Chapter 73
Zane
After a deep sleep wrapped within Talon’s arms, Zane entered the castle for the first time as the rightful emperor of Athusa.
He walked through the hallways and corridors, nodding to the servants. They would gape at him and Talon, then bow and thank them for liberating them from the stars. The credit for that all went to Iyana, and Zane would make sure his entire empire was aware of her bravery and sacrifices.
First, he took the familiar path back to his rooms to change into something more presentable than his beaten fighting leathers and filthy tunic.
He looked around the space that now felt foreign to him.
How long had it been since he’d been in his own bedroom?
Zane figured everyone would expect him to move to his father’s wing, but he honestly wanted nothing to do with anything his father had touched.
He would find another use for the space.
Crossing the room, he opened his closet.
Holygazer green—that deep forest-green color that he hated—stared back at him from inside his wardrobe.
Buried in the back, Zane was able to find an all-black outfit.
He tucked a formal black tunic into tight black pants and donned boots that went up to his knees. He decided to forego the crown.
When he emerged from his room, Talon was waiting for him, already changed into clean clothes. He looked Zane up and down with an appreciative glint in his eye.
“You sure you need to go do emperor things?” Talon asked. “I can think of some better activities.”
Zane’s entire body flushed, and he was sorely tempted to take Tal up on his offer.
The high of surviving the battle only a day before still ran through his veins, encouraging him to seize the moment with the man he loved.
But he shook off the feeling. There were much more important things to do than lose himself within Talon’s skin.
“Later,” Zane said, smiling up at him. “I promise.”
Tal ran his tongue along his upper lip. “I’m holding you to that promise, my heart.
” Still, Talon backed Zane up until his back was against his door.
Their chests heaved, hearts beating together quickly.
Talon’s hand reached behind Zane’s neck and dragged him in for a scorching kiss.
Too soon it was over and Talon was walking down the hallway with a spring in his step.
“Well, come on then, Your Majesty,” he called over his shoulder. “We’ve got important shit to do.”
Zane chuckled to himself and followed Talon.
Their tour of the castle had them hitting all the main areas—the kitchens, barracks, even the servants’ quarters.
Most of the council members that his father had employed were either dead, killed by the stars, or they had fled Athusia at the first sign of trouble.
Which was more than fine with Zane, because he’d rather start from scratch with his own people that he trusted.
Anyone who was loyal to his father was no longer fit for the position, as far as he was concerned.
He met with the steward—an elderly man who had always been kind to Zane and his mother and was aware of all the inner workings of the castle—and discussed helping to rebuild the city.
His first order of business was to take the women, children, and ill from the outer ring and bring them into the castle until more permanent homes could be built.
“Where would you like me to put them, sire?” the steward asked, but he didn’t balk at the question, which Zane appreciated.
“Anywhere there’s space. Nine hells, you could put them in my father’s old quarters for all I care.” He paused. “Although, I would remove the gold first so it can be melted down and distributed evenly.”
By this time, they’d walked into the throne room. Zane glared up at the monstrosity of a throne sitting up on a dais—and the little gray lump curled upon the dark green upholstery. Zane should have realized that Cain would have survived an invasion of stars.
“While we’re at it,” Zane mused, “melt down the garish chair, too. I don’t need something that gaudy. And find a new home for that fucking cat.” Cain raised his head and hissed at him.
The steward bowed. “It will be done, Your Majesty.”
“Oh,” Zane said before the man could leave, putting the cat out of his thoughts.
“Please also go through the prisoners in the dungeons and release anyone who does not belong there. Leave the murderers, rapists, and thieves, but anyone who is there simply because they wronged my father or was placed there by the stars should be released.”
The old man nodded and strode out of the room to enact the emperor’s orders.
It felt amazing to be able to effect change.
While Zane understood that it would take a significant amount of time to rebuild the outer ring into a place that was hospitable, at least he was taking the steps to rectify a situation that should have been addressed years before.
For the first time in hours, Zane and Talon were alone. Tal approached him with a grin and wrapped his arms around his waist. Zane looped his hands over Tal’s shoulders and played with his long hair.
“I’m proud of you,” Talon said.
Zane frowned. “For what?”
“For everything you’re doing for the people of Athusa.”
“I’m doing it because it’s the right thing, Tal. It always has been.”
“You’re absolutely correct. But you’re the first one to actually do the right thing instead of ignoring the problem or giving the people empty promises. Others in your position would not be so altruistic.”
“I’ll strive to keep making you proud,” whispered Zane.
“I have no doubt that you’ll succeed.” Talon placed a chaste kiss against Zane’s lips, making him sigh.
“Talon,” Zane said, pulling away. He gazed into those warm blue eyes that screamed home. The force of this man’s love hit him directly in the chest, and there was no hesitation in asking his question. “Will you marry me?”
Tears welled in Tal’s eyes, and Zane wiped them away one by one as they fell. His own teardrops fell in answer to Talon’s.
“Of course I’ll marry you, Zane. I love you so godsdamn much.”
Zane smiled broadly; so wide his cheeks began to hurt. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been this happy. He grabbed Tal’s hand and started walking. “Come on, then.”
“Where are we going?” Talon laughed.
“To find an officiant.”
Talon tugged him to a stop. Zane turned to him, a question on his lips, to find the other man standing there staring at him. And for the first time that day, Zane faltered.
“We don’t have to do this now, if you don’t want to. I just don’t want to live another minute apart from you.” Zane exhaled the words in a rush.
“I have no problem marrying you right now, my heart. I only think our friends may like to be there.” Talon groaned. “And what about my parents?”
“Listen,” Zane said, closing the distance between them.
“We can have today be for us and the little family we’ve created.
We’ll have another ceremony with the nobles involved”—Zane wrinkled his nose at the thought—“and we can have another small one with your parents if you want. Talon, I would marry you a thousand times, in a thousand different ways, if it meant I could spend the rest of my life with you.”
“Okay,” Talon whispered. Then he graced Zane with the largest, most genuine smile he’d seen on Talon’s face since he had died. “Can you send someone to fetch our friends?”
As soon as their friends arrived at the castle, Zane and Talon learned of the tragic loss of Sekhan. They apologized to Kaz and offered to postpone, but she wanted them to continue, saying they needed a little levity and happiness.
Hours later, they stood in the gardens underneath an arch covered in white roses, their sweet scent enveloping them all in the crisp spring air.
Talon stood across from Zane, beaming like a fool.
Their family stood around them in a semi-circle.
They had all shown up as they were—wearing whatever clothes they could find.
This was not a formal occasion; this was two people pledging their undying love to each other, and they didn’t need fancy clothes or elaborate decorations to do that.
The officiant had some words to say, sending thanks to Aaris, and then it was time for them to exchange their vows.
“Talon, you are my soul.” Zane’s heart pounded in his chest. “I realize now that I’ve been searching for you my entire life.
All the hardships I’ve been through have led me to you, and for that reason, I wouldn’t change a single thing.
I promise to be your anchor and know that together we can weather any storm.
I promise to treat your heart the way I would my own.
Lastly, I promise to spend the rest of my days with you—all of my mornings, all of my evenings.
All of my ups and downs. Everything I am belongs to you. ”
Tears flowed freely down both of their faces. Zane had almost lost his voice at the end. Proclaiming his love for Talon felt so easy, so natural.
“Zane, you are my heart. I don’t believe I ever truly lived before I met you.
You make me a better man. A man I always knew was inside me, but just needed some coaxing to be freed.
I promise to lift you up when you’re feeling at your lowest. I promise to tenderly guard your heart so that it continues to beat with mine.
And, finally, I promise to cultivate our love one day at a time until it is a garden bursting with color and life.
I love you, Zane. More than words can say. ”
“Thanks to the blessing bestowed upon me by Aaris, God of Marriage,” the officiant said. “I now declare you both as legally bound within the eyes of the empire and the gods. You may kiss your husband.”
Zane and Talon were all smiles and tears as they came together.
Their lips met for the first time as a married couple, and it tasted all the sweeter for it.
Sniffles and cheers came from their friends.
Kaz wolf-whistled when Talon dipped Zane backwards to deepen their kiss.
When they straightened, Zane’s face was flushed.
“Now let’s party!” Kaz dashed back into the castle where they had food and drinks waiting, as well as two violinists who had volunteered to play.
Emmeric walked up to them and clasped a hand on each of their shoulders. “I’m so happy for both of you. Zane, I’ve never seen Talon glow as much as he does in your presence, and I think it’s amazing you two found each other.”
Then Iyana bounded over and hugged both of them around the waist. Talon laughed as they hugged her back. She sniffed and wiped away tears as she drew back.
“I love both of you. Even though we met because you kidnapped me, I wouldn’t trade you for the world. You deserve every happiness.”
“Thanks, Smalls,” Talon said lightly as he tousled her hair. But Zane could tell her words touched him deeper than he would show. “I hear congratulations are owed to you, as well.”
The Aztia blushed as she looked to Emmeric. “Emmeric asked me to marry him. Twice actually. I said yes the second time.”
Tal smacked his best friend on the back. All four of them were grinning. “Amazing, brother. I knew you had it in you.”
“Come on!” Kaz yelled from the doors to the castle. Chuckling, Em slung his arm around Iyana’s shoulders and walked away. He bent to say something that made her giggle. Zane’s heart was happy they had finally found each other as well.
Talon wound his arm around Zane’s waist and leaned into his ear. “What do you say, husband? Shall we go join them?”
A shiver ran down his spine, both from the word and Talon’s proximity. “Yes, husband, let’s.”
With a laugh of pure joy, they intertwined their fingers and ran to meet their friends.
The rest of the night was spent dancing—which, Zane was surprised to learn, Talon was very good at—drinking, and eating good food.
They laughed with their friends and told stories of the past while dreaming about the future.
Zane never once stopped grinning. He didn’t think he’d ever had this much fun in his life.
Close to dawn, they stumbled upstairs to his room.
Clothes were shed and kisses were shared.
Zane spent the entire next day wrapped in the embrace of his husband, and he realized this was when his life actually began.
With the love of a good man in his heart and ruling by his side, he was capable of anything.
Nothing would ever be the same, and Zane found that, for the first time, change was not terrifying.
No. It was beautiful.