The light fades away, and thegireturns to the four life sources. I straighten, lowering my arms to my sides. There is no gasping, cheering, or clapping from the people. It seems I have awed the Realm of Four Kingdoms into silence.
But when the sea of people falls to their knees,Igasp, pressing my hand against my chest. I shoot a startled look at Ethan, and he reaches for my free hand.
“Long live the King and Queen of the Realm of Four Kingdoms,” someone shouts as the people rise to their feet. Soon, it becomes a booming chant.
I know they are euphoric with hope that the world might not end tomorrow. I know they haven’t truly accepted me. Even so, tears of gratitude sting my eyes. Maybe—someday—theywillaccept me, and I can stop worrying that I’ll hold Ethan back.
“You’re a star, baby.” His smile crinkles the corners of his eyes.
“Shut up.” I stick my tongue out at him. He kisses me, flicking the tip of his tongue against mine. I squeak and push him away. “Ethan, everyone can see us.”
“And you think someone will object to me kissing my wife?” He arches his brow.
I want to both combust and melt into a puddle. “Think? I?”
Ethan chuckles under his breath and cups my face, the tenderness in his eyes my undoing. “What am I going to do with you?”
I guess I am his undoing too.
“This,” I whisper. “This is exactly what you should do with me.”
He kisses me again, and I don’t push him away this time. I wrap my arms around his neck and deepen the kiss, pushing up to my toes. With a groan, he crushes me against him, and the world narrows until there is only us.
I don’t even bother opening my eyes when my feet hit the ground. Bora and Taeyoung must have brought us back down to the palace courtyard. I don’t want this kiss to end, and Ethan obliges enthusiastically.
“Your Majesties,” Jihun murmurs close to us. “There isn’t much time.”
We finally break apart. But even then, we can’t look away from each other.
“I know.” Ethan blows out a rough breath and steps away from me. “We’re ready to lea—”
“Not yet,” Cheyun says, as the rest of the Sentinels surround us in a half circle. “We bought you a couple of hours.”
“What?” I blink.
“Yes, we have prepared your honeymoon suite,” Minju explains with a shy blush.
“Consider it our wedding present.” Jaeseok grins.
“Oh my gods.” I clap a hand over my mouth, tears stinging my eyes. “Why are you guys so good to me?”
“Because we love you, silly,” Hailey says as though it’s the most obvious thing. But I want to shake her by the shoulders and demand that she say it again. I barely control my manic gratitude.
How am I so lucky?
“Now, come with us.” She tucks her arm into mine. “We have to get you ready for your wedding night.”
I glance at Ethan, and he grins crookedly at me, looking shy and boyish.
“A quick word, Your Majesty.” Jihun pulls Ethan off to the side and gives me an encouraging nod.
Waving inanely at Bora and Taeyoung, I let Hailey, Minju, and Cheyun whisk me away. But I’m too overcome to notice where we’re going until I’m standing in front of ahanok, tucked away behind a picturesque courtyard.
“This way.” Cheyun leads us into thehanokand opens the double sliding doors. “Your honeymoon suite, Your Majesty.”
“Don’t call me that,” I grumble half-heartedly, hesitating outside the room.
My cheeks heat as I take in the “honeymoon suite.” Floating light orbs and soft candlelight cast a warm, muted glow across the room. And a sizable sleeping mat—with a white, silk comforter and two pillow blocks—lies toward the back of the room. Pale-pink rose petals are scattered across the comforter, filling the room with their perfume.
