He met with the steward—an elderly man who had always been kind to Zane and his mother and was aware of all the inner workings of the castle—and discussed helping to rebuild the city.His first order of business was to take the women, children, and ill from the outer ring and bring them into the castle until more permanent homes could be built.
“Where would you like me to put them, sire?”the steward asked, but he didn’t balk at the question, which Zane appreciated.
“Anywhere there’s space.Nine hells, you could put them in my father’s old quarters for all I care.”He paused.“Although, I would remove the gold first so it can be melted down and distributed evenly.”
By this time, they’d walked into the throne room.Zane glared up at the monstrosity of a throne sitting up on a dais—and the little gray lump curled upon the dark green upholstery.Zane should have realized that Cain would have survived an invasion of stars.
“While we’re at it,” Zane mused, “melt down the garish chair, too.I don’t need something that gaudy.And find a new home for that fucking cat.”Cain raised his head and hissed at him.
The steward bowed.“It will be done, Your Majesty.”
“Oh,” Zane said before the man could leave, putting the cat out of his thoughts.“Please also go through the prisoners in the dungeons and release anyone who does not belong there.Leave the murderers, rapists, and thieves, but anyone who is there simply because they wronged my father or was placed there by the stars should be released.”
The old man nodded and strode out of the room to enact the emperor’s orders.It felt amazing to be able to effect change.While Zane understood that it would take a significant amount of time to rebuild the outer ring into a place that was hospitable, at least he was taking the steps to rectify a situation that should have been addressed years before.
For the first time in hours, Zane and Talon were alone.Tal approached him with a grin and wrapped his arms around his waist.Zane looped his hands over Tal’s shoulders and played with his long hair.
“I’m proud of you,” Talon said.
Zane frowned.“For what?”
“For everything you’re doing for the people of Athusa.”
“I’m doing it because it’s the right thing, Tal.It always has been.”
“You’re absolutely correct.But you’re the first one to actuallydothe right thing instead of ignoring the problem or giving the people empty promises.Others in your position would not be so altruistic.”
“I’ll strive to keep making you proud,” whispered Zane.
“I have no doubt that you’ll succeed.”Talon placed a chaste kiss against Zane’s lips, making him sigh.
“Talon,” Zane said, pulling away.He gazed into those warm blue eyes that screamedhome.The force of this man’s love hit him directly in the chest, and there was no hesitation in asking his question.“Will you marry me?”
Tears welled in Tal’s eyes, and Zane wiped them away one by one as they fell.His own teardrops fell in answer to Talon’s.
“Of course I’ll marry you, Zane.I love you so godsdamn much.”
Zane smiled broadly; so wide his cheeks began to hurt.He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been this happy.He grabbed Tal’s hand and started walking.“Come on, then.”
“Where are we going?”Talon laughed.
“To find an officiant.”
Talon tugged him to a stop.Zane turned to him, a question on his lips, to find the other man standing there staring at him.And for the first time that day, Zane faltered.
“We don’t have to do this now, if you don’t want to.I just don’t want to live another minute apart from you.”Zane exhaled the words in a rush.
“I have no problem marrying you right now, my heart.I only think our friends may like to be there.”Talon groaned.“And what about my parents?”
“Listen,” Zane said, closing the distance between them.“We can have today be for us and the little family we’ve created.We’ll have another ceremony with the nobles involved”—Zane wrinkled his nose at the thought—“and we can have another small one with your parents if you want.Talon, I would marry you a thousand times, in a thousand different ways, if it meant I could spend the rest of my life with you.”
“Okay,” Talon whispered.Then he graced Zane with the largest, most genuine smile he’d seen on Talon’s face since he had died.“Can you send someone to fetch our friends?”
Assoonastheirfriends arrived at the castle, Zane and Talon learned of the tragic loss of Sekhan.They apologized to Kaz and offered to postpone, but she wanted them to continue, saying they needed a little levity and happiness.
Hours later, they stood in the gardens underneath an arch covered in white roses, their sweet scent enveloping them all in the crisp spring air.Talon stood across from Zane, beaming like a fool.Their family stood around them in a semi-circle.They had all shown up as they were—wearing whatever clothes they could find.This was not a formal occasion; this was two people pledging their undying love to each other, and they didn’t need fancy clothes or elaborate decorations to do that.The officiant had some words to say, sending thanks to Aaris, and then it was time for them to exchange their vows.
“Talon, you are my soul.”Zane’s heart pounded in his chest.“I realize now that I’ve been searching for you my entire life.All the hardships I’ve been through have led me to you, and for that reason, I wouldn’t change a single thing.I promise to be your anchor and know that together we can weather any storm.I promise to treat your heart the way I would my own.Lastly, I promise to spend the rest of my days with you—all of my mornings, all of my evenings.All of my ups and downs.Everything I am belongs to you.”
