EPILOGUE

Three months later

Zarya had her eyes closed as she sat on the cold marble floor with her long, maroon silk lace dress fanning out around her while she leaned back against Darling. Cradling her in his arms, he held a cool cloth to her forehead.

She groaned out loud in utter misery. “I can’t believe this is how I’m spending my wedding… sick on the bathroom floor.”

Nuzzling her cheek, he laughed softly in her ear. “Well, at least I have it all on video. The priest asking you to confirm your vows to me, and you instantly dashing off to throw up. Kind of apropos really, given our relationship. I’m so glad to know that the concept of being married to me makes you sick to your stomach.”

“You’re not funny.”

He laid a tender kiss on her bare shoulder. “Sure I am. You’d laugh too if you hadn’t just tossed up a vital organ or two.”

Smiling in spite of her queasiness, she cupped his perfect cheek in her hand. How he could be so kind and find humor in this given the insult she’d inadvertently dealt him, was beyond her. But then that was why she loved him so much. “I’m so sorry, Darling.”

“Don’t be.” He placed another kiss on her shoulder. “I’m quite happy right now. I have the best view in the palace, and I’m willing to sit here all day, holding you if you want.”

She slid her gaze up to see him staring down her décolletage. The hunger in his eyes and the sudden sensation of him bulging against her hip set fire to her own blood. “You’re so bad,” she teased.

“Can’t help it. I find you completely irresistible.”

A light knock sounded on the door.

“Come in,” Darling called.

It was Gera with Shahara, Desideria, Jayne, Maris, Ture, Sorche, and Lise. They came into the room to form a semicircle around them.

Could this day be any more embarrassing?

Maris passed a smug look at Ture. “I told you he wouldn’t be angry at her.”

Ture folded his arms over his chest. “I’m impressed he hasn’t at least choked her. I don’t think I could be so kind if you did that to me, Mari. So take note. I don’t tolerate vomiting on me in the midst of a public event, especially when it’s being videoed.”

“Then I shall forever endeavor to confine all such drama to the washroom.”

Zarya would laugh at his comment if she wasn’t afraid it would unsettle her stomach again.

Kneeling beside her, Ture placed a kind hand to her brow. “How are you doing, sweetie?”

She tilted her head back to see the concern on Darling’s face while he continued to hold her. “Darling needs a new pair of shoes, and I need my dignity repaired. Other than that, I’m totally miserable. I can’t believe I did this at my wedding. I’m so humiliated.”