“What is it?” he asked softly.
“Only that I’m utterly and hopelessly in love with you.”
“As I am with you,caeli mea,” he whispered, pressing his mouth to hers in a tender kiss.My heaven.My heart.My love.
His words sank into her soul, imprinting there—because he was hers, too.
EPILOGUE
Where was Hana?
Leya paced the bedroom, worry digging a hole in her belly. She’d last seen her sister at dinner the previous night. Didn’t Hana know just how important today was?
Leya pressed a hand to her belly, her nerves a tangled mess. And wished her father could have been here, but with this world’s rules about other species… At least Aerén was taking her home after her intro to his people.
“My lady—I mean, Your Highness,” Mihr hastily corrected, looking as if she’d wring her hands at Leya’s delaying. “You must get ready.” Then, a smile broke free. “The people are abuzz at meeting our new princess, and that Prince Aerén mated a Chosen.”
Yep, the news had spread through the castle that the vegetation in the indoor gardens was starting to flourish, and it was becausebothChosen were in residence.
“I’m glad.” Leya continued her pace-a-thon across the marble tiles, passing the deep sea-gray drapes framing the tall wall of windows. He’d left the choice to her which bedroom she wanted for them, and she’d decided on his. She loved the metallic sage and gray colors in there.
A knock sounded. Leya pivoted as Mihr hurried to answer.
Hana strolled in with a broad smile, carrying a box, already dressed in a long, jewel green, Grecian-style gown.
“Where have you been?” Leya demanded. “Today, of all days, you just disappear?”
“Aww, you missed me. How nice.”
“Hana,” she growled. “You know I have to meet everyone—” She started panting.
“Just breathe. It’s gonna be okay, I promise.” Hana rubbed her back. “Now, before Mihr gets an ulcer, change.”
Inhaling several deep breaths, Leya managed to calm down a bit. “Where were you, anyway?”
Hana propelled her toward the dressing room. “Just getting a few things,” she murmured. “I’m here now. I’m not missing your intro to this world, Princess—” An annoying grin spread across her face. “Leia.”
“Don’t start,” Leya grumbled, grateful she wouldn’t have to relive that corny line here on Empyrea unless Hana was around.
As she undressed, her jaw dropped at seeing the gorgeous pearl-graylehengaHana removed from the box. “How?”
“Questions later, or we’re gonna be late. At least the day’s overcast and not rainy.”
“I could have worn a gown. God knows I have so many already.”
“No, no.” Mihr stared at her with horror. “Those are meredaygowns. This is a special occasion, so you must dress.”
“Yes, you must, Ley,” Hana sang out. “Now, let’s get a move on before Aerén comes looking for his mate, who looks like she wants to run from this gathering. And I will tell.”
Leya glared at her maddening sister as she stepped into the long, flowing skirt. The hemline sported delicate silver embroidery sweeping halfway up the fabric. Her sleeveless, beaded, fitted top ended about two inches below her boobs, leaving a handspan of her torso bare.
Leya pressed a hand to her chest, trying to calm her galloping heart as she faced the mirrored wall. The pearl-gray fabric shimmered between silver and a light sea gray in the light. She hadn’t been sure about the color, but now… It sure looked lovely.
“You always liked Ma’s weddinglehenga. So, I thought on an important day like this, maybe wearing something similar would make you feel closer to her. I know it does for me.”
Leya swallowed, her eyes misting a little. “I wish Appa could have been here for this.”
Hana patted her arm in understanding and picked up the yards-long, sheer scarf, the edge delicately scalloped in silver, too. She draped it over Leya’s shoulder, and it flowed like a train behind her.
