Epilogue

Livia was sitting with her feet up on one of the cocktail tables when Hari and Zerul emerged later that day. Livia smiled. “Congratulations, newlyweds.”

Hari looked at the devastation, the blood, wine, and other dried fluids, flowers, and the occasional smashed pastry. “What did we miss?”

Livia chuckled. “One helluva party.”

Zerul looked at the marble floor. “Are those tire tracks?”

“Those? No. There was a contained tornado.” Livia chortled. “Asta saw more, but she was under the weather.” Livia cackled.

“So, there was a party.”

“Party, riot, international incident. A bit of a fistfight between the bridesmaids. Best. Night. Ever.” Livia grinned. She got to her feet and wobbled off.

Zerul asked, “You didn’t pair off?”

“I just got single. I want to stay that way for a while more. There were offers, but last night was not the night.” Livia walked up to Hari and hugged her. “Congratulations, Hari. You look super happy.”

Zerul looked around. “Where are the staff?”

“Coming back after dark. They wanted to make sure most of your guests were gone. They scattered around eleven.”

He asked, “Who took care of it?”

“Me, Asta, and Vega. It’s what we do, after all.” Livia patted Hari’s arm. “Well, I was just staying up to give you guys the briefing. I am going to call a car and head home.”

Zerul frowned. “The room you were assigned here isn’t appropriate?”

“There are so many of us here, I don’t know which rooms are available. I will come back after I get some sleep and get my purse and clothes.”

Zerul thumbed his phone and spoke softly. “My car is waiting for you. It will take you home.”

“Thanks. I think my phone had too much to drink.” Livia smiled. “Congratulations. Now we just need a post-wedding bridal shower, and all of us ladies want details on how you can mess around that long without even coming up for air.”

Zerul shrugged. “It was messy but not unexpected. The rest was just practice.”

Hari grinned. “By that, he means in the dream realm.”

Livia nodded. “Sure he does. Well, I am heading to bed.”

Hari and Zerul walked her wobbling friend to the entrance, where a line of cars showed the spare rooms were occupied. The owners had to be inside.

The low, sleek car was waiting with the driver, and Hari kissed Livia on the cheek before watching her carefully sent away.

Hari turned to Zerul, “I am going to make breakfast. Come with me and wash dishes.”

He blinked, and a slow smile crossed his lips. “Yes, wife.”

“So, how long have we actually been married?”

“You know those documents for the court you signed last week?”

“Yes.”

“Since then. All safe and secure.” He kissed her forehead. “Right where you are supposed to be.”

“Maybe we should send Serel a thank you card.”

They both chuckled at the absurdity and relaxed into the moment. There would be stressors, and there would be enemies, but Hari was no longer hesitant at defending herself. She was confident that they would manage whatever came their way.

Hari smirked. She really wished she had video of that reception, though.