Chapter Twelve
The room spun slightly, making Lucas realize he held his breath. The gorgeous chandeliers surrounding them seemed to dim. Lucas needed to take a damn breath.
“By the power of your king, you are tied for life.”
Air rushed into his lungs. He saw Ajax’s huge smile before Ajax kissed him.
He didn’t hold back. It didn’t seem to matter to him that they stood before what felt like the whole damn population of The Republic of Serveno.
A cheer rang out around them. The moment Ajax set him free, Lucas’ gaze found his mom.
They held each other’s stare. A double wedding seemed so fitting for them.
A team to the end. His mom winked and Izaac swept her from her feet, being mindful of her full gown before heading back down the aisle.
Lucas took Ajax’s arm and did the same. They followed Izaac back down the aisle.
This time, they walked beneath raised swords.
The guards Lucas had known since he started working for Noir smiled brightly, while the king’s guard kept their stoic expressions.
Time seemed to slip away from him. Sharing the day with Izaac and Wendy took some of the pressure from Lucas’ shoulders. Dinner and toasts flew past him before the dancing and mingling began. People kept bowing their heads as they passed. Lucas lasted an hour before he couldn’t take it any longer.
“Why do people keep lowering their gaze? I’m getting sort of freaked out.”
Ajax laughed. He kissed Lucas’ temple. “I love you.” Ajax made the claim with heavy laughter in his voice.
“I love you too.” Lucas sounded as petulant as he felt. “Don’t make fun of me for not understanding anything about this place.”
Ajax’s smile didn’t dim. “I’m not. You just have that pouty expression I love so much. Ask any questions you want. This is your country too now.”
That was true. While they had done the whole in front a judge thing in the U.S., due to Ajax’s high position of power, he was required by the king to be officially married in his home country too. That way, if ever ordered home, Lucas would have no trouble coming with him.
Another person lowered their eyes.
Lucas sighed.
Ajax rubbed his back. “You married the general of the Royal Guard.” Ajax took a sip of his champagne. His gaze skimmed the crowd. “And I’m like fifteenth in line for the throne.”
Lucas’ head whipped around. “What?”
Ajax flashed him a sweet smile.
Lucas blinked. He shouldn’t have been surprised.
He had known the queen had rescued Ajax from an abusive home.
Lucas should have realized the royal family would never rescue some random child.
Of course, he was part of the royals. “Well.” Lucas blinked again, absorbing the news.
“Why are they averting their gazes from me, though? I’m not in line for the throne. Right? Please tell me I’m not.”
Ajax's laughing gaze swung his way. “No, but you’re my husband. It would be considered untoward to not show you the same respect.”
Lucas shook his head. “What else don’t I know? Do I get beheaded if you leave me?”
It was Ajax’s turn to shake his head. Then he went still and cocked his head to one side.
“Actually, I probably should’ve said something early.
There’s no such thing as divorce here. You’re stuck with me.
At least in this country. While the people of Serveno are free to marry as many willing adults as they want, that’s your spouse or spouses for life. ”
Lucas’ chest hurt. “I mean, we’re never getting divorced anyway, but you could take another husband?” There was no missing the hurt in Lucas’ voice.
A line appeared between Ajax’s eyebrows. “In theory, we could take another spouse. It would have to be something signed off by both spouses. However, none of that matters because I’ll never touch anyone else and you won’t live to gain a new spouse if I caught you cheating.”
While Lucas realized Ajax had just threatened his life, Lucas still couldn’t stop smiling. “Awww. I’d kill you too. You have nothing to worry about, though. I barely keep up with you. You’re a nympho.”
The bark of laughter Ajax released had heads turning their way.
Lucas couldn’t stop smiling. He had never been happier. Hearing Ajax’s laughter and seeing the happiness in Ajax’s eyes was all Lucas lived for anymore.
“Don’t be embarrassed. That’s one of my favorite things about you. But I’m way too tired for anyone else. Seriously, you’re sadistic. My back hurts all the time.”
Ajax laughed so hard, no sound emerged. Lucas couldn’t look away.
He hadn’t made a lot of good choices in his life, but Ajax was the best decision Lucas ever made.
If they had never met, Lucas probably would have never married.
Now he was fully prepared to be tied to this man for life.
Ajax had saved him. In every way. Ajax was stuck now.
Lucas would make sure he enjoyed the ride.
Lucas smiled. He should have made that part of his vows.
There was nothing quite like shocking an entire kingdom.
Lucas fully intended to be scandalous his entire life.
Thankfully, Ajax loved that about him. Their life together would be a happy one.
Keep an eye out for more…