“Yes,” I interrupted, the word tumbling out before I could overthink it. “Yes, I want to marry you, you idiot. I just—” I glanced at the king, who was watching us with an unreadable expression. “I’m not sure your father wants a cursed witch as his son-in-law.”
King Erestolal was quiet for a long moment, his jaw working as if he was chewing on words he didn’t want to say. Finally, he let out a long breath.
“What I want,” he said slowly, “is for my people to survive. What I want is for my son to be happy, even if I’ve done a poor job of showing it.” His gaze met mine, and I saw something almost like regret in those silver eyes. “If this arrangement truly can save the Twilight Realm, if you can do what the Elder Council claims, then I will not stand in your way.”
It wasn’t exactly a warm endorsement, but it was more than I dared to hope for. I felt Silver’s joy surge through the bond, so intense it nearly knocked me off my feet.
“Thank you, Father,” Silver said, his hand tightening around mine. He turned to me, sinking down on one knee. “So… will you marry me then?”
My heart leaped into my throat. Tears burned down my cheeks as I smiled, laughing and sobbing at the same time. I couldn’t believe this was happening. It felt like a dream, albeit a strange one.
“Yes,” I said, knowing I’d never have it any other way. “A hundred times,yes.”
Epilogue: Silver
I grabbed Ash by the hand the moment the front doors closed behind us, the roaring of the crowd outside cut off. The ring on my finger was heavy with the expectations of the entire realm and my father. Through the bond I could feel Ash experiencing that same pressure as it sunk in. We weren’t just husbands now, we were thefutureof the Twilight Realm and it’s only hope.
“Young master,” Caldwell nodded as we stepped inside. “You have several hours until the banquet should you and master Vale wish to get some…rest.”
I couldn’t help but smile. “You are a godsend, Caldwell,” I replied, pulling Ash toward the stairs. “Please see that no one disturbs us until the banquet. Not even my father.”
“Especiallynot the king,” Ash added. Then he glanced up at me, lowering his voice. “The last thing I need is your father walking in on us naked.”
I laughed, squeezing his hand. “I’m glad you and I had the same thought.”
“A marriage has to be consummated, right?” Ash winked.
“More than once, I’m told,” I nodded. “Just to be safe.”
I pulled Ash up the grand staircase, our footsteps echoing off the marble. My heart was still racing from the ceremony,from standing in front of thousands of my people and declaring my love for this man. Through the bond, I could feel his own emotions churning—excitement, nervousness, desire, and underneath it all, a deep well of love that made my chest ache in the best possible way.
I led him down the familiar corridor, anticipation twisting in my belly. Ever since we’d agreed to my father’s terms, we’d been kept separate. It had beendayssince I’d gotten to touch my mate privately and I couldn’t wait any longer.
I pushed open the door to my chambers, pulling him inside and closing it firmly behind us. The moment the lock clicked, I pressed him against the door, my mouth finding his in a kiss that was equal parts desperate and tender.
Ash melted into me immediately, his hands fisting in the front of my ceremonial robes. These were nothing like the simple modern clothes I’d worn at Widdershins. Now I was drenched in layers of silk and velvet in deep purples and silvers, held together with intricate clasps that would take forever to put back on again. But I didn’t care about that right now. All I cared about was the man in my arms, my husband, my mate.
“Gods, I love you,” I murmured against his lips between kisses. “I can’t believe you’re actually mine. That we’re married.”
“Believe it,” Ash whispered back, his shadows already swirling around us in response to his rising emotions. “Because I’m not going anywhere. You’re stuck with me forever, Prince Consort.”
I pulled back slightly to look at him, taking in the sight of him in his own ceremonial robes. The tailors had outdone themselves. The dark fabric brought out the blue of his eyes, and the silver embroidery caught the light every time he moved. He looked like he belonged here, like he’d always been meant to stand beside me.
“You were incredible today,” I said, brushing a strand of dark hair away from his face. “The way you spoke your vows, the way you held your head high even when I could feel how nervous you were through the bond. I’ve never been more proud of anyone in my life.”
Ash’s cheeks flushed, and I felt his embarrassment pulse through our connection. “I was terrified I’d trip over the words. Or worse, accidentally shadow walk in the middle of the ceremony because my emotions got too intense.”
“But you didn’t,” I reminded him, pressing another kiss to his lips. “You were perfect. My father even looked impressed, which is saying something.”
“Your father looked like he was attending a funeral,” Ash corrected, chuckling to himself.
“He’ll get used to it. Now that you’re the Ambassador, you’ll be working closely with him?—”
Ash’s index finger came to rest on my lips, silencing me.
“Your father is the last thing I want to talk about right now,” he said, his voice thick with want. He leaned close, his breath dancing over my lips. “Get me out of these clothes and fuck me like a proper husband should.”
I didn’t need to be told twice.
