelin said, head bowed."And I'll never hit you again.I'm so sorry about that."She looked up with a gentle smile."Please forgive me."
"Already done," he said."I was only teasing."
"My thoughts keep racing about everything that's happened.I know I'll just lie awake tonight, staring at the ceiling.It's exhausting, but I can't shut it off.It's been this way since...since my family."Ancelin's voice trailed off.
Krevan's eyes softened."Come here," he murmured, arms outstretched."I know exactly what you need."His voice dropped to a whisper against her ear."A hot shower to relax those muscles, then bed.Our guests won't arrive until tomorrow afternoon, there’s plenty of time to finish preparations.And tonight..."He pressed his lips to her neck, then suddenly sank his fangs into the tender skin of her shoulder.
"Trust me," Krevan murmured against her skin, his lips brushing the spot where his teeth had been."I know what you need."He lifted her into his arms and carried her to their bathroom, where steam soon billowed around them like morning fog.Under the cascade of hot water, his fingertips traced paths across her shoulders, down her spine, finding places that made her breath catch.The tension in her muscles yielded to his touch.By the time they emerged, wrapped in thick towels, Ancelin's mind had quieted—no pills required.In bed, his arms formed a sanctuary around her, his heartbeat steady against her back.The connection between them hummed like a current, familiar as if it had always existed.His whispers, soft and reverent in her ear, were the last thing she registered before drifting into the darkness of deep sleep, exactly as he'd promised.
"Krevan!"The sound that escaped her was half-protest, half-pleasure as she clutched at his back, fingers tracing the contours of muscle beneath his shirt.
Chapter 12
The sunlight cast its golden rays across Ancelin’s lovely face.“Ancelin, wake up, birthday girl.”Krevan kissed the side of her face and rubbed his hand up and down her back, cupping her soft bottom.“Wake up, my sexy birthday girl.We have a party to prepare for.Rise and shine.I’d love to laze in bed and make love this morning, but we have much to do for your party.”
“Good morning, Krevan.”Ancelin stretched and greeted him in a sleepy voice.Just as she rolled over toward him, Krevan presented her with her breakfast.
“I have breakfast for you, too.I brought it up to you.My mother tells me that breakfast in bed is a treat for Earth humans.Sit up, and I’ll put the tray on your lap.”He helped her sit up and placed two pillows behind her back.He positioned the tray on her lap, pulled up a chair, and sat next to the bed.The meal consisted of coffee, eggs, ham, and bread toasted with jam spread thinly over each piece.A small crystal vase they had unpacked yesterday held a single red flower indigenous to Verrian.“Happy birthday, my sweet and beautiful girl.”Krevan smiled.The sun made it look as if he had a halo around his head.
“Thank you, Krevan.This is so thoughtful of you.You’re kind to me, and you make the best eggs and ham.No one makes coffee like you do.”Taking a bite of her toast, she sweetly smiled.
“Enjoy your breakfast, and then I have something else for you,” he said.
“What?Let me guess.”She gave him a knowing look.
"No, not sex."His grin widened as his fingertips grazed the curve of her breast.Ancelin swatted his hand away.
"Then show me already."
