"Yes, Bodin. I will marry you. On one condition."

"What?"

"You must stop trying to order me around." I reached for his neck.

He chuckled. Opening his arms to me and adjusting my hug, to pull me onto his lap. Peering into my eyes. "That'll never happen, Belle. Someone must try to reign in your destructive side. But I'll do my best to rationalize with you before then."

I giggled feeling somehow sure that he would still be trying to tell me what to do. Constantly.

But I felt certain I was equipped to be a reasonable opponent for Bodin, in his chess games.

Afterall, wasn't I the one that taught him?

***

I smiled at him. Then my face went stern. "I'm not forgiving you anytime soon for your little show back there."

"You put me in that position, Belle."

"You lied. We're not wed."

"Aren't you?" He caught my hand and lifted it for me to inspect the ring. "We are to me. And this looks like evidence."

"Where did you get it?"

"It was my mothers. I fetched it this morning."

"She knows about me?"

He gave a grin. Eyes dancing. "She's always known."

"Why did you let me think she was dead?"

"I couldn't very well say she is off living with the Fey King. That was her choice and my father's choice but certainly not a fact that needed bandied about. Besides," He gave me a side eye. "You wouldn't have believed me."

He's right. I'd have thought him completely out of his mind.

"You must stop keeping secrets from me." I urged.

"No more." He nodded firmly. Stroking a bit of hair from my face to tuck behind my ear.

"And your father, truly must stop meddling."

Bodin laughed outright at that. "Good luck telling him that. I'm his only son."

"And the son of the woman he's in love with."

Bodin sobered some. "Yes."

He changed the subject. "I believe Ginny would speak to you upon our return."

***

It was late evening and we'd only past one of the villages.

Bodin suggested we pull the carriage along the road and set up a campfire.

He got one going and the driver and footman hunted down some branches and twigs to keep it going.

Bodin pulled out a heavy bag, laden with a cask of wine, cured ham, cheese, apples and a fresh bit of bread.

Ena. I immediately thought of her buying from the baker.

She'd likely purchased more for our dinner.

She, the Fey King, Bodin, I sat around the fire.

Bodin waved over the driver and footman bidding them to join us.

They hesitated, shifting. Not accustomed to Lords asking them to join them in their fare.

"Have a seat." The Fey King ordered with a severe look. "Join us."

They sat down mechanically, and bits of bread and meat were broken off for them.

Though it was simple fare, it was delicious.

Bodin, his father, and Ena were laughing together. Exchanging tales which could almost have been human but had the driver and footman eyeing them askance.

Once the meal was done the Fey King rose and offered me a hand. "Now, time for the ceremony."

"Ceremony?" I blinked at him.

***

I took his hand dully and he pulled me to my feet.

Bodin stood and replaced the Fey King's hand with his. Staring down at me. "You said yes."

"I did...But..."

"Father has a man who can conduct it. And we've plenty of witnesses." He gestured to Ena and the servants.

I swallowed hard.

The Fey King had gone a short distance into the darkness.

In the meantime, Bodin made me a comfortable bed of soft branches which would get me high enough off the ground to reduce the chances of insects crawling on me.

Evidence of the kindness he thinks he lacks. I remarked so.

Making him beam down at me.

When the Fey King returned, I saw the yellow sheen of his glowing eyes before his outline was fully visible in the firelight. Three men followed behind him.

They looked normal. Like citizens I'd have passed in the marketplace.

They're fey?