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 agoddess. 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 themakingpart.”
“Well, you best get on it, son!” he joked. “Itisyour wedding night.”
I’d certainly been looking forward tothatpart 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 therest 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 allI’mthinking 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 startmaking 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 wereallythink about it? I never thought I’d be a dad, because I didn’t think I could provide for a kid, but I alwayswantedto be a parent. Now wecangive 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 Ieverlet 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.”
