Chapter Seventeen

CHARLIE

Ava and I had been married for a year already, but this ceremony was different. Back then, we'd been forced into a marriage, but here we were a year later, choosing each other all over again and declaring our love in front of our entire kingdom.

When my grandfather first suggested it, I figured the ceremony would more or less act like vow renewals, but it was so much more than that. I felt like I was marrying Ava for the first time. Nothing was rushed this time around, and I could actually sit with the excitement all morning. My face hurt from all the smiling.

I couldn't wait to be in the same room with her, so I went to visit her before the ceremony. I felt her anxiety, so I needed to be there to support her. I knew she wouldn't leave me at the altar, but I couldn't say I wasn't relieved as hell when I heard Oberi's hooves walking through the temple. I'd told Ava I'd be waiting for her at the end of the aisle, and by the Great Spirit, I held my promise. I could never express the joy I felt when she chose to join me.

When we spoke our vows, I felt them deep in my soul, like a contract we'd made long ago was finally being sealed. I didn't think I could love Ava-Marie more than I already did, but by all the gods in the Blessed Haven, I loved her more than ever now. I was certain that neither of us would exit this temple the same.

Thunderous applause drowned out the sound of celebratory flutes. My lips were still on Ava's, and I never wanted the kiss to end. I kissed her again— over and over again, as if no amount of kisses would be enough to show her just how much I loved her.

Save it for the honeymoon, lovebirds, Oberi teased. It's time to go.

I scooped Ava into my arms and carried her down the aisle. I left her chair behind, knowing someone else would grab it for her later. She draped her arms around my neck and squeezed me tightly, like she never wanted to let me go. Gleeful laughter escaped her chest as she waved to the guests as we passed. I practically danced down the aisle, and I felt like I was floating on air… maybe I was. I couldn't be sure, because all my attention was stolen by the woman in my arms.

"This way," my grandfather said. I hadn't even realized he'd followed us.

He wasn't the only one. Other guests flooded out of the temple doors, cheering for our union. I felt someone remove the quilt from our shoulders, taking it to our room for safekeeping.

"It is tradition to present the royal couple to the city following their marriage," my grandfather explained. "Your guests will remain here at the castle, enjoying a cocktail hour until you return. Enjoy the parade, for you two have earned it."

Cassiel guided us into an open-top carriage, and Oberi fluttered down onto the seat beside us. I set Ava onto the velvet bench. Her dress was so big it covered my legs.

The carriage driver snapped the reins. The sound of hooves hit the cobblestone as we were guided toward the palace gates. The gates creaked open. It was quiet for only a moment before I heard a roaring ovation erupt from outside the castle. Ilamanthe residents had gathered along the streets to witness our parade, and they cried out in celebration when they saw us coming.

It's the prince and princess!

We love you, Charlie!

Ava-Marie is the most beautiful bride!

"Charlie, I feel like a real princess!" Ava raved.

I squeezed her hand. "That's because you are, pidge. You better start believing it."

Ava let go of my hand to wave to the crowd, and I did the same. Flower petals rained down on us in all directions. Above us, I heard the sound of large wings flapping, and for a brief moment, the warmth of the sun left my skin.

Ava gasped. "Charlie, there's an air force above us made of all types of magical creatures— dragons, alicorns, phoenixes, you name it. They're all wearing the Elven Union's military crest. There goes Julian with them! Other military officers are stationed along the parade route, and they're saluting as we pass."

I beamed. My grandfather really knew how to put on a spectacle. I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy it just a little bit.

"This is one big parade," Ava commented. "There are musicians and acrobats ahead of our carriage, along with floats that are decorated with all kinds of flowers picked from the royal gardens. The residents are throwing flower petals from the rooftops. There are so many that it looks like rain. The whole city is celebrating our wedding."

I heard a beautiful song being sung ahead of us in Elvish. "Where's the singing coming from?"

"There are performers riding the floats, wearing gorgeous outfits. They're singing wedding songs to accompany the music," Ava explained. "Your grandfather really went all out."

I'd say. We passed by the barracks, and the cry of a general giving orders rang out over the sound of the parade.

"It's the Elvish army, dressed in uniform. There are hundreds of soldiers here in formation," Ava replied. "They're raising their swords in unison to give us a royal salute."

I waved at them, and a rustling noise sounded as all the soldiers bowed in unison. As we left the barracks, a cannon was set off behind us, and the people cheered louder.

"Prince, princess, show us a kiss!" an Elf cried from the sidelines. Had to be a reporter. Dozens of other voices begged alongside him.

Might as well give the people what they want, Oberi suggested, and she nudged me with her beak.

I grinned and grabbed the back of Ava's neck to bring her in. We kissed, and the click of cameras went off in the background as I gave the papers something to feature on the front page tomorrow.

"A taste of what's coming tonight?" Ava teased.

"My hands are going to be all over you," I whispered, and she let out a giggle.

We turned down another side street, and Ava unexpectedly grabbed my arm. Oberi beat her wings. There's a little girl standing off to the side, holding out a flower for you to take.

"Stop the carriage!" Ava called out. The carriage was brought to a halt, and seemingly the whole parade.

I wasn't sure what she was doing, until I felt her gesture to someone beside the carriage. Another person entered. The carriage didn't shift, so the person who entered couldn't have weighed much. It was probably the little girl.

"For you, princess," she said, and the petals brushed my hand as she held it out. She could barely talk. I didn't think she was more than three years old.

Ava took the flower and laid it on her skirt. "Thank you so much. What a lovely gift."

"Your crown is so pretty," the little girl said, sounding awed. "I wish I could be a princess."

"Well, why not?" Ava reached up to take the tiara off, then set it on top of the little girl's head. All around us, the Elves gasped in disbelief that Ava would give such a priceless gift.

It's so big it's almost falling off and into her eyes, Oberi said with a laugh.

She'll grow into it, Ava replied. I wondered if she was talking more about herself and not the child.

"Wow!" the little girl said. "It's so sparkly!"

"Keep it. As a gift from your princess," Ava said sincerely.

The little girl squealed in joy. "Thank you, princess!"

She darted off the carriage, and the people around us cheered even louder. The noise around us swelled to resemble a sports game and not a parade as the carriage moved forward.

"That was very thoughtful," I commented.

"I've got a dozen tiaras at home, and I don't need it. I've still got my wedding veil in," Ava replied. "She should get to feel like a princess for a day."

Ava was so good at being a princess. Much better than I was at being a prince. She made me look good next to her. Ava was such a star, and it was all I could do to bathe in her light.

Plus, the press had clearly eaten that up. The cameras had been going a mile a minute when Ava had put that tiara on the little girl's head. My grandfather was going to be pleased at all the positive reception.

"They really love us, don't they?" Ava asked quietly as the Elves continued to scream, cheer, and cry at our appearance.

"Yeah, they do," I said. "This is a special day for them as well."

Ava's voice dropped as she added, "I just hope I can be the princess they deserve."

"You are, and you will be." I squeezed her hand for reassurance. No matter what we would face in our upcoming rule, she'd always be the perfect royal. I was the one who needed to measure up.

The parade must've lasted for at least an hour. It seemed that we'd covered every street in the city. I didn't think there was a single resident who hadn't witnessed us pass by. We were covered in flower petals, and the music was still going on.

Fireworks exploded in the sky as we returned inside the palace gates, and the city continued to be vibrant and loud. My grandfather said that today had been declared a city-wide holiday. The Elves would be partying throughout the night until dawn to celebrate the wedding, all across Ilamanthe.

The carriage stopped in front of the palace doors, where Eddie was already waiting for us. "Your highnesses," he said with a bow. "The Grand March will begin as soon as you are ready. I have the princesses' chair here."

I scooped Ava into my arms, then helped her down from the carriage and into her bridal chair. She was very particular about the way her dress hung, and Eddie was more than happy to get on his hands and knees to straighten it out. Oberi changed into a husky and followed behind us.

Eddie led us inside and down several hallways. We stopped beside a closed doorway, though I could hear chatter coming from the other side. "Wait here. I will let them know you've arrived, and you will be announced before you come in."

Eddie walked off, leaving us alone. It occurred to me this might be the last time Ava and I would get a spare moment to ourselves during the reception.

"I got you something, pidge," I said as I reached into my suit jacket.

"A present? Charlie, you didn't have to do that!" Ava's voice raised a few pitches.

"I didn't have to, but I wanted to." I pulled out a small velvet box and opened it. Inside sat a pure gold necklace in the shape of tiny handcuffs.

Ava drew a sharp breath. "Oh, Charlie! I love it!"

I don't think those are going to fit her, Oberi cracked.

"Shut up," Ava playfully jabbed back. "I want to wear it!"

I took the necklace out of the box. "I wanted to get you something that would always remind you of our wedding day. I wasn't sure if handcuffs were fitting, but they felt right for us. I couldn't get the gold right with my illusion magic, so I had the royal jeweler custom make it."

Ava took off the necklace she was wearing and gave it to Oberi to keep safe. I secured the clasp of the handcuff necklace around her neck.

"It's perfect. I'm never taking it off!" Ava raved. She wrapped her arms around my middle. "Thank you, Charlie."

"You're welcome, pidge." Now she would always know she was mine. I never wanted anything else.

Eddie's footsteps approached. "Your highnesses, it is time."

Double doors opened in front of us, and trumpets blared. Eddie cried, "Presenting His Royal Highness Prince Charles Majestica, Grand Duke of Ilamanthe, and his bride, Her Royal Highness Princess Ava-Marie Wahkin, Grand Duchess of Ilamanthe."

We entered an expansive room with a tall ceiling and polished floors. Our guests applauded, and chairs squeaked as people stood to give us a standing ovation.

The ballroom is gorgeous! Ava gushed telepathically. All the doors are trimmed in silver, and a glittering chandelier is hanging above us burning black candles. Diamond streamers are hanging from the ceiling. The lights are dimmed to give a dark ambience. Our guests are seated at tables around the perimeter of the room, and a string quartet is set up in the corner. The curtains and tablecloths are in black, and there are massive bouquets of pink flowers for the centerpieces. A multi-tiered wedding cake in black with pink roses is in the corner. It's a perfect wedding for a pair of villains.

Ava didn't have to describe the room to me for me to know how wonderful it was. I could feel the joy in the air as our guests welcomed us with a booming fanfare. It was hard to believe they were here for us, celebrating our union. The first time we got married back at the Institute, our union was treated as a nuisance. Here, our love was celebrated. I couldn't imagine a better way to show Ava just how much I loved her than to declare it in front of all our family and friends— hell, our entire nation.

We were guided to the front of the room, where our wedding party was already seated at a head table. We passed by a table where our parents sat, and my father stood to shake my hand.

"Congratulations to you both," Cameron said. "I'm very happy for you."

He was being really nice, and I didn't know how to respond to that. It was easier when we were yelling at each other.

"Thanks," I told him. I didn't know what else to say.

Cameron sniffled, and I thought for a second he was crying about my wedding. To hide his emotions, he quickly added, "Wish I'd have gotten a wedding as lovely as this. Your mother and I had to get married in secret, so we never got the big celebration."

There it was. Of fucking course he had to make this about himself. My father was jealous, and he had to make sure I knew it. I wasn't going to let him ruin this special day, though.

"Didn't you and Drea have a royal wedding?" I asked, trying to keep the harshness out of my tone.

"Yes, but it wasn't the same," Cameron admitted. He wasn't going to drop it.

"Yeah, well, I wouldn't have all this if it wasn't for my seanari," I said. I left it at that, then turned away and led Ava up to the head table.

"What a prick," she mumbled under his breath. "So he didn't have the wedding he wanted. Doesn't mean he has to ruin it for us. He could suck it up for a night."

I pushed her chair in at the table. "Don't worry, love. This is our special day, and nothing he can say will ruin it."

I took a seat next to Ava, and Oberi hopped onto a chair beside me that was reserved especially for him. He sniffed the air, then licked his lips loudly. He was practically panting. I smell meat!

Servants came around with our first course, which was a Greek salad made with fresh tomatoes and bell peppers tossed with delicious feta cheese. Ava ate all of her salad, which was a good sign. She was feeling well today. I was worried she'd have a flare-up on this most important of days, but we'd gotten lucky, because she was thankfully at her best.

Oberi turned up his nose. In his words; salad is what real food eats.

As the servants came around with platters of food for our main course, my stomach rumbled at the delicious smell of lamb and roasted veggies. The perfect blend of basil and garlic burst across my taste buds when I took a bite. I tried to slow down and savor every bite, but it was difficult when it was so damn good.

Ava gave a slight sigh and whispered under her breath, "I wish I had gotten my way on this one."

"It's my grandfather's favorite. We had to compromise on something," I offered.

"I don't mind eating meat, but I'm not a fan of consuming innocent little babies. It feels like we're offering up a sacrificial lamb," Ava argued. "The Warden would probably love this meal."

"Then it's the only thing he and I will ever agree on," I said, and I greedily took a second helping, because I couldn't get enough. This was great.

"You can have it, but I'm not eating it. There's plenty of other food here, like these delicious rolls," Ava said happily.

Oberi scarfed down his lamb chops and barked at a server to bring him more. They came back with a plate piled so high I could feel the heat coming off it. I had no doubt Oberi would eat each and every item on his plate.

"Oberi, mind your manners, please," Ava said as she gently sliced her vegetables. "This is a royal occasion."

As the royal pup, I can do whatever I want, Oberi stated proudly. I request that the kitchen save all the leftovers and deliver them to my room promptly when the party ends.

I sighed heavily. "Whatever you say, royal pup."

Ava snickered.

Someone clinked their glass, and the chatter in the room died down. Liam cleared his throat, then stood. "I'd like to thank you all for being here today to celebrate my daughter's marriage. I cannot thank Emperor Cassiel enough for his hospitality, and for hosting such a wonderful celebration."

Liam paused to contemplate. "I love my little girl. I think that's clear to everyone who's ever seen me with her. I've adored Ava from the moment I found out my wife and I were going to have a girl over twenty years ago. She's the best of my life, and the light of my world. Years ago, she gave me a reason to keep fighting when I didn't think there was anything left to fight for. I swore the day she was born there'd never be anyone for her, because no one would love her as much as I did. I didn't ever want to give her away, because she was just too precious, and too special. But then I met Charlie, and I realized how wrong I was."

I was shocked. I didn't think Liam would say anything about me in his speech, and if he did, I didn't think it would be anything good. But Liam went on. "Charlie, you're a good person. I've seen you be a good husband, even when Ava's pushing your buttons. At first, I didn't think the two of you fit together, but after seeing how you interact together, I know now that there were never two people that were better meant for each other. You take care of her in a way that I never could, and you understand her better than anyone else in this world. Our family is more than happy to welcome you as our son."

Despite trying to hold my emotions back, I found myself choking up. It was really nice that Liam supported me and accepted me for who I was. Ava put a hand on my arm, sounding teary-eyed herself.

"My wife and I are here to support you both, and we will until we join the ancestors, and even beyond," Liam stated. "You two have been married for a year now, so you already know how it is. Marriage isn't simply a piece of paper, or a legal arrangement. It's a commitment to be the best you can be for one person for the rest of your lifetime. It changes the fundamental makeup of who you are, for better or worse. Marriage is easy, it's hard, and everything in between. If I can leave you both with one piece of advice, it is this; The world will never stop throwing things at you, and things will always change, but what's important is that your love remains consistent and something you both can count on. As long as you have each other, you can face anything together. To Ava and Charlie."

"To Ava and Charlie," the crowd toasted. They didn't address us by our official titles, which was nice, because it meant we were surrounded by friends. These people knew us on a personal level, and it was everything I'd dreamed of to have them here today.

My father stood next. "That was a lovely speech, Liam. I suppose now it's my turn."

"Aw, fuck," I mumbled under my breath. Here we go. I reached for Ava's hand under the table and squeezed it. She held onto me tightly. I'd told her Cameron couldn't ruin our wedding, but I had a feeling he was about to prove me wrong.

"What can I say?" Cameron started.

Nothing. Sit back down, Ava cracked telepathically.

That made me smile, and I squeezed her hand even tighter.

"Charlie, ever since you were a little boy, I knew you were destined for great things," Cameron said. "I remember the day you were born. You were so small when I held you."

You deserve a Father-of-the-Year Award for that, considering it was the only time you were there for him, Ava growled.

I chuckled under my breath. He's certainly trying to win himself some points with our guests, I joked back through our bond. They can all see right through him, and I bet he knows it.

Cameron cleared his throat, then slurred, "Just a tiny little baby. You were walking by the time you were six months old."

By the ancestors, Charlie's a miracle baby! Ava exclaimed telepathically.

I cracked a smile at that one, and I had to hold back a laugh. It certainly has nothing to do with my father's shit memory.

Cameron let out a snicker. "You were such a fussy baby. You'd drive me nuts with your crying, day in and day out, but I let your mother handle all that."

Is he drunk? I asked Ava. I hadn't noticed before when we were talking to him, but now, it was unmistakable.

He looks fucking plastered, Ava complained. I bet he was like that at the ceremony, too.

Eh, Elvish tradition? I bet it won't even take an hour before he's stumbling back to his quarters, Oberi cut in.

We're taking bets now? Ava teased. I'll give him at least an hour and a half. He'll have twelve glasses of wine in him by then. I think he's already on glass number three.

Ah, so that explains the speech, I quipped. I never thought he'd actually get up and say something.

Oh, he's saying something, all right, Oberi said.

"It's not easy being a parent, you know," Cameron rambled on. "You need to be strong, make hard decisions, and there are a lot of sacrifices."

What was he talking about? My dad had been around when I was a toddler, but I was barely three years old when I'd been taken away from him, and we'd hardly talked since I got to Ilamanthe.

"Kids don't like to listen," Cameron complained. "You give them the world, and they throw it back in your face. They do what they want and don't like to obey. As a father, there were dreams I had to give up and money I had to waste, because I had a child and he was supposed to come first."

The reception hall was stunned into silence. Embarrassment began to creep across my skin, and I felt my cheeks redden. Ancestors, this was mortifying. I couldn't believe my father was humiliating me like this, in front of all our guests.

I'm going to kill him, Ava thought, and her Fire began to smolder between our interlocked fingers.

Just let him finish. My grandfather said that murder wasn't exactly unusual at an Elvish wedding, at least not historically. According to him, it was only fifty or so years ago that an Elvish wedding was considered boring if at least one body wasn't getting dragged out of the reception hall at the end of the night. But I really didn't want my beautiful bride getting blood on her dress. She liked it too much.

"I was still the best dad that I could be," Cameron slurred. "Despite the circumstances. Charlie and I had to spend a few years apart?—"

A few years? I thought angrily. More like my entire life!

"—And he went through some hard times. Most of you have heard that he grew up on the streets, doing unmentionable things in order to survive," Cameron ranted. "And I feel bad that I couldn't be there for him as a father should, even though I did my absolute best to. Sometimes, life happens."

He was talking about the absolute worst time of my life when this was supposed to be the happiest day of my existence. It made me feel like absolute shit.

"Should we get up and stop this?" I heard Chancey murmur to the other groomsmen a few seats down from me. They mumbled back, not sure what to do.

"The lesson here is to never forget about family," Cameron ranted. "And son, I know you're a prince now, but don't let the riches and fame go to your head. It can be really hard, having all this money and being a part of the royal family. But there are benefits to being a Majestica. Your wedding guests here will certainly be giving you some elaborate gifts, but don't forget the presents will be going into the royal treasury, where all of us can share it."

So much for not letting the riches go to your head. Jewels always ended up in the royal treasury, so they'd be shared amongst the family, which really meant he'd benefit from our wedding gifts anyway. As if the royal family didn't already have enough. He was making this all about him when this was supposed to be mine and Ava's day. What's more, he was trying to profit off our guests. What the hell was he thinking? This was insane.

I honestly couldn't believe Cameron. My grandfather's lessons had changed my life, and I knew my dad had gone through the same teachings. Did Cassiel's words not have any effect on him at all? He wanted the benefits of being Emperor, but not any of the responsibility.

I guess that was a theme of his, because he wanted to have the title of being my father and brag to people about having a son, but he didn't want to actually do any of the work. My father and I were complete opposites, because I would go to any lengths to make sure my people thrived, and I would give up anything if I had a child of my own. Cameron wasn't willing to sacrifice a bit of comfort to be a ruler or a parent, and I realized he didn't deserve to be either.

Cameron chuckled. "Remember, Charlie. Your duties as a royal aren't as important as your family. Your mother isn't here today, and I'm sure, like all of us, that you regret that she isn't. Because you can't get time with your loved ones back once they're gone."

It really hurt when he brought up my mom, more than anything else he'd said. I wished he'd stop. It wasn't like it was her choice not to come to this wedding. She was dead… because she'd died for me. My dad had made sure to remind me of that on my wedding day.

I gripped Ava's hand so tightly I was sure I was restricting circulation, but she didn't let go. Unexpectedly, I felt another hand slip into mine. Marcus held tight to show his support.

I grasped his fingers back and didn't pull away. I was a pretty masculine guy, but all that bravado was walking out the door right now, and I needed him to help me at the moment. I was grateful as hell for him, because besides the comfort, his hand in mine prevented me from getting up from his chair and socking my old man, which I very much wanted to do. I'd rather get in the boxing ring with six vampires, because that couldn't be more painful than this speech.

Cameron's voice got high-pitched. Man, he really was wasted. "His best friend, Martin, he seems like a nice guy. And that Katrina girl he hangs around with is really swell. And my daughter-in-law, Ava… well, I'm proud of her, too. I've heard she has a beautiful voice, and she plays piano in every one of her videos. She's written three whole songs!"

Ava had certainly written more than three songs. She had whole albums she'd finished before she'd even left high school. We'd written dozens of songs together at the Institute alone, and I was the one who always played the piano, not her.

My dad didn't know us at all, and this was the proof.

A chair scraped backward, and I just knew my grandfather was interrupting. He had to be embarrassed, too. I was surprised he'd let it go on for as long as he did.

"That's enough, my son. I believe our other guests would like to speak," Cassiel said gracefully, smoothly saving the situation.

Cameron hiccupped. "Oh. Okay. I'll wrap it up. I guess what I'm trying to say is, I'm proud of the man you've become, Charlie. Cheers to the happy couple."

"Cheers," the guests echoed, though their response sounded really awkward. Cameron had none of the qualities my grandfather had as a leader, and damn, it showed now.

Cameron sat back down, and I could finally breathe. I wasn't sure I believed him when he said he was proud of me, or if that's just what he was supposed to say, but I'd take it, so long as that awful speech was finally fucking over.

Marcus hurried to move things along. "I guess that means it's our turn."

Kallie stood and clinked her glass, getting people's attention. "For those of you who don't know me, I am Princess Kalina Nowak of Malovia, and I'm the maid-of-honor."

"Yeah— and I'm the best man. My name's Marcus, not Martin," Marcus said.

Ava and I were already laughing. We couldn't hold it in, not after that ridiculous speech from my dad. It sounded like the two of them had rehearsed this already.

Marcus continued for Kallie. "Of course, it would be traditional for the two of us to give a big speech, but Ava and Charlie are anything but traditional."

"Just look at their wedding— they did the whole thing backwards," Kallie cracked. "You're supposed to hold the ceremony before you get married."

"I couldn't wait!" Ava joked. The crowd laughed along with us.

"And so, in true Ava and Charlie fashion, Kalina and I have decided to go untraditional and put on a play, rather than a speech," Marcus announced. "We present to you the true story of Ava-Marie and Charlie's marriage."

He clapped his hands loudly. "Places, everyone!"

All along the head table, chairs squeaked as our friends stood to make their way to the center of the ballroom. Even Oberi hopped down and followed behind the rest of the wedding party. Ava and I were both stunned into silence, because we didn't know they were planning this. I couldn't imagine what they had in store.

"Oh, ancestors," Ava whispered. "They have costumes."

"Costumes?" I asked.

"Kallie's in a leather jacket, and Marcus put on a wig," Ava groaned.

I was intrigued. This was going to be interesting, at the very least.

"Our story begins on a warm summer day in a distant land known as Kinpago," Alistair narrated dramatically. "The sweet maiden Ava was taking a stroll through the streets of her home when she unexpectedly ran into the tall, dark and handsome Charlie."

"Who are you calling a sweet maiden?" Ava called out, and the crowd laughed hysterically.

Two pairs of footsteps came from either side of the ballroom before crossing paths.

"Ooph!" Marcus said dramatically as he bumped into Kallie, giving a girlish croon.

"Watch it, sweetheart," Kallie grunted in a masculine voice. She'd made me sound like a fucking caveman. I wasn't that broody. "What do you think you're doing in a rough part of town like this?"

"Oh, just fucking off, as usual!" Marcus chirped, and the audience laughed. Ancestors, his female voice was horrible. It was obnoxious and totally overdone. I grinned at how good he was at it.

"I didn't mean to bump into you— except, I totally did, because I use my bad boy persona to act tough when I don't have to," Kallie grumbled. "What's your name?"

Marcus giggled like a little schoolgirl. "My name's Pigeon! I'm called that because my brain is the size of one, at least when it comes to men!"

Ava let out a spewing laugh, slamming her hand against the table. I was glad she was having fun.

"Pigeon? I'm going to call you pidge," Kallie replied. "That's a nice name for a pretty girl."

"Am I a pretty girl?" Marcus squeaked, and the crowd roared.

"The prettiest I've ever seen. I'm Charlie. Now do what I tell you to and run along. This part is important, because you're going to be doing a lot of that in the future."

"Okay!" Marcus peeped, then he sighed dramatically as he flounced away. "Oh, my. That man was so gorgeous. He's like a world tour… for my vagina!"

Ava bust a gut laughing, then quickly added under her breath, "I told Kallie that in confidence!"

I smirked. "You really thought that about me?"

"Yes, but it's missing context, all right?" Ava said. "And you can't tell me I was wrong."

I beamed. "You certainly weren't."

The play continued. I sat back, wondering what these two would come up with next.

Marcus let out a dainty croon. "Mm… I can't find my wallet. Perhaps I dropped it on the beach. I'll go look!"

Marcus began skipping across the ballroom. He gasped, stumbling backward as he oversold his surprise. "What is that? Oh, it's my Familiar! I've finally bonded. Her name is Oberi."

Oberi shifted into a Fire unicorn and trotted up next to Marcus.

"You stay away from my Familiar!" Kallie shouted, coming on scene. I swore, she made me sound more stupid with every word she uttered.

"No one asked your opinion," Marcus shot back. "Go away, you big, strong man you."

"Now, now, children." Ezekiel entered, using a gruff tone I could only assume was an impression of his Grandpa Elliot. His voice sounded muffled— like he was wearing a fake beard. "Let's not get too carried away. You have both bonded to the same creature, and you have no choice but to work together. Ava, show Charlie around school and don't get into any trouble. Don't even think about stealing a boat and running off together."

"Hey, my grandfather had a great idea!" Marcus said once Ezekiel exited the stage. "Perhaps we should steal a boat and run off together! It's not like anything could go wrong!"

"That's a grand plan!" Kallie raved.

"That isn't how it happened," I grumbled to Ava, while she snickered.

Our friends started clapping and stomping their feet, mimicking the sound of a storm.

"Oh, no!" Marcus cried dramatically. "These waters are too rough. Good golly gee, I think I broke a nail!"

"I'll show you rough," Kallie rumbled, and I snorted.

"How dare you! I would never sleep with a brute like you— except, I totally would!" Marcus screeched.

"Lower your sails and turn back to shore!" Chancey called out. It sounded like he was speaking through a megaphone.

"Oh no!" Marcus gave a high-pitched yelp. "It's the police! Quick, Charlie. Sail faster!"

"You're under arrest," Ivy practically sang in a smooth voice that made this sound more like a porno than anything. I was certain it was intentional. Metal clinked together, and I realized they'd brought real fucking handcuffs as props.

Yep— a real porno for sure. This certainly wasn't appropriate for a royal affair, but then again the Majestica family weren't your typical royals, either. I could hear my grandfather chuckling from the nearest table.

"You can't arrest me!" Marcus panted, and now he sounded like the one who was in a porno. "I'm the daughter of a chief!"

"Sure you are, and I'm an Emperor's grandson," Kallie said sarcastically. This got a big laugh from the audience.

The scene quickly shifted, and all our friends rushed to center stage.

"Order!" Ivy called seductively. "Order in the court!"

Great, now they were a horny judge, too.

"Your honor, my client is innocent," Opal insisted, playing her part well. "Ava-Marie was never on that boat."

"Charlie's the criminal!" Marcus whined, stomping his foot. "You'll never believe what he did. Your honor, he stole. My. Wallet!"

Ava leaned over to me and whispered, "Well, they got one thing right."

"Well, we can't separate you two, and also, we like the sexual tension, so you are both hereby sentenced to the Darke Institute for Supernatural Offenders," Ivy announced, banging a gavel.

"Anywhere but there!" Marcus feigned dramatically. "I'm too hot for prison!"

Our friends dragged him off, while Kallie took centerstage. "Perhaps this pidge is not as bad as she seems. I feel terribly sorry for her. If only I could understand my feelings, then I could articulate what I feel about her. Sadly, my emotional intelligence is equal to that of a kumquat, so I'll just ignore what my heart is telling me and misinterpret it as anger. Me punch things, me feel better."

I sputtered. Okay, I'd been a little oblivious, but that was pushing the envelope a bit, right?

"I hate him, Oberi," Marcus whined from her side of the stage. Oberi stomped her foot and gave a loud neigh. "It's Charlie's fault we're in this prison. He's complete trash."

Kallie whipped off her leather jacket and spun it around over her head, then tossed it across the room. It smacked me across the face, and I laughed hysterically.

"Who wants to go for a swim?" Kallie cried. "Look at me, all hot and shirtless! My swim trunks don't fit, so that just means you can almost see my junk past my happy trail, and I'm too inconsiderate to pull them up!"

"Those abs!" Marcus raved to Oberi. "If Charlie's trash, consider me a raccoon, because I love garbage!"

The crowd completely lost it at that. Ava and I laughed so hard that we were leaning against each other. This was fucking hilarious. They were playing their parts so well.

"Fast forward a few years, and our two star crossed lovers were in a tight predicament," Alistair narrated. "As the story goes, anyone with Elvish blood at the Institute was taken away, to where, no one knew, by the Warden himself."

"Boo!" The crowd jeered, and I smirked. Boo indeed.

"The Warden discovered that Charlie had Elvish blood, and there was only one way to save him— through an arranged marriage, conceived by the princess herself!" Alistair announced.

"Charlie, we need to get married so the Warden can't kidnap you, and that's the only reason," Marcus peeped. "It's not like I secretly love you or anything."

"Yeah, I understand. You want to save me, not be with me. At least, that's what I think, because like I said, feelings are hard for me to read. Or have," Kallie grunted.

Ava socked me in the arm, and I cringed. That hadn't been one of my finest moments.

"So marry me!" Marcus cried. "There's an officiant in the chapel right now. We can get married, and I can pretend that I'm not totally head over heels for you, even though it's obvious to everyone else!"

"Cool, I guess. I must stay completely rigid, so you can't understand what's going on with me and we can fight about it later, like we always do," Kallie stated.

"It's so true!" Ava yelped. It sounded like she was crying laughing.

Eddie stood in as Professor Hemlock. "Do you?—?"

"Yes!" Kallie and Marcus both said in unison.

"Then I declare you man and wife," Eddie said. "You may now kiss the bride."

The crowd erupted into cheers, and Ava and I clapped loudly. "Aw, Marcus dipped Kallie down into a stage kiss. How cute!" Ava exclaimed.

"Yeah, a stage kiss," I said sarcastically. I knew what he was trying to pull. Just friends my ass.

"There you have it!" Alistair announced. "The true story of the prince and princess's marriage. Though another year of hardship would pass, it was on their wedding day a year later when they found their true happily ever after."

Marcus took center stage again, and this time, his voice had turned serious. "Ava, Charlie, we cannot thank you enough for the joy your love has brought into our lives. You guys created a safe place at the Institute for each of us to make friends and find our forever family. Your love is bigger than just the two of you, because it's influenced us all. It is because of you that all of us are here today."

"Thank you for all the laughs, all the memories, and most importantly, our friendship," Kallie added. "Congratulations to the not-so-newlyweds."

The room burst into applause again. I found my throat tightening up, because after the comedy show they'd just put on, I hadn't expected them to get so serious. I raised my glass and took a sip of wine, trying to hide my response.

Our friends returned to the head table, and Oberi came over to nudge her nose against my cheek. Your turn, Charlie!

"What are you talking about?" Ava asked. "It's Charlie's wedding. He doesn't need to give a speech."

"It isn't a speech," I told her gently. "I have something else planned."

I got out of my chair as the servants rolled a grand piano to the center of the ballroom. The room quieted as I sat; everyone was curious what I was going to do.

I softly played a high C note three times, before launching into a C major arpeggio and then adding more complicated melodies in the lower register. It was soft at first, growing in intensity as I played the keys faster. The acoustics in the ballroom were beyond comparison, and my music twinkled like stars against the high ceiling. As I got into the song, I leaned forward, and my face hit a microphone I hadn't realized had been set up there.

I got an idea. I didn't even think about it. I just started singing, improvising the lyrics to my melody as I went. I never thought about adding music to this song— lyrics were Ava's thing, and the piano was mine. But when I was there, lost in the moment, the words just spilled out of me. It was like they existed all along inside of me, and I didn't know they needed to come out until now.

You were a light among the dark

When I didn't even know that night had fallen

A beacon to my broken heart

Somehow I heard you calling

When the day broke

You were the sunrise

The cosmos rearranged

The morn' you called my name

Call it fate; call it destiny

Say the ancestors led you to me

All I know is this is meant to be

Even gods can't take you from me

I clung to the pigeon's croon

And somehow made my way to you

We've been set free; now we can fly

This world is ours ‘til the day we die

We can tear it down or rise above

Because there's nothing stronger than our love

The melody faded as the song came to an end. I knew it was custom to repeat a chorus, but somehow, the song felt perfect just like that. I leaned back on the bench as the final chord reverberated through the ballroom. I could feel Ava's emotions pouring into me through the bond. She was crying; I already knew it.

Charlie, that was beautiful, Ava told me telepathically.

It's how I feel, pidge, I replied.

Only a moment later did I remember we weren't alone. I'd been so lost in the music— so lost in her. The crowd went wild with applause.

I stood from the piano, and the servants quickly came to wheel it away. I never once took my focus off of Ava-Marie. I approached the head table, but instead of going to sit down, I took her hand. I gestured to the string quartet, and they began playing a slow song for our first dance.

"Hold on," Ava said. "I've got to unlock my chair's wheels."

I shook my head. "You don't need your chair, pidge."

I scooped her up in my arms, and she gave a little yelp. I carried her onto the dance floor, then gently placed her feet on mine. I held her around the waist to keep her upright. My heart filled with joy as I began to sway her back and forth.

Tears leaked from Ava's eyes and landed on my suit coat. Her voice cracked as she said, "Charlie, we're dancing."

"Of course, pidge," I whispered. "It's our first dance."

"I didn't think I would get one." She sniffled, then squeezed me tighter and buried her face in my chest. "Thank you for this, and for the song, too. It was lovely."

"Anything for you, my love."

I truly meant it. Whatever she wanted, she could have. Everything I did, I did for her.

Ava leaned in closer and whispered, "I got you something too, but it's for later."

My dick hardened, because I could only imagine what she had in store. I was thankful at that moment for her huge dress, because it hid my hard-on when all eyes were on us.

I barely registered the guests, though. I was so mesmerized by my wife as I spun her around the dance floor. Holding Ava close like this on our wedding night was something I could only ever dream of, but here it was, really happening.

My fingers trailed over her dress. There were so many bumps and ridges from rhinestones and sparkles that it was a lot to take in, and there were raised dots on the skirt. It was like Ava had chosen the beads just for me, so I could experience the beauty of her wedding dress like all our guests— then I realized that she had. She wanted me to see this dress just like everyone else could. I was so touched.

"Remember our first dance at our last wedding?" I asked.

"That silly reception at the Devil's Playground." She laughed lightly. "Our friends made us."

"I was so worried at the time. I thought you hated me," I confessed.

"I wanted to dance with you. But I was too scared."

"There was never anything to be afraid of, pidge. We belong together."

I took in every sensation of her body against mine, and the beat of her heart against my chest. I was so overcome with joy and love, and I never wanted this night to end.

The song eventually concluded, and our guests applauded. All of our friends swarmed onto the dance floor, surrounding us at all angles.

"We're so happy for you guys!" Kallie squealed as she threw her arms around the two of us.

"This wedding is even better than your first," Marcus cut in, squeezing us tight from our other side. "You should do this every year."

I laughed. "If I could, I'd marry Ava every day for the rest of my life."

"And beyond," Ava added.

I beamed. "Every day for the rest of forever, because that's how long we're going to be together."

"Forever," Ava mused in my arms. "I can certainly live with that."

Marcus sniffled. "All of us, together forever. It's so beautiful!"

I sighed heavily, but really, I was masking my feelings as I choked up. "I suppose you guys aren't going anywhere, huh?"

"Come in here, all of you!" Ava cried.

A different slow song began to play as all of our friends gathered around, wrapping us in a group hug. Nobody moved to end it, either. We began swaying back and forth. The group dance felt slow and intimate. Kallie and Marcus pressed in around us, while Ivy hummed to the beat. Alistair and Eddie rocked side by side, while Ez and Opal leaned on each other.

Chancey was bawling— I knew, because it was right in my ear.

You know what? My dad had screwed up his speech earlier, but this was my family. I'd die for any one of these guys. We'd been through some mad shit and slayed some wicked foes, and we were still fucking here, and we were still friends. All of us were together, and that's how it always should be. I never wanted that to change.

I had to fight every day to prove that I was worthy growing up, and sometimes it felt like I was still fighting the entire world, all the time. I never thought I'd be good enough, but my friends insisted that wasn't true. I needed these people to remind me who I was every single day. I was more than just the ups and the downs; I belonged to them. When I was at my weakest, they promised I was strong, and they held me up when I just went numb to it all. The person I was lived inside of them. I couldn't fail, not when I had these guys to back me up.

My friends believed in me when I didn't believe in myself. And I believed them, too, when they said they loved me. That was the biggest miracle I'd ever experienced.

The song ended, and the group slowly broke apart. I was really grateful to have that moment with my friends. Whatever happened, even if things didn't stay the way they were now, it was a memory I'd always cherish.

Okay, enough with the sappy stuff. Now it's time for some real music, Oberi demanded.

"Woohoo!" Kallie yelled. "Let's party!"

Oberi stomped her hooves at the DJ, and fast-paced music began to boom over speakers set around the ballroom. Our friends let us go to begin spinning or twerking across the dance floor. Eddie brought Ava's chair, and I helped her into it. She kept on dancing the whole time, shimmying her boobs against me and grabbing my ass as I shook it in her direction.

"All right, now it's a party!" a grating voice called from beside us. A vampire who reeked of alcohol and blood stumbled against me. He must've had several bottles of wine by now, because it took a lot to make a vampire drunk.

I groaned. "Go away, Danny. You weren't invited."

"I crashed!" he stated proudly, before rubbing his ass against me to the music. I shoved him hard. He stumbled, but didn't fall over.

"Actually, I invited him," Ava said.

"And I'm having a great time!" Danny cheered. He threw his hands upward, and a splash of wine landed on my pant leg.

"Danny, you're drunk," I complained.

"Shh…" Danny hissed, coming in close to me. "Don't tell anyone, because it's a secret… but getting drunk is what you do at weddings."

"Get drunk somewhere else." I put my hand on his face and pushed him away.

Danny laughed. "Lighten up. It's supposed to be the happiest day of your life!"

Danny stumbled off to another part of the dance floor.

"Oh, be nice to him," Ava scolded playfully. "He's just here to party."

"Well, he can party somewhere else," I said, before taking her hands in mine and spinning her around.

Danny completely fell from my mind as we continued dancing to upbeat songs. This was supposed to be a royal affair, but neither Ava nor I held back. We groped each other and shook our asses, spinning all over the dance floor like we owned it— and we fucking did. This palace, this nation, this world… it was ours for the taking. Now that we were officially joined in marriage under the gods and the ancestors, it felt as if we could do anything and not one fucker alive was going to stop us.

The song changed to a slow song, and Ava gave a heavy sigh. "Whew! I need a drink."

"I'll get it, love," I offered.

I went over to the drink table, and Ava followed. I was filling a glass of punch when the hairs on the back of my neck stood. I didn't understand why, until I heard the voice of Ava's aunt behind me.

"Ava. Charlie," Maddie said.

I turned to her, though my tone was stilted. "Maddie. I trust you're having a good time."

"It's been a great wedding," she said. "I'm very happy for both of you. Happiness like this is something we must never take for granted."

Aw, fuck. I just knew she was going to come in here with her end of the world bullshit. This wasn't the time or the place for her to issue some warning about our prophecy.

I kept my cool while I handed Ava her glass. Before my wife could say anything, I extended my hand in Maddie's direction. "Would you like to dance?"

Maddie hesitated a moment, then said, "Yes. Thank you."

"Have fun!" Ava called. She thought the gesture was innocent, but really, I was trying to get her aunt away from her, so she didn't ruin Ava's special night.

I guided Maddie onto the dance floor, and we began to spin in slow circles. Nearby, Marcus and Kallie's soft voices drifted over the ballroom. They'd been hanging on each other all night and hadn't been apart all evening. I thought something like this would trigger them, but they were laughing, and seemed perfectly fine.

I'd broken their bond. But to be honest, I wasn't sure if things were completely over between them yet. They still acted like there was something there, especially at this wedding. The two of them were behaving like a couple, dancing together and whispering softly, though they'd both promised me they were just friends.

I supposed we'd see.

"Congratulations on your wedding, Charlie," Maddie said.

"You didn't come here to congratulate me," I said coldly. "You came to give me another warning."

"I could try, but it wouldn't do any good, would it?" Maddie replied in an equally cool manner. "You've made your choice already, and there's nothing I can do to stop it."

"No," I told her as we stiffly swayed. "I decide the fate of my prophecy, so it's already done. I don't care if the evidence proves otherwise. Ava and I have already won. We will defeat the Warden."

"I cannot change your mind, but I will leave you with this," Maddie said. "Don't lie to yourself, Charlie. If that is the way you truly feel, then so be it. But don't let your confidence overshadow what you know to be true. Eventually, the truths you are hiding from yourself will come to light. You can't run from that."

I tilted my head. "Why would I run from something I'm not afraid of?"

"Because you should be afraid of it, Charlie," Maddie responded hollowly. "We all should."

I was grateful that the song ended then. An upbeat melody came on, and Kallie rushed to my side in an instant.

"Charlie, come dance with me," Kallie begged, dragging me away. "Marcus is being a limp dick and went to get cake."

I didn't afford Maddie so much as a goodbye. I think she got the message.

I spun Kallie around, and she laughed gleefully. "You and Marcus seem to be having a good time," I called over the music.

She leaned in and said, "We're having the best time."

Unexpectedly, she reached out to give me a hug. "Thank you so much for breaking our bond. Marcus and I have never been better. We're such good friends now that there's no romantic pressure hanging over our heads. We can actually have deep conversations without fighting."

"I'm glad to hear that," I told her, though I wasn't sure I was completely buying it.

"I didn't think our friendship would survive after the bond broke, but we actually get along now," she confessed. "You cleared the air so we could start from scratch. It really did set us free."

"I'm happy for you guys," I said honestly. "I just want what's best for you two."

Ava joined us again, and Kallie dropped it. We danced with our friends for hours, and time seemed to fly by. In the distance, we heard a clock tower strike midnight, and still, we continued spinning across the dance floor and laughing until we couldn't breathe. Several guests came by to greet and congratulate us, saying goodbye before they retreated to their quarters, but most stayed to drink, dance, and celebrate.

It must've been past two in the morning when Alistair snatched the microphone from the DJ booth. "As the night wears down, we have a special grand finale performance for the bride and groom. Folks, put your hands together for Ivy and Jonah!"

Ava squealed. "Oh my ancestors! This is going to be epic!"

Eddie rushed to my side with a chair and forced me into it. Ava and I sat in the center of the dance floor while a pumping bass shook the entire ballroom. An explosion sounded, and streamers and confetti rained down on my head. An old Lady Gaga song burst through the speakers, and Ivy's beautiful singing voice filled the room. The crowd cheered, though Ava's voice was the loudest.

Ivy's heels clicked against the marble floor as they strutted forward. They stopped directly in front of us, then tickled me under the chin with a feather boa. Ivy circled us, and Ava whistled loudly.

"That dress is sexy as fuck, Ivy!" she cheered.

Ivy didn't miss a beat. They spun around, then sat right on my lap and twerked their ass. Strands from their long hair got stuck in my mouth. I threw my head back in laughter. Ivy was only on me for a second before they threw their leg over Ava's chair and gave her a lap dance. Ava whooped and hollered.

The beat dropped for the chorus, and Ava's Uncle Jonah came on stage, his voice blaring through the speakers. Ivy and Jonah coordinated perfectly, with Ivy singing a matching harmony. They began to dance in a choreographed motion, and though I couldn't keep track of the movements, Ava did her best to describe it to me.

My uncle went all out! she raved. He's wearing a sexy red sequin dress and the biggest blonde wig I've ever seen!

At the second verse, Ava squealed so loud it could be heard over the music. "Ahhhhhh! There are stripper poles coming down from the ceiling!"

Ivy and Jonah spun around the poles, whipping their hair so hard I could feel the air coming off it with my magic. Smoke machines hissed, and I coughed as the smoke filled the dance floor.

I'm getting in there, Oberi insisted. She didn't care if she was invited or not; she strutted up between them, her hooves smacking the floor to the beat of the song. She spun in circles so fast that she got dizzy. She was forced to shift into a husky, or she was going to fall on someone and break their legs. Oberi stumbled to the side, his head landing in my lap. I shoved him off of me, and he went strutting around the dance floor again.

By the end of the song, fireworks were going off around the room, and embers rained down upon us. Ivy grabbed my hand and dragged me out of my chair, and Jonah pushed Ava forward. We spun and danced around, while our guests stormed the dance floor with us.

We were surrounded from all angles. Another song thumped a deep base, and suddenly, people were pushing and shoving each other. I heard the sound of punches and kicks connect, and panic swept through me.

"Ava!" I cried out. I was too far away from her, and I didn't know where she'd gone. Then I heard her laughter, and I knew she was safe.

I'm okay, she told me through the bond. Jonah got me out of the way. I'm with Kallie getting drinks. Go have fun!

A heavy hand landed on my shoulder, and my grandpa's gruff voice came from behind me. "There's nothing to worry about, my boy! A brawl at the end of the evening is an Elvish wedding tradition. Didn't you know?"

A fist came out of nowhere and smacked me in the face. I didn't know where it'd come from, though it wasn't my grandfather's. Pain shot through my nose, and blood trickled down my face. I tasted copper. Chancey's maniacal laughter faded as he raced away from me before I could get him back.

A huge grin spread across my face. It was like the Villain's Ball all over again, and I lived for the high of a fight.

"I fucking love the Elves!" I cheered.

I shoved my grandfather, and he hit me back. It wasn't enough to hurt— more like I was roughhousing with the father I had never had. I laughed gleefully as he got me in a headlock. I punched him in the stomach and ducked out of his arms. I dodged away from him and could still hear his laughter far off.

Oberi scurried up to me and bit my pants. He tugged, though not enough to rip fabric. He was being playful. I tried to kick him off, and he snapped his jaws at me. His sharp canines dug into my leg. Thankfully, he didn't draw blood, but it still hurt.

"Ow, Oberi!" I protested. "That's a bit harsh, don't you think?"

So siphon some of my strength, Elf boy, he teased. Show me what you've got!

I wrestled him to the ground and curled my arms around his neck. He spun in circles, dragging me along the floor, but I didn't budge.

Fine, I yield! he insisted.

I hopped off his back. As soon as my feet were back on solid ground, someone shoved me again. It had to be a vampire, judging by how strong they were. I tried to siphon his strength, but I noticed his magic was just as strong as I was. Fucking Danny.

I shoved him, and we ended up in a bloody brawl on the floor, both of us laughing the whole time. It felt really good to finally punch this guy in the face. I'd been waiting far too long for it. He landed a few good punches himself, and I could feel a bruise forming above my eye. He was one of the few guys who could actually give me a run for my money.

Danny slipped away, and I ended up smacking a few strangers before getting into it with Ez for a bit. I went easy on him, though, even though he was crushing the life out of me. I couldn't tell the difference between his grapples and bear hugs.

I stumbled off the dance floor laughing more than I think I ever had in my life, blood dripping from my face and all over my suit. My stomach was starting to hurt, and I couldn't stop smiling. Someone caught me and helped me stand up.

He dusted off my suit coat, and I realized it was my grandfather. "You seem to be enjoying yourself."

"Very much!" I cried. "This is the best night ever. Thank you so much for doing all this."

"It was my pleasure," he said. "This is everything I wanted to give you, and everything you deserve. I hope the night has been wonderful, despite your father's words at dinner."

My smile started to fall. "It didn't ruin anything, promise."

"I want to apologize. He doesn't mean to hurt you, but he's never been good with words."

"I understand," I stated. "I don't need him, because I have you."

My grandfather paused, like he didn't expect me to say that, before he cleared his throat. "Before you go, I would like to leave you with one last gift. Would you like to see your bride?"

My heart stalled. I hadn't even thought to ask him before, and now, I wanted nothing more. "Yes," I said eagerly.

Cassiel took my hand, and images began to flit across my vision. I saw the whole day play out from his point of view as memories of the ceremony and reception filled my head.

I witnessed Ava being carried down the aisle by Oberi, wearing her wedding gown and appearing more dazzling than a goddess. Her beautiful brown eyes were sparkling with light as her black hair cascaded down her back, her incredible lips lifted in a soft smile.

I couldn't imagine anything more beautiful than she was. In the heavens or here on Earth, it didn't exist.

His memories changed, and he showed me Ava's face as she listened to my song. Tears welled in her eyes, and she looked at me like there was no one else in the world for her. I witnessed myself holding Ava on the dance floor, her feet propped against mine as I spun her in circles. My face was buried in her hair, and my eyes were closed as I took her in. She rested her head on my chest, happiness beaming from every part of her.

I began to cry when my grandfather showed me those images. I'd seen Ava only once before when I'd brought her back from the Ancestral Lands, and that had merely been her spirit. Now I got to see her in the flesh, as she was day to day. I couldn't describe how much it meant to me to have a picture of her in my mind, forever, a piece of her I could hold on to and never let go. It was obvious Ava and I belonged together, because there was nothing more incredible than having her by my side.

"Thank you," I told him when the visions ended. "I didn't think I could love her any more than I already do, but I just keep falling in love with her over and over again."

"And you will for the rest of your life," he promised me. "Even when life changes, your love for Ava never will."

"I'm not ready for things to change," I admitted. "I love it here in Ilamanthe."

"Life never stays the same, but that doesn't mean you can't be happy in every stage of it," Cassiel said. "After all, you must start making heirs soon, and that is a beautiful stage of life to be in!"

I laughed. "Yeah. I'm really going to enjoy the making part."

"Well, you best get on it, son!" he joked. "It is your wedding night."

I'd certainly been looking forward to that part of the night for a while. Kind of weird for my grandpa to suggest it, though.

I found Ava near the head table, eating a slice of cake with Kallie. Oberi was beside her in unicorn form. The girls were snickering under their breath.

"Enjoy the rest of your night," Kallie said with a giggle, before I heard her grab Marcus and scamper off.

"Ancestors, is that all anyone can think of around here— consummating our marriage?" I joked.

"It's all I'm thinking of," Ava teased. "I've been thinking about it all day, really."

I leaned down to whisper in her ear. "I suppose we should do something about that."

Ava shivered, and fuck, I was hard already. "Take me back to our quarters," she whispered. "Now."

"Gladly." I scooped her up in my arms and placed her on Oberi's back, then climbed on behind her. I held her to me, so she could keep her balance as we walked forward.

Our guests cheered as Ava waved them goodbye. Oberi trotted out of the ballroom. She took us down long hallways and wide corridors until we were far away from the reception.

"I saw you talking to your grandfather," Ava remarked. "What did he say?"

I chuckled. "He wants us to start making heirs."

"Oh, yes, we should get on that right away," Ava teased sarcastically.

I paused for a beat. "I know you're only joking, but what do we really think about it? I never thought I'd be a dad, because I didn't think I could provide for a kid, but I always wanted to be a parent. Now we can give our kids the best life here in the city. But I wouldn't want to have a child unless it's what you really want."

Ava seemed to ponder my question for a long time. "I'm not sure. Before, I was absolutely against having kids. But that was because I thought I'd be a bad mom."

"You'd never be a bad mom, Ava," I whispered. I couldn't imagine why she'd think so. She was such a good person.

"I don't know. I think I could imagine having kids, yet I'm still on the fence. I'm open to it, at least. But I'm not bringing a child into this world as long as the Warden is still alive. He's dying by my hand before I ever let him touch one of our babies. If we ever get around to making heirs, it won't be until this war is over."

"I agree. We can talk about kids again when we're ready, and when he's gone for good."

This world was too dangerous to bring a kid into while the Warden was still living. It would just be Ava and me, for now, and I was more than happy with that.

The temperature dropped as Oberi cut through an open courtyard. A large fountain trickled ahead of us.

Oberi blew a breath, like she was displeased. Don't I get a say? My Familiar instincts are telling me it is time for you to have a baby, and the time to make it is right now!

"We would, but there isn't enough room up here," I cracked.

Oberi skidded to a halt beside the fountain, clearly offended. I am not your sex toy! If you want to make a baby, you can do it right here.

Then she bucked us off. Ava and I screamed as we went flying into the fountain, and water surrounded us from all angles. I inhaled a bit of water and gasped as my head resurfaced. Ava shook water out of her hair. We'd landed on our asses in the pool, and the water was up to our chests. The fountain had a tiered structure in the middle that poured water down on all sides like a waterfall, but the base of the fountain was so large that the droplets from the center never touched us.

"Real mature, Oberi," Ava said. "You're lucky water isn't going to ruin this dress."

Oberi ignored her and began trotting away. I'll cast a protection spell around the area so you two can be alone. Charlie, don't come out until you've put a baby in her!

I laughed as Oberi's hoofsteps completely faded. In fact, I didn't hear her at all, as if the spell she cast blocked out all noise outside this courtyard. We were certainly alone.

"Oberi's not offended," I said. "She just wants us to get on making babies right now."

Ava snickered as she wrapped her arms around my neck. She commanded the water to float her legs over top of me, until she was straddling me. Her dress billowed around us. "You're still on birth control, so it won't work anyway… but we might as well try, right? It'll be fun."

Her lips pressed against mine, and passion swelled between us. A primal wanting came over me, and my head spun as I dragged her even closer to me. The water was a bit chilly, but it barely registered as my cock became rock hard for her.

"I literally can't wait to get you back to the room," I gasped between kisses. "I'm going to do you right here."

Ava gave a gleeful snicker. "We've never done it in a fountain before."

I smirked. "Sit back and relax, my love. There's a first time for everything."

Ava gasped as I kissed the sensitive area below her jaw. Slowly, I guided her onto her back, and she used her powers to keep herself afloat. I trailed kisses up and down her chest, until my fingers found the buttons of her dress. I slowly undid the dress as she let out little moans with each kiss. The dress loosened, and the fabric tickled my skin as Ava's water magic carried it away. She wore lace lingerie underneath, and my fingers trailed over it, taking in every detail. There was ribbing along the bodice, along with smooth ribbons outlining her breasts. I shuddered as my fingers grazed over her nipples.

I trailed my hand downward, and I gasped when I found how thin the fabric was between her legs. I pushed the lace aside, and Ava moaned as I slid two fingers deep inside of her. I just about lost it right then and there. My lips met hers, and I placed my other hand against the back of her neck to pull her close. Her tongue rolled over my mouth as she clutched to my suit coat in desperate wanting.

Fuck this suitcoat. It was wet and heavy, and it was in the freaking way.

I shrugged the coat off, and Ava began to undo the buttons on my shirt. As we deepened our kisses, the water within the fountain began to swirl around us. Ava's magic swept by to remove my clothes, and soon, I was on my knees stark naked in the fountain. Ava's bare skin rubbed against mine as I drew her close.

The water lifted us upward until Ava was able to lay on her back, completely supported by her magic. I floated on top of her, then thrust my hips once until I was buried deep inside her. Ava let out a cry of pleasure as I filled her up completely. We moved slowly, drawing out the sensations as I moved in and out of her.

Ava moaned as I increased my speed, the water rocking her up and down. I didn't think she realized what she was doing when the water began to swirl around the fountain. We floated in circles like we were drifting down a river.

Ava seemed to be supporting her weight just fine with her magic, so I began roaming my hands over her body. I cupped her breasts, and she arched her back for me. Slowly, I pushed the fabric of her lingerie aside, and I squeezed her nipples between my fingers. She gasped.

"More," she begged.

My heart hammered as I wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her closer. I sucked her nipple into my mouth as I thrust upward.

"Fuck," she breathed.

The water between us changed. Tiny water currents swirled around my cock, and it felt really fucking good. Certainly reminded me of some of our toys back in the Sanctuary. That's when I realized Ava was doing it on purpose. She was using the water currents as a vibrator.

She obviously really liked it, because the rest of the fountain responded to her magic. Waves began to swell and fall to the rhythm of our passion. Shapes formed in the water around us, and when I ran my hands over them, I found that she'd made a herd of tiny unicorns that galloped across the surface of the water. They almost felt solid, until I pushed too hard and my fingers went straight through them. Around us, water crystallized momentarily, before the warmth of Ava's Fire magic melted them. There was a beautiful ebb and flow to her magic, and I was eager to see what her magic might do when her passion reached its peak.

I couldn't hold back any longer. I bit down on her nipple while I grabbed her ass and thrust deep inside of her. Ava let out a cry that would've echoed through the halls of the palace if Oberi hadn't cast the protection spell. I pulled out of her, then buried myself deep inside her again. She cried out even louder this time.

I silenced her with a passionate kiss. Ava tugged on my hair as desire surged through our bond. Her magic faltered for a beat, and our heads dipped under water. I didn't care, though, because my wife had already taken my breath away. She kissed me under water over and over again, and her magic swirled around my cock. I braced my feet against the bottom of the pool to thrust into her even harder.

Ava could hold her breath longer than I could, because she was Toaqua. She wrapped her arms tightly around me and commanded the water to flip us over. My head broke the surface. I inhaled a deep breath, before dipping my head back underwater to kiss her again. We spun several more times, until she was on top. She took a breath, then joined me under the water again.

We did this over and over, twirling within the water until we broke the surface together, panting. I guided her to the middle of the fountain, where the center tiers rained water down in a circle. Ava giggled as the water trickled over our heads, until we were beneath the waterfall completely. A stone bowl-like structure stood above our heads, and the waterfall concealed us in our own little world.

I pinned Ava against the smooth stone structure that rose at the center of the pool. I kissed her again as I increased my speed. I thrust upward once, then twice, and that's when I lost it. My mind went completely blank as I spiraled into an incredible orgasm. I moaned loudly, the sound echoing off the stone above us.

Ava gasped as I filled her up. She clung to me tightly, and the water she'd been commanding vibrated hard against her clit. She drew a deep breath as she reached her peak. The high of my orgasm continued as she contracted around me and waves of pleasure swept through the bond. Water swirled around us faster, turning the fountain into a tumultuous sea. Our passion seemed to tangle together until it felt as if we weren't in the pool anymore, but somewhere else entirely where only our souls could reach. For a brief moment, I felt as if Ava and I were one.

We were both panting as we came down from the high. The water calmed. I held her tight in my arms and pressed my nose into her hair.

"Pidge, that was fucking great," I whispered.

"Yeah," she sighed. "I'm not sure you put a baby in me, though. We should probably try again."

I chuckled happily. "I could go forever if you asked."

"So keep going," she begged breathlessly.

And we did. We must've been rolling around in that fountain for hours. I lost all sense of time, because all I could make sense of was Ava's body against mine. We only stopped when Ava became too tired to keep going. It was probably a good thing, because if we hadn't, I would've been more than happy to drown in there.

I carried her out of the water and set her on a bench nearby. She sagged onto it with a blissful sigh. I felt around in the pool until I felt the fabric of our clothes.

"I can dry those off, but good luck getting me back into that dress," Ava said.

I draped her dress against the side of the fountain. Honestly, I couldn't make much sense of the layers of clothing I'd been wearing earlier.

"I'll leave our clothes here for a servant to bring back to our room," I offered. "In the meantime, we can't roam around the palace naked."

"Why not? I don't mind who sees," Ava said coyly.

"Well, I do. You're all mine, and no one else's. I'm not sharing one bit of you."

I waved my hand, and magic settled over both of us until my illusion magic had created beautiful silk pajamas for us both. Mine was a shirt and pants— practically a suit— and Ava's was a short nightgown.

The fabric rustled as Ava ran her fingers over it. "This is perfect."

I scooped her up in my arms, and she leaned her head against my shoulder as I carried her out of the courtyard. Oberi's protection spell fell the moment we left. We weren't far from our quarters, so I only had to turn down one hall before I was carrying Ava into our suite. I got a thrill when we walked through the door, because I realized I was carrying her over the threshold, as wedding tradition dictated.

I set her on the bed in our room, then pulled the blanket over her. I slid into bed beside her and snuggled close.

"Do you want your present now?" Ava whispered.

I tilted my head. "I thought what happened in the fountain was my present."

She snickered. "That was a given. I have something else for you."

I sat up straighter. "Oh?"

Ava leaned over the nightstand, then clicked the remote. The TV on the other side of the room turned on, and Ava pressed a few more buttons before I heard the sound of Ezekiel's voice coming through the speakers.

"Shh…" he hissed. "It's starting."

I furrowed my brow. "Um… recordings of your brother don't exactly turn me on. What is this?"

"Keep watching," Ava said playfully.

Hemlock's voice came then. "Dearly beloved. We are gathered here today to join Charlie Wahkin and Ava-Marie Mitoh in holy matrimony. Have the two of you prepared your vows?"

"Oh, um…" I heard my own voice say.

"We have vows," Ava said over the TV.

Tears beaded in my eyes. "It's our wedding video," I whispered. "From our first wedding at the Institute. Ez was recording the whole time?"

"Yes. He saved it before he escaped the prison," Ava said. "Today's ceremony was a celebration of our love, but whatever your grandpa says, we've already been married for a year. This was the true start of our relationship. Before we were married, we were messing around, but we weren't dating for most of it. Even when we were, we didn't have a lot of time to be boyfriend and girlfriend. Everything about us being together has been about our marriage. No one else is going to understand this video but us, so I kept it for just me and you, because this is where we started."

On the video, Ava was already halfway through her vows. "I promise you from now on, you will never be alone. And so, I vow to follow you on all future adventures, because being with my worst enemy is the greatest adventure of all."

Tears streamed from my cheeks as I listened to my vows from a year ago. So much had changed since then. "Ava-Marie, I vow to serve you as your bonded partner from now until the day we die, no matter how long that might be."

I pulled Ava tightly to my chest and kissed the top of her head. "I love where we started, but I love us even more now. That guy in the video was wrong, though. I don't vow to love you until the day we die, because I vow to love you longer. My love for you will never end, pidge. Never."

Ava melted into me. "Mine either, Charlie. A year ago was the beginning of our love, but today… today was the beginning of forever."