The crowd moves to the grand hall of Castle Nocturne for a feast in honor of Jackson’s coronation, his birthday and now, his engagement.
The trio is congratulated by all in attendance, the attention only mildly overwhelming compared to the joy in their hearts. Hakeem finally gets to meet the other royal families of the fae realms. He gets the chance to greet the Primavera’s. The group is invited now as guests of honors for the summer solstice in the morning, a week-long festival in the Summer Realm, by the Natsuriyus. The sound of food stalls most definitely entices Hakeem and Eddie to ask Jackson if they could indeed go for the whole week. He lovingly obliges his fiances’ request, mentally preparing for the heartburn that will surely follow their attempts to feed him. The Dendrikoses offer their own congratulations and well wishes for a bountiful life together.
Eddie’s family swarm around them next, Charlie pushing past them from Sarah’s side to engulf Hakeem in a hug. They cry so violently you’d think it would be a tragedy, but they are simply overwhelmingly happy for their dearest friend. Eddie’s siblings argue who would get to stand by him as his best man/maid of honor. Eddie breaks away from the rabble to offer his congratulations to Meghan who announced earlier in the week she and his brother Michael were expecting.
Wendy sneaks by to wrap Jackson in a crushing squeeze, only slightly mad she wasn’t told of his plan beforehand. Jackson jokes saying he didn’t want every gossip in Solomon City to know before today, which she conceded was only mildly fair.
Oswald and Bernard lift Eddie off the ground in tandem as they celebrate their high school best friend. Cheering for him as though they had just won their homecoming game.
After all royals and socialites had given the trio their well wishes and congratulations, the Al-Najims made their way to them. Shadi stands ahead of the group, stoic expression unwavering as he draws his nephew into his embrace. “Hakeem, I know I’ve been a stubborn man, but I am so happy for you. This might be more than Hiba ever dared dream for you.”
Bahera kisses her nephew’s cheek, love radiating from her touch, “We are so happy for you, habibi.”
Hakeem wipes his tears, both his loves close by with a hand on each of his shoulders, “Thank you, Khalo Shadi, Khalto Bahera. For everything.”
Nour and Mazen echo Eddie’s siblings’ query of who gets to be by Hakeem’s side for the wedding. Charlie appears between them and argues it should be them. The scene stirs rowdy laughter from everyone, there truly was so much to be done.
There was a year left in all three men’s degrees. After that, now there was the matter of the wedding of the century to be had.
The idea of what lies in store for the three of them seemed overwhelming. They would be under constant scrutiny by society, their peers and the expectations laid upon them. The path onward would be arduous to say the least. There was no doubt in their hearts that they could face whatever trials and tribulations the realms threw at them.
Together.
Epilogue
December, Gregorian Year 2030
They say never touch a mage’s grimoire unsupervised.
One might imagine Jackson would have learned this lesson from the last time he got tangled, suspended from the ceiling, and left mildly helpless. However, that is not the case today.
One of the lesser known hazards of an academics spell book lies in slightly mistranslated text and issues with pronunciation.
For example: conjuring a string of lights to decorate the home Jackson has made with his two loving fiances, as a holiday surprise.
What can happen, if one is unprepared, is the conjuration of a rope like binding of lights. That then tighten to the unfortunate caster, attach to the high ceiling of a park view apartment, and leave one Jackson Nocturne suspended in the air. Arms bound before him, legs spread, back arched.
And utterly, frustrated.
Another issue that can arise is that ropes of pure light can repel the advent of helpful shadows, no longer a bane on Jackson’s soul. For the light conjured might not burn his flesh, but it does keep his tendrils from getting him down
“Well…shit.” Says Jackson, for there is truly nothing else to say in a moment quite like this.
“Daddy, daddy,” calls Princess.
“A little busy, sweetie.”
The primped and pampered little raccoon scampers down the stairs from the second floor of the apartment. She twitches her nose, eyes wide and blinking as she stares at the trussed up vampiric elf prince.
“I’m bored. Can I go play?”
“Let daddy get down from this and he’ll take you to the park. Can you be a good little girl and take my phone from the kitchen counter and call your Baba?”
Before Princess can comply and get Jackson the professional assistance he needs, the front door creaks open.
“Hello, anyone home?” Calls Eddie.
Oh perfect.“Darling, a little help in here!”
