Epilogue

SIX MONTHS LATER

I sat in my old bedroom, Sage behind me, doing my hair. Sybil was across from me, reviewing paperwork, her hair and makeup already done and her deep green dress on.

"There," Sage said, shoving a final pin in place. It felt like my entire head was made of pins, but when she spun me towards the mirror, I gasped in surprise. My hair was up in a braided bun at the back of my head, intricate curls scattered around to add texture. I had two curls hanging down, framing my face. My makeup wasn't as dark as Sage's, but it gave me some definition and made my lips shiny. I hadn't worn makeup in so long, I'd forgotten what I looked like in it.

"You look like a princess," she said, putting the pins down. She and Sybil were in the same one sleeved dress, but hers was a baby pink.

"I am a princess," I deadpanned.

"Not anymore," Sybil said, joining us. "Now, you're a queen."

"And don't forget captain," Sage added .

I smiled. Right after the mating was declared official, Zarios offered me the job as castle guard captain. At first, I denied it. I was determined to earn my place, I didn't want it just given to me. He was determined that I didn't get it because we were together, but he still allowed me to prove myself to the guards, and they saw my worth as well.

When I first told my mothers, I was worried how they would react. To my surprise, they were nothing but happy for me.

My mama had pulled me aside that day.

"There's something I need to tell you," she said.

"What is it?"

"Your mother isn't the one who wanted to keep you from the knights. It was me."

My brows furrowed in confusion. "I don't understand."

She sighed, dropping her head. "I always wanted what was best for you, and when you showed an interest, I initially thought you would let it go, but you didn't. Your mother thought you could handle it, but the thought of anything happening to you..." A tear rolled down her cheek. "I couldn't handle it. Your mother told me she would take care of it, and I know you think she doesn't support you, but she does. We both do. But she always thought you could do it."

I was stunned. I always thought because my mother was being strict, it was she who wouldn't allow it. I thought it was because I embarrassed her.

"But I am so proud of the woman you've become," Mama said. "And I'm so glad you found your way. I'm sorry I tried to stop you."

"It's okay," I told her, pulling her into a hug. "While I wish things were different, I wouldn't change any of it now."

She gave me a watery smile.

Since that day, my relationship with my mother had improved. We weren't at odds all the time anymore. She didn't even make comments when I wore pants.

My door opened, and my mothers walked in, both looking regal as always. "There you are," Mama said, running to me.

She clasped my hands in hers. "Are you ready?" she asked.

"Ready as ever."

My mother came up next, pulling me into a tight hug. "You look lovely."

I looked at myself in the mirror once more. My dress was a deep maroon, a lightweight skirt with a single slit to look like those in Valcor. The top was an intricate lace with long mesh sleeves.

"We should get moving," Sybil said. "We don't want to be late."

We all headed to the main ballroom, waiting outside the door. The music started, and I watched as Sage walked, then Sybil. My mothers stood one on each side.

The music shifted to a slower, lower tone and the double doors opened. There were what looked like endless rows, all adorned with cascading red and white roses. The aisle was a pretty cream, with petals strewn across it. There were people standing on each side, all eyes on me, but they were all but invisible .

My eyes fell on my husband standing at the end of the aisle. He was in a suit we had to get custom made to fit him. It clung to his body, making him look polished in a way he normally didn't. Though I loved him both ways, this was a nice change.

I stepped in time with the music, moving towards my future, one I was sure would be filled with joy.

When I reached the end, my mothers kissed each of my cheeks before taking their seats.

I stood across from Zarios, my love. Though he had the same hardened look he always did, his eyes shone with light, telling me he was happy too.

We joined hands and listened as the officiant talked of love and life. I hardly heard him, my full focus on the man in front of me.

We repeated our vows, smiling at each other the whole time, meaning every word.

"I love you," I mouthed to him when I was finished.

"I love you too," Zarios mouthed back to me.

I laughed a bit as the officiant gave their closing statements. "Please share your first kiss as a married couple."

Zarios pulled me in, his lips a breath away from mine. "I can't wait to love you forever."

"Me either."

He brought his lips down on mine, and the room erupted in cheers.

When he pulled away, his eyes said it all.

This was no longer pretend.

This was real.

And it was mine.