Chapter 36
Daisy
I’m standing at the end of the aisle, heart hammering, palms sweating, legs trembling as I stare at the man who’s about to become my husband.
This morning felt like a fever dream. I woke up to two sweet, glowing servants who brought in breakfast, my shoes, and my wedding dress. I couldn’t eat a thing. My stomach felt like a stormy sea, churning so violently I was sure I’d vomit.
One of the girls, Maren, helped me into the gown. She was tall and soft-spoken. Her skin shimmered with undertones of gold, her hair braided into a crown woven with glinting ribbons. She had a gentleness to her that eased my nerves, even as her fingers fastened each delicate button up my spine.
The dress itself was breathtaking. Pure white, with a lace bodice and a sweetheart neckline that hugged me in all the right places.
The skirt flowed in soft layers with delicate petals in blush pink and ivory scattered across the fabric.
Around my neck sat a necklace of diamonds and rubies, perfectly matching the stones in my engagement ring.
My hair was done up with soft curls twisted back into a messy low bun, woven through with tiny flowers, with stray curls framing my face. My makeup was soft, accentuating the freckles that had bloomed across my skin since arriving in Solara.
The shoes were perfect—white heels, with delicate daisies scattered across the strap that sat just above my white-painted toes. A thin ankle strap sparkled with faint yellow sunstone. I hope I didn’t puke on them like I felt like I was about to.
A knock sounded at my door, and I gasped when Aran walked in—dressed to perfection, holding a bouquet of daisies, wheat, and something he said was called Solthera.
“Aran?” I breathed, rushing into his arms.
“I thought I’d walk you down the aisle,” he said, voice thick with more emotion than I’d ever heard from him. “If you’ll allow me to do the honours, of course.”
Tears welled in my eyes as I hugged him tighter. “I’d love that.”
He handed me a small box, and inside were the most beautiful teardrop ruby earrings I’d ever seen.
“For you, little sunshine.”
And now here I stand, about to walk toward the demon prince who has turned my life upside down.
The soft harp music plays in my ears, and Aran gently guides me down the aisle.
Sariya has outdone herself; the space is nothing short of magical.
A golden arch wrapped in flowers and glowing silk sits at the end of the aisle, where Korithax waits beneath like a shadow caught in sunlight.
I wonder what Ezra and Talia would say if they saw this. I’m pretty sure Ezra would faint. Gods, I miss them so much.
We reach the altar, and Aran kisses my cheek, gently taking my bouquet before stepping aside. I turn to Korithax, his hand held out for me. I place mine in his, walking up to meet him. Is he… sweating?
“Today,” Sariya says, smiling warmly. “I have the absolute pleasure of joining Miss Daisy Sandoval and Lord Korithax in marriage.”
“You really don’t have a last name?” I whisper.
He smirks. “That’s kind of a mortal thing.”
“Oh.” Huh. That’s... weird.
“Korithax,” Sariya begins, her voice rich. “Do you take Daisy as your wife, your queen, your love, and your equal—from now until the old gods claim your soul?”
“Until the old gods claim my soul,” he repeats, voice quiet but firm. He lifts my left hand, a subtle tremble in his grasp.
“And Daisy, do you take Korithax as your husband, your king, your love, and your equal—from now until the old gods claim your soul?”
I look up at him, his pitch-dark eyes catching the gold of the sun.
“Until the old gods claim my soul,” I repeat his words.
“Perfect!” Sariya beams. “Daisy, would you like to share your vows first?”
Oh shit. A speech. Of course, there’s a speech.
I clear my throat. “Um. Sure.” I take a small breath, voice trembling slightly.
“Korithax, you came into my life when I least expected it—grumpy as ever—and flipped it completely upside down.” A small, nervous laugh leaves me.
“You’ve saved me more times than you realise.
You became my comfort… a part of my life I never want to lose.
And for that, I am grateful.” I force myself to keep going.
“Despite our journey not being conventional, I’m thankful to the gods for what my father did.
Because without his selfish actions… I never would’ve met you.
So… thank you, Dad, for accidentally giving me the first man who’s ever made me feel safe as an adult. ”
Korithax stares at me so intently that I glance away, cheeks flushed.
Sariya dabs at her eyes with a tissue. “Just… beautiful. Korithax?”
He clears his throat, taking both of my hands in his.
“Daisy,” he begins, his voice deep and steady. “I never expected the day I broke into your apartment would be the day a mortal girl would break into my life. You’ve changed everything—surprised me in ways I didn’t think possible.”
His grip tightens ever so slightly.
“I’ve lived twenty thousand years in darkness. And never once did I crave the sun… until you. You make me wish I had lived a gentle life, just so I had cleaner hands to hold you with. But I promise to spend the rest of our lives keeping you safe, loved, and worshipped.”
I stare at him, mouth slightly open in shock. His words burn through me like fire, even though I know they’re not true.
Sariya lets out a sniffle. “Oh, Korithax, you love-struck fool. You speak such beauty.”
And lies, I remind myself silently.
She steps forward, handing Korithax a curved ceremonial blade with a ruby-red handle. My eyes widen.
“Uh… what’s that?” I whisper.
“In Hell, we don’t exchange wedding rings,” Korithax murmurs. “The bride keeps the engagement ring, but the husband wears none. Instead, we merge blood.”
I grimace. “Of course we do.”
He slices his palm, red blooming along the cut, then passes the blade to me. I hesitate, then follow suit. A sting shoots across my palm, followed by a line of blood.
“Place your palms together when you’re ready.”
I press mine to his, and his hand closes around mine gently. A shock of heat zips through the wound, pulling a gasp from us both simultaneously.
“What was that?” I breathe.
“I don’t know,” he murmurs, confusion etched across his face.
Sariya just smiles, like she knows something we don’t.
“By the power of light and love,” she declares, her voice ringing clear, “I now pronounce you husband and wife. Korithax, you may kiss your bride.”
He pulls me in with an arm around my waist, the other rising to cup my cheek, his wound already healed. My breath hitches as I watch him lean forward. He kisses me softly, reverently. I melt into him, my hand brushing his jaw as I kiss him back. A low growl rumbles from his chest.
For a moment… I let myself believe it’s real. That maybe, just maybe, this isn’t all an act.
The four of us—Sariya, Korithax, Aran, and I—sit at a round candlelit table outside, golden hour wrapping everything in soft light.
The air carries the sound of soft music, delicate notes from invisible instruments playing like a gentle tune as we dine on tender roasted meats, golden-crusted breads, and wine that sparkles in our glasses in the sunlight.
Aran and Korithax talk like brothers reunited, their laughter easy and relaxed. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Korithax smile that much. Sariya and I talk quietly, the goddess’s presence as soothing as ever.
“Thank you for today,” I say softly. “It’s been truly beautiful.”
She smiles, her copper ringed eyes gleaming. “Anything for a fellow queen and goddess.”
I laugh, shaking my head. “Future queen, sure. But certainly no goddess.”
“I said what I said, sweet girl.” She hums, and I swear there’s something in her tone that makes my skin prickle.
Before I can ask, Aran stands and taps his glass.
“A toast,” he says, lifting his wine, “to my brother, and the woman who seems to be taming him. May your rule be long, and your love… tolerable.”
I snort. Sariya grins. We all raise our glasses.
“To the future King and Queen of Hell,” Sariya says, voice full of warmth.
The wine is sweet, the moment sweeter. For a second, I almost feel content.
“Do people dance here?” I ask, half joking.
His brow arches. “You want to dance?”
“Not particularly,” I deadpan. “But I figured we should get at least one awkward, wedding-style shuffle out of the way before I’m stuck with you forever. Following tradition and all.”
That should cover up the fact that last night wasn’t just about avoiding him.
He smirks. “Very well, wife.”
He pulls me close, one hand on my waist, the other holding my hand like we’ve done this a thousand times before. We sway in small circles, and I almost step on his feet twice. He doesn’t laugh, but I don’t miss the way the corners of his mouth twitch.
“You’re terrible at this,” he murmurs.
“I never claimed to be good.”
We finish the dance and pulled apart awkwardly, Sariya applauding us as I blush.
She turns to us with a sly grin. “The honeymoon suite is ready. I hope it’s to both of your liking, so you can enjoy the rest of your beautiful day in peace… or not.” She winks.
Heat blooms across my cheeks. “Thank you,” I say, my voice shy and full of gratitude. I turn to Aran and pull him into a tight hug. “Thank you for being here.”
“I shall see you when you return, Your Highness.” He teases gently.
“I’m not a queen yet, Aran. And please, call me Daisy.”
“Yet,” he says with a smile. “But of course, Daisy.”
Korithax turns to me, offering his hand. “Shall we?”
I hesitate, but place my hand in his and nod, and together we follow Maren toward the suite we would share for the first time as a married couple.
Gods help me… I was about to spend the night with my seven-foot demon husband.