The dress itself was breathtaking. Pure white, with a lace bodice and a sweetheart neckline that hugged me in all the right places. The skirt flowed in soft layers with delicate petals in blush pink and ivory scattered across the fabric. Around my neck sat a necklace of diamonds and rubies, perfectly matching the stones in my engagement ring.
My hair was done up with soft curls twisted back into a messy low bun, woven through with tiny flowers, with stray curls framing my face. My makeup was soft, accentuating the freckles that had bloomed across my skin since arriving in Solara.
The shoes were perfect—white heels, with delicate daisies scattered across the strap that sat just above my white-painted toes. A thin ankle strap sparkled with faint yellow sunstone. I hope I didn’t puke on them like I felt like I was about to.
A knock soundedat my door, and I gasped when Aran walked in—dressed to perfection, holding a bouquet of daisies, wheat, and something he said was called Solthera.
“Aran?” I breathed, rushing into his arms.
“I thought I’d walk you down the aisle,” he said, voice thick with more emotion than I’d ever heard from him. “If you’ll allow me to do the honours, of course.”
Tears welled in my eyes as I hugged him tighter. “I’d love that.”
He handed me a small box, and inside were the most beautiful teardrop ruby earrings I’d ever seen.
“For you, little sunshine.”
And now here I stand,about to walk toward the demon prince who has turned my life upside down. The soft harp music plays in my ears, and Aran gently guides me down the aisle. Sariya has outdone herself; the space is nothing short of magical. A golden arch wrapped in flowers and glowing silk sits at the end of the aisle, where Korithax waits beneath like a shadow caught in sunlight.
I wonder what Ezra and Talia would say if they saw this. I’m pretty sure Ezra would faint. Gods, I miss them so much.
We reach the altar, and Aran kisses my cheek, gently taking my bouquet before stepping aside. I turn to Korithax, his hand held out for me. I place mine in his, walking up to meet him. Is he… sweating?
“Today,” Sariya says, smiling warmly. “I have the absolute pleasure of joining Miss Daisy Sandoval and Lord Korithax in marriage.”
“You really don’t have a last name?” I whisper.
He smirks. “That’s kind of a mortal thing.”
“Oh.” Huh. That’s... weird.
“Korithax,” Sariya begins, her voice rich. “Do you take Daisy as your wife, your queen, your love, and your equal—from now until the old gods claim your soul?”
“Until the old gods claim my soul,” he repeats, voice quiet but firm. He lifts my left hand, a subtle tremble in his grasp.
“And Daisy, do you take Korithax as your husband, your king, your love, and your equal—from now until the old gods claim your soul?”
I look up at him, his pitch-dark eyes catching the gold of the sun.
“Until the old gods claim my soul,” I repeat his words.
“Perfect!” Sariya beams. “Daisy, would you like to share your vows first?”
Oh shit. A speech. Of course, there’s a speech.
I clear my throat. “Um. Sure.” I take a small breath, voice trembling slightly.
“Korithax, you came into my life when I least expected it—grumpy as ever—and flipped it completely upside down.” A small, nervous laugh leaves me. “You’ve saved me more times than you realise. You became my comfort… a part of my life I never want to lose. And for that, I am grateful.” I force myself to keep going. “Despite our journey not being conventional, I’m thankful to the gods for what my father did. Because without hisselfish actions… I never would’ve met you. So… thank you, Dad, for accidentally giving me the first man who’s ever made me feel safe as an adult.”
Korithax stares at me so intently that I glance away, cheeks flushed.
Sariya dabs at her eyes with a tissue. “Just… beautiful. Korithax?”
He clears his throat, taking both of my hands in his.
“Daisy,” he begins, his voice deep and steady. “I never expected the day I broke into your apartment would be the day a mortal girl would break into my life. You’ve changed everything—surprised me in ways I didn’t think possible.”
His grip tightens ever so slightly.
