Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 94782 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 474(@200wpm)___ 379(@250wpm)___ 316(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94782 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 474(@200wpm)___ 379(@250wpm)___ 316(@300wpm)
“I have never felt more like a king than I do right now,” I tell her.
She starts pawing at me again, frantically trying to unbutton my shirt and strip me down naked, just how she likes me.
“This week,” I murmur against her lips as she fumbles over my buttons. “Marry me this week.”
She pauses. “This week?”
“I want my mother to be there.”
Her eyes are soft and sad when she nods, her fingers trailing across my jaw. “Of course, my love. This week sounds perfect.”
“Good.” I sigh into her neck and move her hands back to my shirt. “Now you can fuck me, goddess.”
37
Thorsen
“You look so handsome, Thorsen.” My mother tries to hold back her tears as Aunt Runa wheels her into position in the garden.
It’s the first time she’s been out of bed this week, and I was beginning to have my doubts she’d make it down here at all. But she came through, summoning her strength to be here tonight. And after our conversation yesterday, I understand that this is the last of her will. This is what she’s been holding on for.
“I love you, Mor.” I lean down to kiss her on the cheek.
“Oh, my dear, sweet son. I love you too. I’m so proud of you. It’s time for you to live your life. You have my blessings of happiness.”
My eyes burn, and my voice wavers just a little as I give her the answer she’s been waiting for. “You have my blessing too.”
Tears leak from her eyes, and she nods, squeezing my hand in hers.
The music begins, and it’s time for me to leave her and join Calder. I thank my mother for all her help, and my brother leads me to the ring of glowing candles with a lit torch in hand. As we reach the entrance of the circle, he sets his torch down on one side and leaves me to join the Gothi within the sacred space while I wait for my bride. A week wasn’t much time to throw everything together, but the benefit of having an entire royal staff at your disposal is that you can make it happen.
Ella got everything she wanted, which wasn’t much. It’s a small, intimate affair with just my family and Olivia and Charlotte. When I told her how I had meant to propose, she said we should get married that way instead. So that’s exactly what we’re doing. In the garden, in the middle of the night, among the roses and stars.
My mother was more than happy to be involved in all aspects, telling Ella about the rituals she believes will ensure a long, happy marriage. Scattered around us are flowers, branches, and leaves. Myrtle to symbolize our love, oak for fertility, and willow for protection. Everything has a significance, and Ella was eager to incorporate all of them, much to my mother’s pleasure.
Charlotte walks down the aisle next, a nervous smile on her face as she sets her torch down at the entrance to make way for the bride. Outside of the circle, Olivia is next to my mother, Dr. Blom, and Aunt Runa. When Ella appears at the end of the aisle, we all turn our attention to her.
A smile curves across my face when she walks toward me in a dress that’s oddly familiar. And while I realize it isn’t the same one, she chose a dress just like the one she first met me in. But instead of blue, it’s white. The only thing that’s missing is her silver heel, which is conveniently tucked into my arm. Even so, she manages her way to me with a grace not many could possess. When she joins me at my side, there is a collaborative resonance of laughter when I kneel before her and place the shoe on her foot.
“I think you left this behind.”
“Lucky for me.” She beams as I stand and take her hands in mine.
“I like the dress.” My eyes move over her with a carnal appreciation only she can see.
“I thought you might.” She blushes.
Her face is aglow with happiness, and I recognize it because I feel it too. Her warmth has penetrated the frozen exterior I’ve flaunted like a weapon for so long. Ella blasted right through those hard outer layers and broke them down inch by inch, chiseling so deep inside me I’d never be able to let her go. And right now, I’ve never been more grateful for her determination. After today, she will be my wife. My fire goddess. My Queen.
The Gothi directs our attention to him, opening with a traditional Norse blessing. Facing in each direction as he speaks, he forbids all evil from entering our lives from this point forward. After invoking the gods, our ancestors, and everyone gathered here today as our witnesses, he lights a symbolic candle to purify us so that we may enter our marriage with unadulterated love.