Page 58 of Her Royal Blood

“I know that the troops will march with us against Polonius,” Cheyenne interjected. “And now that we have one airship that is sky worthy, we need to produce more not only for this war but to traverse between our kingdoms more easily.” I loved the way Cheyenne was thinking ahead to advances that would further unify our kingdoms.

“So now all we have to do is plan a wedding,” I laughed and it felt good to do it.

I’d never forget Gabrielle or her sacrifice, but moving forward with our lives and honoring her felt right. Killing Polonius and ending his reign of terror would be the best way to avenge all of the lives he’d hurt and destroyed, including mine.

Chapter 19

Lex

That night Aria and I shared a room in Lara's home. Before our arrival Aria was staying with Halo, but now that I was with her we shared a room. The room I stayed in with Cheyenne, he now had to himself. I was happy to spend the time with Aria despite the fact that we were still in the midst of a war. Her spirits were terribly low upon my arrival to the Obsidian Valley. She missed her friend greatly and there wasn't anything I could do for her other than provide my love and support. While I knew that the grief had not passed, I was happy to see her engaging a little.

“I’m excited to finally be making our wedding plans,” I said as I held her in my arms under warm blankets sequestered away from the rest of the world.

“We have dreamed of this Lex for so long.” She looked up at me with those sweet, loving, eyes.

“And finally our dreams are coming true.” I kissed the top of her head and held her close.

“Lara has offered to send messengers to our guests so we should give her a list of names in the morning. Who would you like to attend?” I asked her, knowing we’d pick the same people to witness our wedding.

“Nan,” she started with and I agreed. “And Amadeus, King Helix and Queen Delia, Janaya, Cheyenne, Bindi, and Royal Guards to protect us,” she was starting to get energized thinking of people to invite.

“Hawk and Jarvis,” I added, also feeling excited.

“And Bindi and Derringer,” Aria smiled. “The Goldaces and Halo,” She added and then looked as if she were pondering. “I can’t think of anyone else.” She looked up at me to see if there was anyone I could think of.

“Just Polonius in chains, forced to watch us speak vows to one another.” I wanted that more than anything, but projecting the wedding would serve that purpose.

While Polonius would not be there to witness the loss of his betrothed, there was no way he’d miss the ceremony.

“Just think, Lex, we’ll no longer have to hide.” The brightness was coming back to Aria’s features. “Our marriage can be a symbol of things going back to normal again and what better way than to join our two kingdoms in matrimony. I do want to ask though, I know we’re bonded and I couldn’t be happier about that, but are you sure you’re okay to rule by my side?” She must have been having doubts and I would never allow that, not between us.

“I officially abdicated my place to Cheyenne who will make a remarkable king one day and I will rule by your side, for the rest of my days. It is my honor and privilege to serve you, Aria. I’ve always loved you, even when I was putting snakes in your bed, it was because I wanted you to look at me, even if it was with those feisty hazel eyes,” I laughed, enjoying the feel of mirth.

“Our lives are going to be glorious,” she said, yawning.

Though she had slept most of the day, she was overly tired from the journey back and from Onyx Rah to Navarrah City and having to use her magic so extensively had depleted her energy.She fell asleep in my arms and I kissed her head, relishing the fact that soon she’d be my wife.

We awoke early before the sun so that we could drive to Angeline falls. Lara, Halo, Aria, Cheyenne, and I all took a large motor vehicle to Angeline Falls to solidify our wedding plans. The drive was half a day cramped in a vehicle that bumped along the path. It was safer for us, however, to travel together in the event that we were met with Crypt Claw warriors on the road.

Since we were traveling in Lara's motor vehicle, we were not as noticeable. Most of the people in the Obsidian Valley were living safely away from Polonius and his warriors. The Lupine Coalition had vehemently refused to engage in the fight. Because of this, the citizens of the Obsidian Valley were relatively safe. The drive from the obsidian Valley to Angeline Falls was boring, but uneventful.

“So even though I’ve lived one kingdom away from Angeline Falls for my entire life, I’ve never actually been there,” Lara confessed as we drove. “I’ve never had the desire to go and my sort don’t usually fit in well with their kind.”

“They do have a lot of rules that are not only strict but deadly if broken,” Aria said to her. “I believe in you though,” Aria flashed Lara a smile.

“You do not know my sister,” Halo teased. “If there’s trouble, she’ll find it.” Halo’s laughter was sweet and melodious.

“Opportunity dear sister,” Lara corrected, “if there is opportunity, I’ll capitalize on it.”

Everyone laughed, knowing that Lara likely would. Halo had been largely silent for most of our time in the Obsidian Valley. She had suffered a lot and was processing her thoughts and her feelings. Aria mentioned that she was suffering trauma from having to witness first hand all that Polonius was doing to the people of Onyx Rah. She also had to supply magic while Gabrielle pretended to be Aria.

“Just don’t get us in trouble. I’ve already been pitched over the falls and would have died if Amadeus didn’t save me.” That was an experience I never wanted to repeat.

“So what are the rules again?” Lara clearly looked nervous.

“No weapons,” I started to list them as I had them memorized. “Which is no problem because you conceal yours so well.” I winked at her and smiled.

“Yes, I do.” She puffed up with pride.

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