The Naval Observatory was on the outskirts of Woodley Park, and as much as I loved the idea of observing an observatory from above, I was a little sad that the flight was coming to an end. But instead of veering right and taking me home, Kyrian kept just beyond our neighborhood, flying over a couple of embassies and cathedrals until the Washington Cathedral's spires came into view. Then Kyrian started to descend.
“What are you doing?” I asked.
“There's a perfect spot to land on that tower.”
“The cathedral tower?” I asked in surprise.
“Sure. Why not?”
I chuckled. Why not indeed? No one could see us and the cathedral was closed. A few outdoor lights lit the building but the tower we landed on had a flat roof amid its corner spires and it was in shadow. Kyrian set me down on my feet, and I released the illusion that hid us. He took my hand and drew me to the edge. A bit of lawn formed a buffer between the cathedral and the road, and our height helped as well, softening the restless city. I laid the blanket over the top of the low wall so I could snuggle closer to my kishano, wrapping an arm around his waist. He hit the pin on his lapel and tucked his wings away before pulling me closer.
“Even with my halo in place, I was drawn to you instantly,” Kyrian said softly. “You fascinated me.”
As I've mentioned before, a Triari's halo is a compression of the colors in their aura—a result of suppressed emotions. Triari soldiers are trained to be completely emotionless when on a mission or in battle. I'd seen the blinding white of Kyrian's halo shimmer with emotions a few times at the beginning of our relationship, so this wasn't a complete surprise to me. Still, it was lovely to hear it.
I lifted my head from his chest to say, “You fascinated me too. Scared me a little at first, but also fascinated me.”
“I scared you?” he asked in surprise. “I never would have known. You played it so cool.”
“My father taught me well.” I chuckled. Landry had the best poker face I'd ever seen.
“When you chose Malik, you crushed me,” Kyrian whispered.
I reached up to stroke his cheek. “I didn't know you well enough then.”
“I know.” Kyrian laid his hand over mine. “And I believe things needed to happen as they did. Losing you made me into a better man. Stronger, I think. By the time we fused, I was ready for you.”
“Are you saying that you don't think you could have handled me before that?” I teased him.
“That's exactly what I'm saying.” He grinned but then sobered. “You are my entire world, Amara. My universe. Losing you again would destroy me.”
“I couldn't live without you either, Kyrian,” I said gently. “You are my pure heart. My light. No matter how dark it becomes, you shine for me and remind me of all I have to be grateful for.”
Kyrian made a soft sound of delighted amazement.
“Does that shock you?” I asked in surprise. “Don't you know how much I love you?”
“I do,” he said firmly. “Of course, I do; I feel it through the Fusion. But to hear you say it like that means everything to me.”
“It's the truth. You will always be my angel.”
“Amara,” Kyrian whispered. He dropped down to one knee. “I know I said it didn't matter to me, but it does now.”
My breath caught as he pulled a velvet box out of his jacket.
“You've made me happier than I ever thought possible. Living with you and loving you is all I need. But Iwantmore now. I want to call you my wife. To unite with you in tradition and honor. To face eternity bound to you in every way possible. Will you marry me, Amaranthine?”
Kyrian opened the box. Instead of the traditional ring, there was a set of diamond earrings—simple solitaires studs, at least a carat each. Elegant. Timeless. Perfect. Especially since both my ring fingers were taken.
I laughed in delight. “Yes! Yes, I'll marry you!”
Kyrian surged to his feet and pulled me into an embrace. Our lips found each other and his kiss swept through me. Passion tingled, but it was the love that permeated every soft sweep of his tongue and tender brush of his lips that had me mesmerized. I pulled my angel closer and thanked every god who had blessed us—blessedme. No woman deserved this much love, but I'd take it, and I'd treasure it forever.
Chapter Seven
Kyrian and I spent most of the night making love. First, in the garden, on the fur blanket under the moonlight. Then, in our bed, twining together in ecstasy and deep emotion until we passed out in each other's arms. I woke to breakfast in bed with an angel.
After sharing the good news with Cyprian and Malik, I spent the day with my new fiancé—what was left of it—reveling in the joy of being freshly engaged. We had dinner with Cyprian and Malik to celebrate, popping another bottle of champagne from Cyprian's collection. Then we sat around our fire pit on the terrace and talked until it was time for bed. But I didn't head upstairs with them. Instead, I kissed them all goodbye and twisted to Danu to see my other husband. Everan was expecting me and if I didn't show up soon, he'd come looking.
