ETAN

Jareth bustled away to organize the contract, which he said would be recognized by the entire Continent. "As much as they want to recognize it, of course. But they will have no room for claiming foul, or that you have not fulfilled the terms," he said, with a kind smile at Ayleth.

Etan stomach fluttered. He was eager—could hardly wait, in fact. So tense he wanted to dance on his feet. But it was all moving so quickly that he worried Ayleth would be overwhelmed.

She spoke quietly to Falek while they waited for Jareth to return, and Etan watched her, the way her copper hair tumbled around her shoulders—even now, when she hadn't bathed.

Well, hadn't bathed intentionally, he reminded himself, his body tightening at a flash of memory from the clearing earlier that day.

Had it really only been hours since they'd been there? He'd been so frantic, so desperate to keep himself from taking her, and yet… here they were. She would be his tonight, in every way that mattered.

He blinked and blew out a breath.

Thank you, Father, he prayed. Thank you for making her for me. Thank you for trusting me with her. I will not let you down.

The rush of the Father's love washed over him and he saw everything that he wanted almost in his grasp—his wonderful, strong, magnificent wife. Children. Kingdoms at peace… It was all right there, so close he could almost touch it.

"Please," he prayed under his breath. "Please, let it all come to pass."

Ayleth turned then, her loose curls fluttering around her shoulders. When she caught the expression on his face, she smiled and her cheeks pinked.

He couldn't resist, he closed the space between them and she turned to him.

It struck him then that she stood there in leathers and a riding blouse, hair un-tended, and no ladies in waiting.

This was not how a royal wedding was supposed to go. "Ayleth," he murmured. "This isn't the grand ceremony, the celebration we would have had… are you sad?"

She shook her head. "This will be far more special. The royal events are always so… pompous. I feel like a dressed turkey in those moments. This will be just us. I am… I think it's better, don't you?"

Etan smiled and pulled her close, stroking his hands through her hair. "Yes, I do. I'm so glad you see it that way." He cupped her soft cheeks and was drinking her in, trying to comprehend that she would truly be his, when a shadow passed behind her eyes.

His stomach clenched. "What is it?"

She patted his chest. "Nothing serious. Only, I do wonder about tonight and—"

"This is the contract we use for nobles. You must both sign it with witnesses and I will stamp its authenticity. Do you wish to do that before or after the vows?"

"Before," Etan said before anyone else could answer. "I will not risk this a second longer than necessary."

Jareth smiled and nodded, producing a quill and inkpot and spreading the large parchment across a table at the side of the stage. "Very well, then I suggest the happy couple come sign, and their men bear witness that they did so."

It was strange to Etan, as he took the quill and scratched his full name, knowing that this one piece of paper would change his life. And Ayleth's. And in fact, it would change the lives of everyone in their Kingdoms as well, though they wouldn't know it yet.

For a moment, the magnitude of what they were doing hit him. As he passed the quill to Ayleth his hand shook.

She took it, her fingers steady, but placed a gentle hand on his arm before leaning over the paper herself and signing.

While Borsche and Falek witnessed the signing, and Jareth showed them where to leave their thumbprints, Etan pulled Ayleth into his side again.

"What was it you were concerned about?" he asked quietly.

Ayleth shook her head. "It's nothing. Only nerves. Tonight… I am so glad that I will finally have you tonight, Etan. I only hope I can please you."

Etan looked at her, shaking his head. "You already please me more than I know how to express, Ayleth," he whispered. "I fear it is I who must please you, tonight."

She frowned. "How is that? Mother said the woman must always—"

"Are you both ready to exchange vows? I know we do not have rings. But the vows are binding when spoken in the sight of the lord. And I suspect both of you will have the means to arrange rings at a later date, yes?" Jareth asked from the podium.

"Yes, just a moment!" Etan said, then turned back to her, murmuring for her ears only. "I don't know what you have been told, Ayleth, but do not fear whatever will happen between us tonight. It is only an… extension of the ways we've already loved each other. There is no right or wrong—and certainly no distinct role for you to play. We will only show our love. We will give each other pleasure, and learn each other more deeply. That is all. I promise."

Her lips tipped up and she put a hand to his face. "You are a good man, Etan," she whispered. "I don't know why you were chosen for me, but I am so grateful that you were."

"I feel the same way. So… are you ready?"

"Yes. I've been ready since the night we met," she said simply, and the words were an arrow to Etan's tender heart. She was too perfect!

Taking a deep breath, he led Ayleth forward until they both stood in front of Jareth, facing each other, and their men standing behind them.

Etan took her hands and held her there, gazing at her. Her eyes flitted away with nerves, but kept coming back to his.

It was happening. It was finally happening.

Praise the Father of Lights. He was finally going to marry Ayleth so no one could ever take her from him again.