Epilogue

"I HOPE YOUdon't find this strange or inappropriate," Laurel said, once Necia had stepped back to let him in the door. The moment she had her back turned to him, he glanced over to the base of the staircase where he'd sent Malory flying. The table he'd shattered with the man's own body was gone, replaced by a squat vanity with a few delicate trinkets on it. The staircase railing had been repaired. "It's just that I heard what happened, and I wanted to see for myself…"

"No, not at all," she assured him, her eyes showing gratitude. "I'm sure he won't mind. It's kind of you to check on him, even though things didn't work out between you."

To his immense relief, he'd been able to convince his father and vatra to remain friends with Malory's parents and not mention the awful truth of how he and the older male's relationship had been. It wasn't Necia and Kauril's fault in any case, as they'd been as clueless as his own parents. And it was better if all of that stayed behind closed doors now, as he didn't want to be implicated in Malory's accident. Not that anyone had expressed any suspicion of foul play.

"Is he okay to talk and everything?" Laurel wondered, as they made their way down a hall.

"He's doing wonderfully," Necia assured him in a soft voice. "He's been back from the hospital for just over a week. His motor skills and brain function are completely normal, he just doesn't remember anything. He didn't even remember his father and I," she added, sounding a bit woeful.

"I'm sorry about that."

When he'd explained in detail to Ash what he had done, the healer had assured him with absolute certainty that Malory's memories would never be retrievable, no matter what procedures were done to him. His memories hadn't been hidden away or blocked. They had been irreparably destroyed.

"Thank you, dear. Just don't be offended when he doesn't know who you are."

"I won't."

She knocked lightly on the closed door, before calling out to him. "Malory? You have a visitor. Is it alright if I let him in?"

"Go ahead."

Laurel's heart knocked up into his ribcage as she slowly creaked the door open, sweat slicking his palms. Was he making a mistake? Maybe he should have left well enough alone. But even after hearing that Malory had been released from the hospital with what everyone was calling amnesia, he hadn't been able to let go of the constant worry that the man would show up in the middle of the night to murder he and Ash.

Malory was seated at a writing desk, with a thick novel open in front of him. His dark hair was neatly styled, his shirt pristinely white without a wrinkle. When the door opened enough to reveal Laurel's form, his cobalt eyes flickered with interest, but not recognition.

"I'll leave you two to talk," Necia said kindly, laying a warm hand on Laurel's arm. "If you need anything, please let me know."

He waited until she'd retreated from the hall before turning back to Malory, feeling unbearably awkward.

"Hello," Malory said, giving him a genuinely inquisitive look.

"Hello," Laurel answered. "I know you don't remember me."

"I don't," Malory agreed. "You aren't a distant cousin or anything, are you?"

"No, we aren't related."

"Oh, good." His facial expression remained pleasant and innocuous. It was slightly unnerving seeing him like that when Laurel was used to seeing him with an expression of either smug superiority or hateful rage. "I'm relieved. I'll admit I find you very attractive, so I was hoping we weren't related by blood, at least."

The statement was made neutrally, without any expectation behind it. He wasn't complimenting Laurel to be complimented in return. He was simply voicing his observation.

Laurel watched in mild amazement as he stood, and gestured toward the long sofa on the other side of the room.

"You're welcome to sit," he offered. "You look uncomfortable, standing in the doorway like that. I'd be happy to have someone fetch you a drink."

"No, thank you," Laurel replied. "I didn't plan on staying long, I just wanted to check on you."

"I've had a lot of visitors coming to check on me," Malory said, leaning his hip onto the side of his desk. "Both in the hospital and out. Very rarely do any of those visitors seem as though they have any real vested interest in whether I'm in good health or not. But you seem different."

Laurel was finding it difficult conceptualizing this amicable person with the man who'd terrorized him for years, so it felt unpleasant that his vested interest was one of self interest, and not genuine concern for him.

"We dated before, awhile back."

"Ah," Malory acknowledged, his expression remaining polite. "Then I suppose I won't feel awkward about my remark about your appearance."

"There's no need," Laurel assured him, forcing an equally polite smile across his mouth. "I wasn't offended."

"I appreciate your grace," he mused. "Am I to assume, then, that our relationship ended in a cordial manner, otherwise you would not be here in concern for me?"

Laurel felt his heart speed up a bit at the question. No one but himself, his friends, and his family knew the truth about what had happened between them and why they had broken up, least of all Malory. This was his chance to rewrite history.

"We wanted different things. That's all." It was technically the truth. Laurel had wanted to be happy, and Malory had wanted him to be miserable.

"That's good to hear. Our desires must have been very incompatible," he mused, tilting his head in obvious appreciation and flirtation. "For me to agree to let someone that looks like you go."

In that moment, Laurel was reminded very much of the charming, charismatic man that had made his 17-year-old heart flutter.

"I wouldn't mourn it too fervently," Laurel replied. "I'm actually known for being a bit difficult. Some have called me ill-tempered, you know."

"At least you're honest," Malory commended him, grinning a bit. "I can appreciate that in a man. I think, anyway. I'm only just learning what I do and don't appreciate," he added.

"I'm getting married." He hadn't meant to say them, but the words had tumbled out against Laurel's will. He flinched slightly, as they hung in the air, as if waiting for Malory's temper. To his surprise, the older male only lifted his glass of water in a cheer gesture.

"Congratulations," he said. "They're very lucky, whoever they are. It seems I've missed my chance for redemption."

"You'll be happier with someone else, believe me."

"I'll have to take your word for it," Malory said, and that was that. Laurel waited a few moments to see if the picture of the very diplomatic and articulate man before him would dissolve into the monster from his nightmares, and reach out to tear him apart. But he was just a handsome, cultured aristocrat. There was nothing threatening about him now.

"I have to go now. I really wasn't planning on staying long."

"I never got your name," Malory reminded him.

"I'm Laurel."

"Ah," Malory said, giving a nod. "I suppose I do know who you are after all. A bit," he tacked on. "Our parents are good friends, aren't they?"

"Yes, they are."

"Then I suppose it's possible we may see each other again at some point."

"It's possible," Laurel agreed, though he hoped not. Although this version of Malory was perfectly courteous, he wasn't sure how Ash or his family would feel about seeing them interact. Not that he could blame them.

"Then I'll let you go enjoy the rest of your day, Laurel," Malory said, gesturing toward the window, where beams of sunshine streamed in. "It's a lovely one."

"It is, yes." A perfectly lovely day for him to marry Ash, and to leave all of the nightmares that had plagued him behind. He felt as though his life up to that point had been a prologue, and that his story was only just beginning.

THE CEREMONY WOULDtake place in the castle, as low-key and casual as a wedding inside a royal castle could be. Laurel had protested anything extravagant, but had eventually agreed to that location. It would make it easier for Nero, March, and Beritz to attend, as well as the convenience of having a staff to set everything up. Still, even though he had rejected any expensive decor, the handful of people Ash had invited from Sweethaven gawked at their surroundings and at the royals with absolutely no subtlety.

Slipping out of the courtyard between two hedges, Ash inhaled and exhaled a long, deep breath. The soft chatter of speculation remained behind him, where all the guests whispered mostly about where Laurel was, and if the wedding would be canceled. He hadn't been able to take another minute of it. He'd made enough explanations about how he knew where Laurel was and what he was doing, and that he was just slightly late. It seemed to have fallen on deaf ears each time.

When Laurel appeared on the path before him, slightly winded from the rushed way he'd hurried through the castle, Ash felt all of his frustration lift from his body and dissolve in the air like mist. Because of their enchanted bond, just having the other close made each of them feel more safe and more secure than when they were apart.

They had both been heavily relieved to find that their connection still functioned as normal even within the confines of the castle, where King Beritz had so recently ordered anti-magic wards installed along the perimeters of the property, even the dragon enclosure. After Laurel had explained the situation and what had happened with Malory, the king had insisted on it. Even though Malory was no longer a threat, he was sure that everyone felt safer knowing that magic could no longer be used to flit in and out of the castle grounds unknown.

"You have no idea how happy I am to see you," Ash murmured, as Laurel closed the gap between them, coming into his arms.

"I'm sorry," he said, kissing the healer in apology. "I didn't mean for it to take so long, but I stood in front of his house forever, trying to work up the courage to go in, and…"

"It doesn't matter," Ash assured him, stroking a hand down his pale locks. "I know you were haunted, and that you needed this. Did everything go as you wanted?"

"Yes," Laurel breathed out, soothed. "Yes, it's all over. Everything is perfect now. Thank you so much, Ash."

"You're thanking me?" He asked, between his sorcerer's sweet kisses.

"I don't think every man would have allowed what you allowed me to do today."

Ash gave a light chuckle, but shook his head. "As if I would presume to give or revoke permission to you for anything."

Treating him to a lovely little laugh, Laurel nuzzled into his neck. He would never give a man power like that over him again, but he knew Ash would never seek that from him in any case.

"Is everyone upset that I'm late?" He asked nervously, peering around him to see, but the wedding party was blocked by the tall, flowered hedge surrounding the courtyard.

Ash stared into his eyes for a moment, contemplating. It didn't matter what everyone else worried about, or what they were upset about.

"No, sunshine. Everyone's just anxious to see you."

"It seems like you were, too," Laurel pointed out, wiggling a bit in the healer's tight grip on him. "You weren't worried, were you?"

"Absolutely not," Ash promised him. "I'm only eager to be your husband. I want to be bonded to you in every way possible."

"Then what are we waiting for?"

HE HADN'T WANTEDa lacy, sparkling fairytale wedding like March and Nero had ultimately decided on. Though he had always dreamed of a man who would show him understanding and tenderness and devotion, and he absolutely adored the fact that Ash loved showing him affection in public, the thought of putting on an expensive, flashy show for everyone to see made Laurel feel vulnerable, and a little sick. He was unendingly grateful that Ash had allowed him to place hard limits on the number of guests and the extravagance of the decor.

It doesn't matter to me where it happens or who's around. All I care about is that I get to have you for the rest of my life.

Ash's words echoed in his head for a moment, sending a beautiful chill up his spine, seeping into his heart. Recalling them made him want to hop across the little platform they stood on, wrap his arms around the healer's neck, and make out for hours. But as the officiant between them finished up his script, Laurel thought he would show some restraint and wait until they were alone for that.

When it came time for Ash to say his vows, he cleared his throat, giving Laurel a small grin before beginning. He'd been expressly forbidden from using the words fairy, king, angel, or any combination thereof, as well as from saying anything Laurel would deem too embarrassing for his friends and family to hear.

For himself, Ash was more or less immune to embarrassment, and would have had no problems whatsoever gushing on and on about his perfect sorcerer. But like Laurel, he knew he could do plenty of that once it was just the two of them.

"Laurel, there are so many things I could say to you right now, but I think the most important thing I want to make sure that you and everybody else knows is that I love you. Every part of you. I love your strength, I love your temper, and I love how stubborn you are. Everything that makes you who you are, that's what I love."

Pretending he couldn't hear the various noises of admiration from their small audience of family and friends, Laurel was instantly reminded of his conversation with Helio. He glanced out to his vatra, who gave him a small nod, an encouraging expression on his face.

"I… I'm not good at this," Laurel started, shifting his gaze back to Ash. The man's emerald eyes were intense on his, but instantly softened at the statement. As they'd become more accustomed to their magical bond, it had become easier for them to understand each other's emotions, and Laurel could feel Ash's toward him loud and clear. It didn't matter if he had beautiful words to say. "I'm not good at this," he repeated, steeling his courage and taking a deep breath. "But I love you. I didn't know what this kind of love was before you. And I just want to keep this feeling forever. I want to keep you forever."

When it came time for their kiss, the final seal to link them together in every possible way, Laurel found he couldn't wait the few seconds for Ash to lean toward him. Springing forward, he hooked his arms around Ash's neck, drawing them together instantly so their mouths could meet. Instantly melting into the familiar sensation of his lover's lips perfectly molded against his, Laurel could only sigh as the rest of the world melted away. He didn't hear the light applause, the cheers, or anything else.

The party was loud, lively, and charming in its simplicity. Instead of a towering cake piled with fondant ribbons and filigree, Laurel had asked his father to make something approachable. By the way Minael had reacted to the request, Laurel was surprised he didn't taste salty tears throughout the layers of fruit and cream.

Jugs of lemonade and tea were arranged on the tables while meat and skewered vegetables were slapped onto a grill and bowls and dishes of other foods were set out, courtesy of Ash's guests from Sweethaven. Laurel had gotten to know most of them when he'd stayed there soon after he and Ash's reconciliation. He'd worried that they would see him as a peacocking fop, but it hadn't taken much time at all for him to feel comfortable among them. And because he loved Ash's idea of them having two homes to go back and forth to as they liked, construction had already begun in Sweethaven on a lovely home Ash had designed himself.

They'd picked out a beautiful house, only a short ride from his parents' for when they would be staying outside the Castle City. He'd sold his old studio, realizing quickly when he'd tried to get back to working that it reminded him too much of his old life, and purchased a new space, much closer by.

They'd danced, eaten, mingled, and had congratulations and gifts showered onto them. But still, when it was nearly time for he and Ash to leave to begin their honeymoon to somewhere very warm and very sunny (on a royal land ship, at Beritz' insistence), their last order of business was goodbyes.

"We'll only be gone two weeks," Laurel reminded his father, who had him wrapped in a death grip of a hug, blubbering into his shoulder. He could feel wet drops soaking through the sleeve of the very custom, very expensive baby blue silk jacket he'd had created for him to wear for the wedding. "We're not leaving forever or anything."

"I know that, of course, but… But I haven't yet been away from you for so long… And you're moving out now, and I'll never get to see you," he whimpered out, refusing to let go. Helio, looking mildly awkward and miserable, rubbed small circles onto his husband's back.

"I see you're allowing hysterics today," Laurel said, giving his vatra a pointed look.

"Yes, well, today has to be an exception," Helio responded, clearing his throat as he kept up his awkward pats to Minael's back.

"You know we'll still be close, Minael," Ash spoke up, very subtly sending the tiniest swell of comforting energy into the emotional man. "Barely ten minutes away. And, you know, the sooner we're out and settled, the sooner you'll have a cute little brood of grandkids to spoil."

"Ash!" Laurel hissed out his name, though he wasn't able to elbow him in the ribs as he would have liked, still bound by his dad's arms. Sighing deeply, Helio raised his gaze to the sky.

"Really?" Minael asked, surprised.

"That's all still up for discussion," Laurel inserted, finally wiggling free of the death grip. "Don't let him get you excited."

"I want three," Ash whispered, giving Minael a conspiratorial wink, who laughed softly, sniffling as he recovered.

"Three?!" Laurel repeated incredulously. It was the first he'd heard of it.

"Three would be fun," Minael said, clearly perked up.

"Alright, enough," Laurel spoke up, raising his hands up. "We'll be back soon, Dad. Don't be upset."

"I'll be okay, mikrova," he promised. "I'm happy for you, of course. And for you," he added, giving Ash an adoring look. "I love you both so much."

"We're both happy for you," Helio clarified. Stepping forward, he gave Ash another finger bone crushing handshake. Though Laurel's vatra had welcomed him into their home and into their family, Ash had always wondered in the back of his mind if there was some buried-deep resentment or aggression that revealed itself in those handshakes. Either way, he was happy to endure the small discomfort for the trade-off of having his gorgeous sorcerer. "I look forward to getting to know you more, Ash."

"Absolutely. Me, too."

"We love you too, Dad," Laurel said, slightly relieved when Helio was finally able to nudge Minael away.

Mollie's congratulations were quick and painless. Laurel had the feeling she wasn't as emotional to see her son go, because she was used to him being gone. And he knew she was just thrilled that they'd decided to have a house in Sweethaven too. Still, Laurel was relieved there was nothing but joy in her eyes. He wouldn't have blamed her for still having a bit of apprehension, but it seemed she was as romantic-minded as her son.

Nero and March were next. Laurel had to hold back as a wince as he saw March's colorful eyes shimmering with tears.

"Please, not you, too," he begged.

"No! No, I'm fine," March promised. "I'm just happy for you. And the two of you look really lovely together."

He'd been spending more and more time with March. To his massive surprise, a friendship with the stuffy royal felt natural and pleasant. He'd even found himself looking forward to the plans they made together, just the two of them. It was a change he hadn't expected, but the circumstance seemed to suit everyone involved. And it was incredibly funny watching March's flustered reactions when Laurel would not-so-accidentally overshare (brag) about particular aspects of his relationship.

"You do look good together," Nero agreed, his arm in its habitual position around March's waist. "And I think you might be the only one in the kingdom who can handle this guy's temper," he added, tilting his chin toward Laurel.

"Just the kingdom?" Ash questioned, sounding surprised. Chuckling when Laurel gave him a sharp glare, he leaned in to give his new husband a soft kiss to his pale locks of hair. "You know I'm only kidding. I'm the luckiest man in the world to have you, sunshine."

"We're both lucky," Laurel corrected him. After getting best wishes from the prince and his husband, they were approached by Ramor, with Willa looking deliriously happy on his arm.

"No work talk today, I promise," she spoke up, before Laurel could say anything. "You're allowed to take some time off for your honeymoon. But after that," she trailed off, though it was obvious she was joking.

"I know, I know," Laurel answered, smirking lightly. "It's back to work."

He'd already created two pieces that had exceeded her approval, but she hadn't put them out for display in the gallery yet. She was planning a big exhibit party, months down the road, which would feature many of his pieces for sale. Laurel had to hand it to her, it was smart to take advantage of all the nosy assholes that would come to the exhibit just for a chance to sniff around for some gossip on why he was suddenly back. It would be obnoxious for him, but financially lucrative for both of them.

"She's great, isn't she?" Ramor remarked, glancing over to her with clear appreciation in his dark eyes. Easygoing as he was, Willa's cutthroat attitude when it came to business and finances was impressive and endearing to him.

"She's something," Laurel agreed, unable to stop the grin at his friend's smitten attitude. She was a no-nonsense tyrant when it came to work, but it didn't bother him too much. After all, he was the artist, and he'd create at his own pace and when the mood struck him. She could squawk about it all she liked.

"Looks like you might be the next one settling down," Ash remarked, gesturing to the party around them. They'd only been seeing each other a few months, but it was obvious to everyone who'd spent any time around them that they were very compatible and very much in love.

"Ah, yeah, looks that way," Ramor agreed, sounding mildly uncomfortable as he locked eyes with Laurel. Both of them were thinking the same thing, and neither of them needed or wanted to voice it. Because he'd known Ramor for so long, Laurel could tell the man was utilizing every fiber of his self-control in order to avoid glancing back at Cedar, who was hanging back and waiting his turn patiently. Because of their bond, Laurel could feel Ash's curiosity about the unspoken communication, but the healer didn't inquire.

They all chatted a bit more about Ash and Laurel's honeymoon plans, and how they would all meet after. Willa had slipped into their group seamlessly, with no drama. It helped that they'd all known her since school, and had always been friendly with her. But that meant that Cedar was the only one of their original little quartet that didn't have anyone. Sure, Ingrid was single too, but she was younger and it was also clear she was, at least for the moment, completely uninterested in coupling up with anyone. Though none of them had verbally acknowledged it, when they were all together it was more than obvious. The fact that Cedar had been ready and willing to be married at just 18, and the unfortunate way that it had ended, made it all the more awkward and difficult for everyone to think about.

When finally Ramor and Willa went on their way, Cedar approached the newly married couple. It was clear to Ash that the tattooed noble still didn't feel completely comfortable with him, and wanted to speak with Laurel alone.

"I think I'll go get a drink," he murmured to Laurel quickly, before Cedar could arrive in front of them. "Do you want anything?"

"I'm fine," Laurel responded, grateful for his tact. He watched his new husband glide away toward a group of people from Sweethaven.

"Don't look at me like that," Cedar ordered, when Laurel turned to face him.

"I'm not," Laurel denied.

"You're married and I'm not," he said, stating the obvious. "We already knew that was going to happen. Don't look so guilty."

"I don't feel guilty," he promised, though his expression said otherwise.

"I'm not an idiot, Laurel. You and Nero and everybody else have been walking on eggshells around me all day. It's ridiculous. I'm fine," Cedar said, then frowned at his friend's unchanging expression. "I'm fine," he reiterated.

"I know."

"Listen, I'm happy for you. For you, and Nero, and Ramor, and everybody else that's decided to pair up. Maybe it's just not in the cards for me. And I'm okay with that."

"Cedar, that's not true. You're a great guy, and-"

"Please. Don't." He didn't think he could stomach the compliments, even if Laurel meant them. "Today isn't about me, anyway. It's about you and your… new husband," he finished, only slightly grimacing. "Can I ask you something?"

"Anything."

"Why'd you and Nero both fall in love with these bleeding heart boy scout do-gooders?"

A snort escaped Laurel before he could think better of it, and he pressed his fingertips to his temples. "Uh… hm," he said, realizing he'd never quite thought of Ash that way, but he couldn't exactly deny it. "I guess I just wanted someone nice. Something wrong with that?"

Cedar shrugged a shoulder, but the corner of his mouth was turned up into a light grin. "I guess I can understand that."

"Hey," Laurel realized suddenly. "By the time we get back, you'll be done with school, won't you?"

"I'll be free until I get hired for the new semester."

"Confident?"

"I already interviewed with the dean at our academy and signed all the paperwork."

"Wow," Laurel responded, impressed. "They wanted you that bad, even though you don't have experience?"

"There aren't many highborns clambering to get into the education field," Cedar explained. "Apparently, it's a high stress job," he added, his tone of voice colored with sarcasm.

"But you'll be great at it."

"Yeah, I know," Cedar agreed. "Maybe eventually I'll have your kids in my class."

Sucking in a deep breath, Laurel's fingers drifted to his eyes. "It's too weird to think about that right now. It's freaking me out."

"I don't know," Cedar crooned. "I heard you're having three."

"Shut up!" Laughing a little, Laurel gave him a light shove to his shoulder.

"Well, I don't want to monopolize you," Cedar finally pointed out.

"I'll see you when we get back."

Before strolling off, looking to where Ash loitered a few yards away, Cedar lifted a single hand in a cautious wave. Ash gave him a nod and waved back, glad for even that small acknowledgment.

"I know you didn't think you were going anywhere without saying bye to me first."

"I wouldn't have dreamed of it," Laurel answered his sister, smiling softly as she wrapped him in a tight hug. She'd cried her tears out during the ceremony, but she'd touched up her makeup since then and was dutifully attempting not to create an imitation of Minael.

"I'm really, really proud of you, you know that?" She murmured into his neck, squeezing him as hard as she could.

Wasn't she always, he thought, but only nodded. "I couldn't have done any of this without you, Ingrid. You've really… I don't know what I would have become without you."

"Oh, stop," she said. "You've been amazing, Laurel. You don't have to thank me for anything."

"You've really been my rock," he confessed to her, leaning back so he could stare into her eyes as he spoke. His eyes were light brown, a mixture of Minael's pale blue and Helio's nearly black. But hers had always reminded him of endlessly clear skies.

"Well, now you have a new rock," she pointed out, tilting her head toward where Ash was sauntering back up to them.

"Who, me?" He asked innocently, taking his place back at Laurel's side.

"She was talking about March," Laurel answered sarcastically, watching her wrap his husband in a tight hug next.

"Oh," Ash acknowledged seriously. "Well, I don't want to compete with your best friend for your attention."

Somewhat taken aback, Laurel felt himself blush. "He's not my best friend." Or was he? What was his life becoming?

Amused, Ingrid giggled behind her palm. "I think it's nice. And I like having him around more."

"You could do worse for a best friend," Ash added, eyes dancing with amusement. The seemingly random things that embarrassed Laurel were always so cute to him.

Clearing his throat, Laurel shifted his gaze to the table where Nero and March were chatting with Helio, Minael, and Mollie. March had his arm threaded through Nero's, nodding politely as Mollie spoke, his thick fringe of eyelashes blinking as he stared attentively. Finding that he couldn't summon up any annoyance toward the chaste royal, Laurel decided he was safer changing the subject.

"You'll have to keep Dad distracted while I'm gone," he said to Ingrid. "I think he's kind of upset about me moving out."

"I thought so too," Ingrid answered thoughtfully. "But then when I just went by him, he was talking to Vatra about being excited for his three grandbabies."

Groaning, Laurel turned to glare at Ash, who could only chuckle.

"You know you're the one who's going to have to break the news to him that we aren't really having three kids."

Trying very hard not to grin at the venom in his new husband's voice, Ash leaned in to give him a quick kiss. "We'll see."

WHEN EVERYONE GATHEREDat the front of the castle, where the land ship was waiting to transport them to their cozy beach honeymoon, they were showered with applause. As they reached the end of the stone path, just at the beginning of the ramp to the ship, Laurel let out a sharp squeal as he was scooped up into Ash's arms.

"What are you doing?!" He asked, irritated to hear his own voice come out in a squeak, clutching the front of the healer's shirt. "You can't pick me up!"

"Why not?" Ash asked, genuinely curiously, as he started up the ramp.

"Because! Because I'm taller than you," Laurel reasoned, though he had to admit his initial panic about being dropped may have been unnecessary. The muscular man didn't seem to be struggling at all.

"What does that have to do with being able to carry someone?"

"Because I'm bigger! You might drop me."

Ash chuckled, shaking his head a little, before dropping a single kiss onto Laurel's forehead. "You're taller, but I'm bigger. I won't drop you, sunshine."

"Well… I guess if you're sure," Laurel finally relented, as the door behind them closed, leaving their friends and family behind. His insides were tossing and turning inside him, and it wasn't from fear or nerves. He sincerely hoped they had a private room on the ship, because he wasn't sure he could wait the handful of hours to their destination without showing his appreciation to his new husband.

"You're finally mine, my courageous fairy king."

"I've been yours since the morning you walked up to me."

Pulling back, Ash blinked as a smile slowly spread across his face.

"You promised you wouldn't rub it in my face if I ever admitted it to you," Laurel reminded him.

"I promised I would try."

"And are you going to try?"

"I will," Ash swore, giving him a somber look. "Whether I have the strength to follow through, we can only wait and see."

Snorting wryly, Laurel dug his fingers into the man's collar, pulling him in for another kiss, this one deep and slow. "Just take me somewhere with a door that locks."

"Whatever you say, sunshine."