“This library was suggested by our prince. He knew his boyfriend loved working in his library before the war and thought he would enjoy bringing a new one to life for all of us. So, the prince and I worked on creating the plans that Tristan flawlessly brought to life. Jacob made this for you," I explain, and Andras’ mouth flies open in shock. I can see his eyes growing misty.
While he’s distracted, Jacob silently steps out from behind the pillar and gets down on one knee behind Andras. The sight has tears springing to my eyes and I choke back a sob. The people all grow silent when they see him. I slowly back up, causing Andras to get confused. I point behind him and he slowly turns. I hear his gasp as he takes in Jacob.
“Andras. You found me a sad, broken human. We connected right away, and as our friendship grew, so did our love. I have never felt anything like the love I feel for you. You are who I think about when I wake up, and who I love to snuggle as I go to sleep. Everything I see you do and everything I learn about you, just makes me love you more. You mean so much to me Andras, and I want to spend eternity with you as my mate, and as my husband. Will you marry me?” His voice starts out strong, but when he holds out the ring and finishes his speech, I can hear the emotion choking his words. Andras doesn’t move and I hold my breath, waiting.
Oh Spirits.
“Yes." It’s barely more than a whisper, but we all hear him clearly. A deafening eruption of cheers bursts out at his answer. Jacob jumps to his feet and gives Andras a passionate kiss, both hands locked on either side of his face, holding him in place.
I run up to them as they pull apart, squeezing them both in a huge hug, before River rushes the stage to do the same.
“I’m so happy for you guys. I can’t wait to help plan the wedding. Congratulations on your new fiancé and your new job as head librarian of New Faerie," I say with a wink, causing Andras to let loose a small sob, the happiness of it all clearly overwhelming him. Jacob looks happier than I have ever seen him and it warms me, heart and soul. He deserves to feel a love like this and have a family who accepts him.
“Hold on everyone, back it up!” Jacob yells. This time I’m the one confused, turning around to see what’s going on. “We have one more announcement. Well I don’t, but my friends here do," he says, giving me a wink and walking off of the stairs with Andras holding his hand.
What is he doing?
My knights all walk up to me dressed in formals similar to Jacob’s, stopping at the base of the stairs. I look at them in confusion until they all drop to one knee in perfect synchronization.
“Holy shit,” I whisper before I can catch myself.
“Arabella, We know that we’re your bonded or soon to be bonded knights and future kings. But we want you to know this is more than a duty to Faerie," Maddox begins, looking into my eyes.
“You are loving, caring, selfless, and a brave queen. You honor us every day that you choose to be with us," Emrick says next, looking at me with pure adoration. My heart swells and I go weak in the knees.
“We want you to know we vow to protect you and each other. We are one unit, one team, and one family. We want you forever, Arabella," Bowen says with a huge grin that has me smiling back.
“Queen Arabella, our Bella. Will you marry us?” Gerwyn asks as they all hold out a thin ring.
My heart swells at their amazing speeches. I glance over at Jacob, not missing the self-satisfied smirk on his face. I know he loves me, he never shares his glory like this. I’m incredibly touched he wants to share this experience with me.
“I would love to marry you," I say to my men, not wanting to hesitate too long. They all spring up from their spots and rush forward. I hold out my hand and they each slide their ring over my finger. The rings are thinner than a normal ring, and they have a wavy pattern that interlocks them together, forming one gorgeous ring. I love the deeper meaning behind it… it’s perfect.
Jacob rushes up to me as the crowd goes crazy again. I don’t even know what to say to him, instead I pull him into a bone crushing hug. He proves time and again how wonderful he is, and I love him for it.
“You did this?” I ask quietly. He nods and smirks.
“Of course, I did. They couldn’t have designed such a badass ring on their own. Nor planned this romantic gesture. Though the words are their own," he jokes. “Plus, you’re my family, we do everything together. Just wait for our badass wedding.”
“You want to get married together, too?” I ask, shocked once again.
“Duh. We can do my wedding in the morning, then your quadruple wedding in the afternoon, then party all night long. It’s perfect," he gushes, I can practically see the gears working in his brain as he plans it in his head.
“You’ve thought about this, haven’t you?” I laugh and hug him again.
“Of course, I have," he says simply. I love his idea, sharing it with him will make it so much more special… Plus, I hate planning events.
We spend the next hour speaking to everyone who came up to greet us. My heart is so full I feel like it might burst. I love that there are babies being born and weddings being planned in our new realm, everything coming together. It’s finally starting to feel less like a dead realm and more like somewhere we can have a future.
Once everyone starts to trickle away from the stairs, the seven of us head into the library. Andras is dragging Jacob around, expressing how much he loves the building design and pointing out his favorite books. Gerwyn, Maddox, and Bowen are all pouring over plans for our next journey, which leaves Emrick and I wandering around the rows of books.
“Are you ready to see the Court of Autumn again, big guy?” I ask, looking up at him while he answers.
“It’ll be weird, I lost a lot in tho
se lands. I’m worried I’ll be haunted by the memories. I raised my little brother in our village. I protected him, until the war came. But I couldn’t protect him from that," he says sadly.
“I’m so sorry, Em. It’s not your fault," I say quietly. He grunts in response.