Princess of Faerl

70. Dance the Night Away

*Elentari*

Making my getaway, Tanz and Tourmaline helped me change my dress. For my reception, I put on my normal knee-high black boot heels, black thigh-high stockings that attach to a black garter belt with black roses embroidered on it. I wore silky black panties and a matching push-up bra. Most people would classify my dress as an old time western or steampunk dress, but it was black with red roses on the skirt. It was shorter in the front than the back, hitting my mid thigh in the front and bustling in the back, still reaching my ankles. A beautiful underbust corset with red and silver accents hugged my waist and a silky off shoulder shirt that flowed out into long flared sleeves. It showed off every curve I possessed and was perfectly me. I redid my eye makeup to match my current outfit, switching the blue shadow for red, and then made my way down the stairs to the banquet hall, meeting Hep outside before we made our grand entrance.

I got the reaction I wanted when he saw me. I wanted to feel sexy. The look on his face told me I am sexy. He grabbed my hand and pulled me in for a passionate kiss. “You look divine, my goddess.” His hot breath on my neck made me shiver with delight.

“You are as well, my love. I can’t believe we made it. We’re finally married.” I reached up and caressed his cheek, smiling softly. “You’ve been taking better care of yourself, I can tell.” His skin was clear and healthy, his eyes were brighter. The dark cloud that seemed to eternally hang over him when we first met had disappeared in its entirety.

“Thanks to you coming back to me, love. I owe it all to you.” He spun me in a circle causing me to giggle. This was perfection. “Shall we?” He looked around at our wedding party who started cheering.

“And here is our bridal party!!!! Our Bridesmaids and Groomsmen, Prince Aranelda Tirisil and his beautiful mate, Dutchess Stacie MaComb!!! Duke Scott MaComb Jr and his lovely mate, Her Faeness Lily Clearwater!!!! And now, make way make way for the Best Man! Our favorite Demigod and son of the bride and groom… Khalith!!! And not to be out done, his beautiful mate, our favorite warrior goddess, Alke!!!” They all strutted in one after another and I had to giggle. I loved watching my family.

“And now, The King and Queen along with the Duke and Dutchess of Faerl present to you our bride and groom, the God and Goddess of Faerl, His Lordship Hephaestus Tirisil and Her Ladyship Elentari Tirisil!” We walked in, surprised at the introduction. I had just gotten used to being a princess now I’m a goddess. Time sure changes things. I felt blessed beyond words.

The DJ announced we would be immediately going into our first dance song and I blushed a bit. The song was my all time favorite song that now had a new meaning, “Until Eternity” by Blackbriar. I sang softly to him as he held me close. We didn’t need clinking glasses for us to kiss. He peppered me with kisses. Some quick and soft, some more sensual that lit a fire in me. This man was everything. Would always be my everything.

Next I had my daddy daughter dance, the first half of the dance I was with Alaric and the second half of the dance I was with Scott. The song they chose together was Butterfly Kisses. My moms picked a mashup for their dance with Hep, since neither was actually his mom, but both are his mother-in-law. My Wish/I Hope You Dance by Lauryn Evans played and each took a turn dancing with him. It was a short song, so it played twice. My eyes shed tears of happiness the entire time.

We sat to eat and the toasts started. Scott embarrassed me with tales of my childhood, Alaric spoke of how happy he was to be able to share this moment, Belle tried to talk and mostly cried. Alisee talked about how happy she was that I found my way home and brought her love home as well. How much a blessing my existence is. My twin spoke about how grateful he was that I found him, brought him home, and changed his life. Scott and Stacie spoke as well. All of these words, I was crying like a baby. Hep smiled at me the whole time. Finally, our son took the mic.

“So… The prodigal mother and son return. It took so long for us to get here. This journey started with my conception. I’m beyond happy to be able to witness my parents wedding. Witness the happiness my mom said she felt, for only one day, in her very first life. To see him hold her, the woman that formed me into the being that I am today, and the being I will be for all time. I’ve finally got to meet my father. I get to feel his love and devotion. To see him fall in love with every glance, all over again. There are countless tales over many centuries and realities of what true love looks like. What soul mates look like. I’ve traveled through many of these, seen many for myself, and I will tell you now, none exemplify what the true meaning of unconditional, everlasting, pure love is more than these two that were married by the Creator of All today.” He held in a sniffle and looked to us, eyes glistening with tears. I was beyond bawling like a baby at this point. “Ma, Pops, thank you for creating me, for all your heartache and love that you have poured into the world to make it to this moment. I cherish you and I can’t wait to watch our family grow, have a few siblings, and watch our family become so much more. I love you both.” He held up his glass and the room was silent for a moment, until Mr Clearwater started clapping. Suddenly the room erupted with clapping and cheers. Hep and I got up and hugged Khalith, me peppering his cheek with kisses.

“That was beautiful, thank you. It may take a while for me to get used to calling you son, but I know you are in my heart. You’re more than I could ever ask for in a child and your love is beautiful.” We all three cried in happiness. I silently thanked Selene for the smear proof makeup job.

We ate and then couples started moving to the dance floor, getting their groove on. Eliza sat in the back of the hall, tears in her eyes. She watched Stacie and Aran happy together. I could feel her heart breaking. Funny thing was, her bond with Stacie wasn’t gone. It was weak, but not gone. Time would tell if she would sever it completely or not. A part of me felt for her as I knew her actions were not completely her own. I looked over at her parents and a black cloud was around her father. It made me wish to smite him right then and there. I took a deep breath to calm myself and turned back to my husband, as he led me out for a dance.

Next week was the twin’s birthday. Hep and I were going to go away for a week, come back for their birthday party, and then set out to finish out our honeymoon. I was fully expecting a couple of proposals that day, and I looked forward to it. Part of my heart felt a little sad though, as there was no mark for me to bear on my skin like the rest of my siblings would have. Hep had never been any kind of were-folk, so there was no animal to mark. Where as I could choose any one of four ways to mark him.

“Are we going to be able to sneak away soon?” I asked him. I was getting tired, but didn’t want to be too tired when we got back to what was now our room. He winked at me.

“Our son has it covered. You’ll see.” His voice carried a hint of mischief. Two songs later I had my answer. Khalith clinked a glass to get everyone’s attention.

“Yes, I know I gave a speech earlier, but I got Pops approval for this tonight, and I think it’s time. Not that long ago I was blessed to meet a warrior goddess. She is bright, beautiful, and the best woman I could think to bring home to my Ma and Pops. She can kick my ass in battle and teach me more than a few things. Gods, Goddesses and Demigods do not get bonds very often, but Adalith blessed us.” He held Alke’s hand, and got onto one knee, pulling out a beautifully crafted ring. The setting was wings and two swords holding up a teardrop diamond. “Alke, my Warrior Goddess, I know this is somewhat sudden, but would you make me the happiest being alive and agree to marry me?” His hands were shaking and I smiled brightly at them.

“You knew this was happening, huh?” I asked Hep and he gave me a sheepish grin.

“No better way to sneak away from your own wedding than give others something to celebrate.” He shrugged and I lightly smacked his shoulder.

Alke looked pale as a ghost and I giggled a bit. She stared down at him, her own hands shaking, “I.. wow…” she bit her lip and for a moment I got worried, “Yes, Khalith, my courage, I will marry you.” Her blush was beautiful as he swept her up into his arms, swinging her around while kissing her.

Khalith and I locked eyes and I made a heart with my hands, mouthing “congratulations, son” and blowing her kisses when she looked my way. Hep grabbed my hand and pulled me out of the room while people crowded around our son and his fiancee.

“Now is our chance, my wife.” His grin said it all.