Epilogue

Akai

T he morning before our wedding, I sat in a nice suit on the edge of the bed, sockless.

A few days ago, Danon had given me a cell phone of my very own and I'd just gotten off the phone with my papa. His plane had landed. He would arrive at the wedding on time.

Danon, like a prince in a fairy tale, knelt before me and lifted my left foot. He tapped the ankle bracelet once and it fell off to the floor making an ugly racket.

The probation period was over. Danon had been finally able to legally control paperwork concerning me. That meant he could keep me as a slave, sell me, rent me, or free me. He chose the latter.

"The evil warlord's curse has lifted, my prince. You are now free to make all your own choices."

"And own property by myself," I added.

"Yes. That, too." Danon tickled the bottom of my foot. "Will you have me as your true husband now? Legal and binding?"

"You were always my true husband." I laughed. "But yes. Yes, I will."

"Then as soon as you get your socks and shoes on, off we go to the courthouse. But first." He paused, reaching into his pocket. When he brought his hand out, in the palm sat a little box.

"What's that?"

"We're doing this properly." He opened the box.

Inside was a silver band with ornate carvings all over it. When I looked closer, I saw the pictures were of a dragon and human entwined.

"You got me a ring?"

"I have one just like it."

I held out my hand. "Put it on me, please."

"I'd be happy to."

It slid on my wedding finger as if made for me. I held up my hand, flashing the ring in Danon's face. "I love it so much. Put yours on, too."

He brought out another box and this time I held the ring and slid it onto his finger.

This was our own private wedding, here and now. The courthouse was only a formality. I leaned forward and kissed him. Danon. My new husband who I vowed to be with forever.

"I love you, Akai."

"I love you, Danon. And Dani, too."

Just then, a wail came from the other room. We both said in unison, "And Caymen, too."

THE END