Page 59 of Her Royal Blood

“No shifting, no combat, except for mild disagreements, but again, can’t see why you’d spark up one of those. And no disrespecting Bastien Salt or Queen Nadine or any member of the Arsenal Fang pack, so just don’t fight with anyone is the general rule.”

“This should be a really fun wedding,” Lara was dripping with sarcasm.

“Anything to get Aria away from Polonius,” Halo added, sounding a little less joyous. “She deserves to marry the love of her life. I remember watching Gabrielle with Polonius and he was so obsessed with Aria. He never let her out of his sight and was always asking her to try magic spells or research them. Gabrielle did a great job trying to accommodate him and I know he was relentless with her. He thought he was in love, I believe, and so to finally see you and Lex wed,” she looked at Aria. “Will be such a great relief. At least that is one thing you can take back from Polonius, your ability to love each other,” she sighed and looked at us as if she’d confessed too much, but I was glad for it.

I got a glimpse of what Aria’s life would have been like if she hadn’t had the forethought to disguise Gabrielle.

“We truly are indebted to the woman for enduring all she did,” I said in a quiet and somber tone.

“I promise,” Lara added, being more serious. “Nothing will stand in the way of this marriage, least of all me. I want to see your kingdoms united, and forces joined against Polonius, butmore, I want to see the two of you happy. You certainly deserve it.”

There was a general agreement all around and I wrapped my arm around Aria and held her to me. It was all almost too good to be real. We arrived in Angeline Falls and were greeted by Bastian Salt.

“Prince Lex, Queen Aria?” Bastien’s face was wide with surprise. “Halo, Prince Cheyenne,” he nodded to them and then stared at Lara with questioning eyes.

“Lara Goldlace,” she said, reaching out her hand to shake his. “Halo and Xavier Goldlace’s sister,” she clarified as he shook her hand.

“Xavier Goldlace, one of the leaders of the Lupine Coalition?” He asked and his face softened some. “Welcome. It’s good to have you here. I’m sorry the queen didn’t come to greet you, but with all of the unrest in Tobran we thought it safest for her to stay with her guards. We were not aware that you’d escaped Polonius, but I must ask, is he going to come here looking for you?” His face crumpled into a worried frown.

“No,” Aria approached Bastien, understanding his concern. “Polonius knows that he married my decoy, but doesn’t know where I am. He and his troops are on the march to Navarrah City where Bindi, the head of the Royal Guards, and her forces combined with the Navarrian military await him with airships and weapons. He is not coming here, there would be no reason for him to.”

Bastien’s expression relaxed and he seemed more comfortable.

“We are here,” I stepped next to my mate. “To ask that you officiate our marriage. Aria and I would like to be wed as soon as possible so that our love is no longer a target to be threatened. Also we want to return to Onyx Rah as a king and queen to get to work fortifying and continuing our rebuilding of the kingdom.”

“As long as the unrest in Tobran doesn’t spill into Angeline Falls or threaten Queen Nadine, we would be happy to hold your wedding here. The last Royal wedding I officiated was of that of your parents, many years before you were born.” The look of pride on Bastien’s face was endearing. “I am delighted to be hosting your wedding.

“Thank you,” I told him. “We are beyond grateful for your hospitality. I do worry though, we will have all of the leaders of Tobran here. One bomb and everyone could be wiped out. I don’t want to put a damper on such a joyous occasion, but I’m being practical.”

“We have laws,” Bastien started, “and our citizens abide by them without complaint, but I do understand your concern as our laws are of no consequence to Polonius. This is why I will lay a ward of protection around Angeline Falls. No one may enter our airspace without permission, if they do, they will simply disintegrate.”

“Is it wrong that I now hope Polonius does come by airship,” Aria laughed, because if she didn’t she’d cry for all that he’d made her and I suffer.

“It’s not wrong, but he will sense the ward, he does have a bit of his own magic since he’s his grandfather’s descendant, enough to smell magic when he’s near it. I’ll ward the sky and each of the leaders will be coming with their own guards, while I’ll not be sharing this with anyone else, I’ve allowed them all to have one weapon since the most important people in Tobran will be here. I granted these same precautions at your parent’s wedding,” Basteien said with a smile as he looked at me.

“Thank you Bastien for giving us these allowances, I feel much better now.”

“You’re welcome, I want this to be a happy occasion and a good memory for both of you, now let’s get you to your quarters so you and Aria can get ready for your special day.” His smilewas wide and genuine. “Now let’s get you all set up in your rooms.”

Bastien took us to a chalet overlooking the waterfalls and the Angeline lake. The house was enormous and big enough to accommodate our entire wedding party. The decorations were lavish and extravagant. With chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and soft velvety furniture in misty blues and cream, there was not one detail overlooked. The space felt luxurious and opulent, the perfect residence for a wedding.

“I hope this will be to your satisfaction,” Bastien said after showing us around the ten bedroom mansion.

“This is more than enough space,” Aria said, looking excited and happy for the first time in a long time. “Thank you Bastien.”

I remembered that satisfied look of joy on her face when she started to see Onyx Rah come together. When she had assembled her court and was conducting daily meetings, newly built residences dotted the landscape and life started to look more normal.

I sensed the great pride blooming in her not only for providing a kingdom for displaced people, but for building it so quickly and with so much support. That same look of joy crossed her face as she surveyed the house that would soon be filled with all those that she held dear.

There was a time when Aria considered herself an orphan, without family or someone to love her. Even her dear Nan had other children to serve and still was just a laborer in the home where Aria worked. Little did she know that Nana Mavia was actually her grandmother. And in this opulent space Aria was to become my wife, thus marrying into the family that had raised her.

“This will be perfect,” I said to him, grateful for his ongoing hospitality.

“It truly is my pleasure,” Bastien said with a soft note of reassurance.

“This is lux,” Lara said as she walked around the Chalet as soon as Bastien left. “Damn and this view.” It was fun to see her so impressed. “I definitely should have come here sooner.” She flashed me a bright smile and the mood was light.

Halo and Cheyenne went to find their rooms while Lara helped herself to the complimentary wine.

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