Page 124 of Of Vows and War: Special Edition
At my back, I heard a soft sniffle. Turning, I watched as Henrycried.
“What?” he hissed, wiping his face. “That was practically poetry coming from Ash. Leave me alone and say your stupid vows before I start blowing my snot on your shirt.”
With a disbelieving laugh, I shook my head and faced Ash again. Her eyes were watering as well, her brows furrowed and her smile soft. She was immaculate. Taking a deep breath, I began.
“My entire life, I never felt whole. I was always two halves at war. Death and fury loomed around my heart constantly, leaving me nothing but a plague upon the world. And then, out of nowhere, came the vision of a future I had never dared to dream of. One filled with quick quips, piano keys, sharp blades, soft breaths, and the most perfect gray eyes. You were morethan I could have ever thought to hope for. Every day since, you have proven yourself to be the best thing to happen not only to me, but Alemthian. Whatever comes after this, I can vow that I will be at your side, ready to take it all on with you. Nothing I will ever be—a soldier, a friend, a king—will ever amount to how magnificent it is to be yours. I will spend the rest of my days worshiping at your feet in thanks for you choosing to be mine as well.” I took the plain, thin gold band and slid it just above her engagement ring, letting it settle comfortably there.
“I love you,” she whispered, her eyes glassy.
“I love you more.” Blubbers and quiet sobs could be heard all around us, but I had eyes only for her. My wife.
“I now pronounce you wed, may the remainder of your days be spent together in love. You may seal the union with a kiss,” Adbeel said, his voice shaky with emotions.
Diving forward, I grabbed her face with my hands and brought her lips to mine. She tasted like vanilla and pastries. Like hope and dreams. Like forever.
All too soon, Asher pushed me away with a raspy laugh, allowing me to at least keep our foreheads pressed together as everyone screamed and cheered. I did it. I married Ash. I became more than I ever thought possible. I was finallysomeone.Something with worth.
No, I was more than that. As I looked down at Asher, I realized that to the most important being in the entire world, I waseverything.
We backed away from one another, the two of us beaming as we joined our hands and raised them to the sky, even louder cheers erupting. For the joy of Asher’s annoyance at my theatrics, I bent down and scooped her up into a cradle, carrying her leisurely down the aisle. She rolled her eyes, but laughs slipped free of her lips.
“You are ridiculous,” she shouted, trying to be heard over the crowd. I smirked, getting closer to her.
“And you love it,” I teased.
To that, she had nothing to say but, “I do.”
***
Noe had rushed us through our outfit change, practically forcing us into the new clothes. Mine had been simple, made to match Asher. I wore what looked like liquid obsidian trousers and a matching top, the loose-fitting shirt left nearly fully open to reveal my black veins. The only difference between the top and the trousers were the flecks of silver and gold that coated my upper half. Seven thin red chains had been added around my neck, my gold rings back on my fingers and matching perfectly with my wedding band. Asher had made a snarky comment about muscles and self-absorbed males, but I caught her staring at my exposed chest and stomach, her bottom lip tugged between her teeth. I would have teased her if not for my own staring.
It turned out that the sketch I had found ages ago in Pino’s room in Haven had not just been a dream. No, the onyx dress had been real. Pino had given it to Noe for safe keeping, and the little traitor had kept his secret until recently. But the sight of Asher was worth the wait.
Her dress clung to her torso, flaring slightly at the hips where the skirts grew thicker in layers. It was the black of the depths of the sea, sparkling with the same dots of gold and silver that my top had. It cut low between her breasts, held together by seven thin red chains that started just below her chest and traveled up to her collarbones. Her shoulders were held up by braided black fabric, moonstones used as buttons to lock her long cape in place.
Our capes matched as well, billowing and black, baring no additional color other than the faintest hint of sky blue stitching. Both of our heads were without accessories, Asher’s long curls free and my short waves a mess. Something heavy would soon rest there.
“Last touch,” Noe added, reaching into a box to grab Asher’s anklet and what looked like a necklace to match. Had she gotten that made for Asher? My head quirked to the side, watching as Noe reached down and secured the anklet on Asher. Then, my spymaster—one of my best friends—stood and faced me. “Last week, I took Asher to have your ring made. While we were there, she asked the jeweler to make this for you. The female had said, and I am quoting her directly, ‘anything for the handsome prince.’ I think Asher almost killed her.”
My eyes flicked to my wife—my wife, my wife, my wife,my wife—catching her wicked smile before it disappeared. “I would have done it,” she mouthed.
Noe went to my back, reaching up and over my shoulders with the necklace before securing it on my neck. The Moon kissed each of our cheeks then, declaring that she would see us down there and leaving us momentarily alone.
Like Asher’s, the chain was gold and littered with rubies. My fingers went up to it, rotating until I saw the clasp. Just like hers, mine was also held together by one clasp coated in silver diamonds and the other in black diamonds. When I let my gaze rise to Asher, I found her already looking at me.
“A queen of stars and a king of night, joining to secure the future,” she declared, reaching a hand out to me. I smiled, nodding as I grabbed it. Tugging her close, I gave her red lips a chaste kiss.
Together, we descended the many flights of stairs, taking our sweet time to bask in one another. As impossible as it was, I felt like I loved her even more. We were one, now and forever. Evenafter my death, I knew I would be a part of Ash. And maybe, just maybe, I could manage to defy fate and be with her forever.
By the time we reached the doors, the party had begun. Everyone was drinking and shouting, music playing wildly outside. I laughed as demons, mortals, and more huddled around us, all of them more excited than they probably should be. But war loomed, and we all needed something to find happiness in. So I welcomed their affection, letting them kiss my free hand and pray for our happiness.
We were herded towards the altar, everyone screaming out their congrats. The base was vibrating with the excitement and joy of everyone—alive with love and hope. I could practically feel their emotions in my chest and taste them on my lips. Silently, I wondered how Asher was doing.
She held me firmly, not looking up as we made our way to the raised silver platform. It had to be overwhelming to have so many minds all around her, but she remained firm as she walked, her shoulders squared. I tightened my hold on her.
Adbeel stood where he had during our vows, smiling with tears in his eyes and his head absent of a crown. At his sides, Noe and Henry held plush blue pillows with the towering crowns atop. They were identical, as they always had been. Kings were no more important than queens and vice versa. Equal in the eyes of all. Just as Ash and I were.
We stopped before the current king, each of us sporting wide eyes. This was it. We were about to become rulers of an entire kingdom—a realm.
