“Then we try and figure out how to get a ring and plan the biggest and best wedding Faerie has to offer," I say simply. “I make the laws here and that’s one I won’t budge on… love is love. Plus, I have four future husbands handpicked by the Spirits themselves. We’re throwing tradition out the window.”
“Would you be my best man?” he asks with a small smile.
“Duh. I would be offended if I wasn’t. I want a fancy tux though," I say, hugging him tight.
“I’ll have River design it,” he promises. His smile is wistful now and I know he’s already planning it all in his mind.
“When are you going to ask him? What brought this on?” I ask quietly, not wanting anyone to hear us.
“The past few weeks. I could have lost you both and it really hit me. With Andras, it just feels right. It’s deeper than anything I’ve ever experienced, and I don’t want to put it off because it hasn’t been long enough. It’s been long enough for me," he explains.
An excited squeal escapes me. “I can’t believe this! It’s so exciting," I say emphatically, dancing in my seat.
“What if he says no?” The vulnerability in his voice isn’t surprising after his ex completely abandoned him, but I know he has nothing to worry about.
“If he wants time, you give him more. However, I’ve seen the way he looks at you, like you hang the stars themselves. Plus, life is about taking chances, and I think you should give him a chance to say yes," I reassure him.
“What about a ring?” His back and forth is intense, but I’m used to it. This is just how Jacob processes his emotions, sandwiching the harder ones between the lighter. “Can we plan a fae flash mob to sing M
arry You?” His excitement grows as he plans out the elaborate performance in his head.
“I don’t think it would have the effect you hope for," I laugh at the thought of Emrick dancing to a modern song like that… or dancing in general.
“Well think about some romantic ideas for me, girl. I need something amazing," he says. Though I have a feeling if I give him a day, he’ll have it completely planned out. We might need to stay longer than a few days if that’s the case. Just because I’m restoring this land doesn’t mean I’m willing to give up my entire life. These moments are just as important.
“Build him a library and propose on the reveal?” It’s a joke, but his eyes go wide.
“You are a goddess of pure brilliance!” he says emphatically, giving me a hug and literally sprinting out of the door. I have a feeling it will be our next building project.
With everyone gone, I head back up to my room and lay down on the bed. It’s so relaxing in here but I can’t fall asleep, my mind already on the people we left behind. That’s one thing about being a ruler, the worry never quite leaves you. There are too many lives at stake.
I’m so lost in thought I don’t even realize that my knights have entered the room. Without a word they all take off their boots and spread out around me on the bed. Bowen and Gerwyn each grab an ankle before dozing off. Emrick and Maddox each take a hand, Emrick placing a sweet kiss on my palm before he falls asleep.
I’m so happy and content as I snuggle between my four mates. I’m beyond lucky to have such supportive companions in my life. It’s intimidating to be in charge of so many people’s lives, but I know with my council, family, and now knights, that I will make the right choices.
Epilogue
“He’s going to say yes, Jacob. Breathe," I say for the fiftieth time. My best friend is pacing back and forth in front of me.
“I’ve literally never been this nervous. Like I literally have no jokes right now," he practically yells in his nervous state, hands moving around animatedly with each word.
Before his energy can rub off on me, I stand up and adjust his bowtie again. He’s decked out in fae formal wear and he looks dashing and whimsical. They’re similar to a tux, though the shirt underneath is silk and the coat longer in the back. His is a navy blue with coral accents, and he looks amazing.
We had one of the Winter fae who worked as a blacksmith help create a ring for Andras and Jacob. They were gold bands with fae words that translated to True Love Across Two Worlds. Every time I read it, I swoon a little. Jacob is apparently the closet romantic.
“It’s time," Maddox announces, peeking his head into my room. I nod and lead Jacob out of the door. Gerwyn is bringing Andras over to the new library to meet us. The whole city is gathered in front of it, waiting for us to announce its opening. We planned it as a grand opening, but really it’s because of the proposal.
The building is impressive, and only took the team of builders a little over a month to build. Salvage teams even traveled to the Winter and Spring libraries to bring back as many books as they could, filling up the space nicely. Of course, there’s room to add the last two courts when we get there.
Jacob designed the library himself, with my help of course. The idea really was brilliant. How many people would kill for their man to build them a library?
When we walk up the stone stairs, I pull Jacob behind one of the pillars before he can be seen just yet. I won’t tell Tristan, but I definitely put them into the design just for this purpose alone.
I notice Gerwyn and Andras moving towards the front of the crowd and I smile and wave, taking my place at the front of the steps. I wait as a few stragglers join the group before addressing the crowd.
“Welcome, everyone! I want to say a huge thank you to our team of builders, led by our amazing councilman Tristan!” I wait for a moment as the applause dies down and Tristan ducks out of the limelight. “I am so proud to say our library is complete. After the salvage teams brought their findings here, we have properly filled the shelves. New Faerie, as we have voted to call our lands here, will be the new center of knowledge for our restored lands. Now, I would like to welcome another councilman, Andras, to join me on stage." Andras looks confused but joins me on stage without protest.
One obstacle crossed.