Total pages in book: 21
Estimated words: 19262 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 96(@200wpm)___ 77(@250wpm)___ 64(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 19262 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 96(@200wpm)___ 77(@250wpm)___ 64(@300wpm)
Thayla nodded. “You have chosen well. Fagen has a good soul, and so do his sons. His bloodline will bring honor back to the throne. I will appear to him soon, but first, there is another important task I must tend to.” She looked between Leo and me before adding, "I believe there are two people here who wish to be wed."
My heart raced in my chest. Even though I knew what my future held, I did not foresee it happening so quickly, and my mind still had trouble wrapping around this reality. But my heart accepted it easily. Marrying Leo was what I wanted beyond anything else.
I looked at him and before I could even ask, he nodded his head quickly and enthusiastically. I took his hand, intertwining our fingers together, and told Thayla, "We do."
She smiled and spoke, "Vows bound by a goddess can never break. Your love will only grow and flourish over time. So do not take this question lightly; do you both vow to honor and stay true to one another for all time? To protect each other and be your partner's source of happiness, and their strength during times of struggle?"
"Yes," Leo and I both answered without even a moment of hesitation.
Thayla placed a hand on each of our chests before slowly pulling back, drawing a wispy white cloud of mist from both of our bodies. She brought her hands together and the clouds spread out until they touched. “I have joined every part of you; your lifelines, your essence, your very souls. You need one another to survive.” The mist slowly disappeared from view, but a warm presence in my chest remained.
The goddess continued, “Ansel, as I have promised, your mate’s life is now eternal as well. But be clear; I’ve given you this gift in exchange for your continued loyalty and allegiance. You will continue to fight when you are needed to keep my people safe, and to resist Maldor’s reach.”
“It’s an honor to do so,” I agreed with a bow of my head.
“I will fight too,” Leo added, and my chest swelled with pride. “Ansel said that he will teach me how to wield a sword, and I will use it for you.”
“Your sacrifice is accepted with the utmost appreciation,” she replied with a grin before it faltered. “Maldor’s sacrifice will soon increase his strength, and I’m afraid there will be hard days ahead, filled with battles and strife. But there will also be happy days, such as this one. I will appear to you again when it is time to rise up and fight. But for now, go and celebrate your love, and the bond you share. Moments of bliss renew our spirits and give us hope. Always keep hope alive.”
Leo and I bowed our heads, and Thayla’s light slowly dissipated. In just a moment, she was gone. I swooped down on my prince - my king - my husband, and kissed him deeply, pouring my love and devotion into his mouth.
When we parted, I rested my forehead on his and gazed into his icy blue eyes. They squinted when he yawned, and he quickly apologized.
“Don’t be sorry,” I pleaded. “I know that you are as overjoyed as I am. But we’ve had a long day, and our bodies need rest now.” As much as I wanted to ravage his beautiful body, I knew he had greater needs. I sat in the lush grass between the roots of the tree, and patted the ground. “Please join me.”
Leo sat next to me and asked, “What about our horse?”
“It will stay close,” I assured before I laid back on the grass, bringing him with me. I wrapped him in my arms and breathed deeply, inhaling his natural sweet scent into my lungs. The aroma relaxed me and brought a gentle smile to my lips.
Leo yawned again, and soon, his breathing turned slow and deep as he slumbered beside me, underneath the tree of promise in the holiest of places; the place where we became one.
I draped my cloak over our bodies, to block the sun from our eyes and ourselves from any passersby, though I doubted any would come. I closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep, knowing that no dream could ever be as sweet as my life.
Chapter Seven
Leo
Ansel chuckled as he wiped his thumb across my cheek, knocking away a clump of cheese. I’d eaten like an animal, devouring the tray of bread, cured meats and cheeses that was delivered to our room.
We were staying in the same inn as a couple of nights prior. After our short sleep beneath the tree, Ansel and I traveled across the lands once more, heading towards his cottage which we would now share.
But it was a long journey, and we grew tired and hungry. Instead of pushing ourselves too hard or spending another night on the ground, we decided to make a stop at the inn to rest and rejuvenate. Since no one was chasing us any longer, it was proving to be quite relaxing. We ate and were cuddling in front of the warm fire.