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“Me too, I was so worried about you.”
“What you did up there… That was something out of a storybook!” he exclaims, pulling back.
“A very special someone taught me how to do that,” I reply. “Come on, I’ll take you to him.”
My father looks over my shoulder at Zalith and his family, a curious expression on his face as I take him to meet them. He bows his head.
“What is your name?” asks Zalith.
“William Farren, sir!”
“William, you raised a strong and capable daughter,” says Shradga, extending his hand. My father shakes it in shock and awe. “From one father to another, you have my respect.”
“Without her, none of us would be standing here,” says Khatreya.
My father blushes as he looks at me, his eyes full of pride.
“Rory, I believe you told me that your father is a blacksmith?” says Zalith.
“Is that so?” asks Shradga. “Well, my contract with my current supplier is just about to come to an end. William, if you’re interested, I’d love to take your services onboard as my main blacksmith.”
“I would be honored!” my father replies.
“Well, if that’s settled then shall we proceed with the ceremony?” proposes Shradga.
Zalith and I nod. All of us walk to the top of a small hill as the villagers gather to watch. In the meantime, the soldiers get to work cleaning up the mess.
Dawn approaches as we ready ourselves, the pitch-black sky transitioning into the purplish blue canvas of the early morning hours. I see it as a symbol of a new beginning for not only Zalith and I, but for the entire kingdom of Lodra.
I look at my love, his face beaming with excitement. No doubt he is excited to seal the union between us for life, and I find his smile adorable. I imagine he’s more than thrilled to be skipping the formalities of a traditional wedding.
“Not quite the venue I had in mind for the occasion,” I chuckle.
“Me neither, but I could care less right now. I can’t put into words just how grateful I am that you’re the one I’m marrying. I’d rather do this here than marry Vippera in some fancy setup.”
His words make my throat swell. My father stands beside me as a best man of sorts. King and Queen Andakya make their approach, glancing between us with admiration. They seem glad that their son is finally marrying, and I’m positive that they’re delighted with his happiness.
Never in a million years would he have been this way with Vippera. Even as the days grew darker and hope faded with them, he still held on for me. For that, I’ll never ever leave his side. I’m finally where I belong.
“Let us begin!” booms Shradga. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in a most unique venue to bring together two very special beings in the name of love. With our officiation, they shall be united in a lifelong commitment of marriage.”
Zalith winks at me in the same manner that he did on the night of The Hunt, making my knees weak. Khatreya clears her throat before speaking.
“Witnessing this historic event here is the company of friends, family, and loved ones, each of us here to wish our beloved well in their life together. I ask you, Prince Zalith of Lodra, do you stand here today by freedom of choice?”
“Yes,” he declares proudly.
“I ask you, Aurora, do you stand here today without coercion?”
“Yes!”
Shradga steps forth.
“Are each of you prepared to undertake this lie side by side, to never abandon one another in times of need, to be there through each event both bad and good?”
“We are,” we say in unison.
“Since it is your intent to enter into marriage, I ask for each of you to take one another’s hands.”
