60. Chapter 60

Chapter sixty

I n the past, getting married was something Nik almost never allowed himself to consider. Probably because he always assumed he'd end up in a marriage arranged by his father, to someone he didn't know, let alone cared about. Nik couldn't see himself getting along with someone his father truly approved of.

Technically his father had arranged today but Haven couldn't be further from the image Nik once painted in his mind. She was warm and funny, kind and adventurous. Haven could also be badass and lethal when she wanted. Nik was constantly in awe of her, of her strength and courage. If he ever had to pick someone to spend the rest of his immortal years with, he wanted it to be her. Too bad he'd never make it through the vows.

While trudging through the woods back towards the clearing, Nik held Havens hand tightly in his. Her other hand was holding the skirt of her dress off the ground. He hoped it didn't get too dirty, she looked stunning in it. Pausing at the edge of the clearing, Nik took a breath and turned to tell Haven,

"No matter what happens tonight, remember I care about you"

A concerned look crossed Havens face before she asked,

"Is everything alright?"

"Yes" Nik reassured her, the lie tasting like acid on his tongue.

"Are you planning something?"

Haven asked her question softly but Nik could see the steel in her gaze. He knew she'd stop him if he told her so much as a crumb of his plans, which is why he responded with,

"I'm not planning anything. My father is tricky, I just wanted to remind you of my feelings."

Nik smiled gently, nudging her shoulder to help reassure her. He needed her to believe him. Only two other people knew of what he planned, both of which would be arriving later tonight.

Haven softened, wearing a small smile of her own.

"I'm choosing to believe you on this. I know this isn't what you wanted but I won't lie and say I'm not glad we're here. That I'm not glad it's you I'm standing up with because I am." She paused for a moment before finishing, "With that said, if you truly want to back out of this then I understand. We can walk back into that clearing, announce we're not getting married and deal with whatever your father throws at us."

Her words brought a warmth into Niks chest that had been missing for a very long time. He knew Haven cared for him but he also knew this was important to her. She needed this to keep his father from going after her loved ones. He'd already killed her dad and Nik knew his father wouldn't hesitate to go after anyone he thought Haven even slightly cared for. The fact that she was willing to risk that for him meant more than Nik could express in words.

If it weren't for the threats against Havens life, Nik might have considered it. Unfortunately, Nik knew that if he didn't walk into that clearing and at least make an attempt to do what his father wanted then he'd go after everyone in that clearing as a punishment for Niks disobedience. Even though he could get sent into exile, have his powers stripped from him or even be killed if the death of the future queen led back to him, his father was just crazy and arrogant enough to think that there was a possibility he could get away with it.

Who knew, Nik thought, maybe his father simply didn't care about getting caught anymore. Maybe the threat of losing all his sway over the council and all his power over the people of Drailia and Shaston was enough to convince him the possible consequences were worth it. As much as he may appreciate Havens words, Niks plan needed to go ahead as scheduled. None of this could ever fall back on Haven, he needed to protect her as best he could.

In the back of his mind, Nik knew that his father could end up as the least of their problems if predictions from years past ever began to play out. Nik had never told anyone what that old witch showed him but those memories influenced his every action. Even if his father wasn't the most immediate and pressing threat, a much larger one loomed on the horizon if Nik chose to follow his heart's desire and stay besides Haven. No, Nik needed tonight to go exactly as planned. It might be the only way to save his friends, to save everyone.

"I appreciate that Haven. More than you'll ever know, but it's alright. I want this. I may have been against this in the beginning but the idea of having you as my wife, of getting to spend our immortality together is as frightening as it is exciting and I'm looking forward to it greatly." Nik comforted himself with the fact that that wasn't a complete lie.

"Oh" A sheepish smile spread across Havens face along with a rosy pink blush. Nik hoped that if she ever discovered what he had done, she didn't believe it was because of her.

Nik released her hand and extended his arm, she linked hers through it and together they walked into the clearing. Moonlight shone down on them, casting a beautiful glow across Havens features and the archway they would stand under. Everything looked amazing, Astrea had really gone all out for her friend. Nik hoped Haven would be able to forgive Astrea for lying to her. Haven would need her support after tonight was over and she was crowned queen.

His father stood behind who Nik assumed was the priest at the end of the aisle, like a venomous snake just waiting to strike.

Delroy waited next to Niks spot, Astrea on the opposite side near where Haven would stand. Roman stood a few feet away holding Pluto. Nik knew that Haven had found out the truth about her friends, the lies they told her and the parts they played in her fathers death. For the second time tonight, Nik hoped she'd be able to move past her anger so they could support her and offer help since Nik himself wouldn't be there to do it .

Haven tightened her hold on Niks arm as they neared the beginning of the aisle. Haven hadn't said the words but it was obvious to him that she wanted Nik to walk with her and he was honored to do so.

Time seemed to slow as the pair made their way down the short aisle. Seconds seemed to become minutes, minutes felt like hours. Some sort of magic was taking place, Nik didn't know what was happening but he hoped it wasn't something malicious.

Once the pair reached the end of the aisle, Nik released Havens arm and turned to face her. Taking in her features one last time, Nik committed them to memory.

The priest began speaking but Nik could barely hear the words, he had made his bed and it was time to lie in it.