Kerlia smiled. “Well, we did get lucky once, and it is still the holidays. I suppose that it would be worth the effort.”
He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her. Their centuries together melted away, and she felt the same heat in her veins as the first time they met at court.
He had defied convention by choosing her, and she had to have a steel spine to enforce her decision for him, but together, they had made a great team and were excellent citizens of the fey who contributed to the society of the fey. With the jolt of fertility energy, they might just be able to contribute someone just as precious once again.
* * * *
Zee peeked out from behind the leaves and saw that the gathering was still there.
Axl wrapped his arms around her. “Embarrassed?”
She chuckled. “A little. How about you?”
“Smug. I got the girl and the tree.” He laughed.
She elbowed him, but he just kissed her shoulder. “We should get down there and sign the contracts.”
“It isn’t really necessary as we are based here. We don’t need anyone in the outside world to uphold our union.”
“Hm. I still want to do it. Overloading mages is fun, but having some proof of our union is going to be something that satisfies a part of me.”
He sighed. “So, I suppose I should get dressed again?”
She grinned. “Don’t worry. We have all of the Crossroads to explore after today.”
They got dressed, and the tree lowered them down to the floor, held hands, and walked over to where Teal and Tony had the documents.
Teal smiled. “We didn’t know if you would sign.”
Zee sighed. “I needed some proof of the day.”
King Larion walked up and smiled. “We will have plenty of proof in ten months.”
Zee looked at all the couples who were slowly heading back to the Meditation Centre. “Oh. Ohhh.”
“Yes, this was a chance to get a jump on our population decrease, and as your energy was already mixed with his, they will have an inborn tolerance for shifter magic.”
She looked at her monarch. “You are a calculating bastard.”
He grinned and bowed. “I am glad that you have finally caught on. When my mate finally agrees to my company, I will be honoured if you participate in the ceremony.”
Axl walked up behind her and signed the parchment. “We will be there. I am eager to see what kind of shifter lets you anywhere near her.”
Larion blinked and then nodded. “I look forward to seeing you there.”
Zee smiled. “We’ll get you something nice for the wedding.”
He blinked again and smiled slowly. “Thank you, Goddess Zekila. It will be most appreciated.”
Axl inclined his head. “Come on, Zee. I want to introduce you to my parents and siblings.”
The rest of the evening was spent meeting, greeting, hugging, and shaking hands. When they finally got away, they headed straight for the mountains and their honeymoon. Axl carried her, and her own wings were tucked away for the moment.
“So, Axl. This was Christmas. Whatever shall we do for New Year’s?” She wagged her brows.
He laughed and did a barrel roll, holding her tight. “I think we will have a twelve days of Christmas honeymoon and be just getting into the swing of things.”
She giggled and watched as the Crossroads flowed beneath them. Yeah, it was a weird start but definitely a good one.
Author’s Note
So, here is this year’s anthology participation. It was not an easy story, but it draws us closer to Larion and Eilonwy’s wedding and the fact that this was a dry run for that much power swirling around.
Yay. Happy whatever holiday is yours during the winter months!
Thanks for reading,
Zenina Masters
About the Author
Viola Grace (aka Zenina Masters) is a Canadian sci-fi/paranormal romance writer with ambitions to keep writing for the rest of her life. She specializes in short stories because the thrill of discovery, of all those firsts, is what keeps her writing.
An artist who enjoys a story that catches you up, whirls you around, and sets you down with a smile on your face is all she endeavours to be. She prefers to leave the drama to those who are better suited to it, she always goes for the cheap laugh.
In real life, she now is engaged in beekeeping, and her adventures can be found on the YouTube channel, Mystery Bees Apiary. Just look for the cartoon kittens.
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