Page 74 of A Storm of Fire and Ice

Fannar stood breathlessly handsome in his own white Ice Kingdom military dress uniform, tailored to fit his strong physique. Silver embroidery danced around the collar and cuffs, like snowflakes caught in a gentle breeze, and a wide silver circlet glinted in his white hair.

As I approached, his ice-blue eyes locked onto mine, filled with so much love and adoration that they outshone the setting sun. In that endless moment, all else ceased to exist. The ornate castle and nobles in attendance faded into irrelevance.

There was only Fannar, the man who had long since captured my fiery heart and restless soul.

The tightness of my corset suddenly became inconsequential. The restrictive embroidery of my crimson gown, a symbol of my heritage of fire, now a comfort rather than constraint.

Though tradition demanded grandeur, we had been joined long before this ceremonial ritual. All that remained was for Fannar to take my hand in his, and for our vows to bless what had always been true in our hearts—that nothing, not even distance or discord, could conquer the love that bonded us to each other since the day we met.

I moved toward my future with my head held high, ready to take my place at Fannar’s side, united in purpose and love. Now and forever, my heart’s match in spirit and passion.

His lips curled into a smile as he drank in the sight of me from head to toe.

“Wow,” he mouthed to me as I stepped closer.

A warmth blossomed in my chest, spreading through my veins like wildfire. A flood of emotions washed over me, love, joy, anticipation, and the tiniest hint of fear.

Aria placed my hands into Fannar’s, and the delicious chill from his skin passed through me.

“Take care of my little sister,” she said to him.

“I will with all of my being, Your Majesty,” Fannar replied firmly.

Aria smiled lovingly at both of us and then took her seat.

Fannar leaned into my ear. “You’re so beautiful.”

“You too,” I whispered.

The ceremony began as I stood with Fannar at the altar, our hands entwined as we faced one another. The priest asked us to read our vows.

“Helena,” Fannar began, his voice strong yet tender as he recited his vows, “from the moment I met you, my life has been forever changed. You have taught me what it means to be brave, to face challenges head-on, and to never give up. You’ve opened my heart to a love I didn’t know was possible, and for that, I am eternally grateful. As your husband, I promise to cherish you, to protect you, and love you until the day I die.”

His words washed over me like a warm embrace until a tear escape from the corner of my eye. I quickly wiped it away before it couldtrickle down my cheek.

“Fannar,” I said, my voice thick with emotion as I spoke my own vows, “you’ve shown me what it means to truly love someone, not just with passion but also with understanding and patience. As your wife, I promise to stand by your side, to support you in all things, and to love you unconditionally for all eternity.”

The Grand Hall fell into a reverent silence as we exchanged our vows, the power of our words lingering in the air like the final notes of a symphony. Our family and friends had beautiful expressions of pride on their faces, glittering with tears that they blinked back.

“Wonderful,” the priest continued, turning to Fannar. “Does Your Royal Highness, Crown Prince Fannar of the Ice Kingdom, take Her Royal Highness, Princess Helia of the Fire Kingdom, to be your wedded wife, to love and to cherish, as long as you both shall live?”

“I do.”

“Does Your Royal Highness, Princess Helia of the Fire Kingdom, take His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Fannar of the Ice Kingdom, to be your wedded husband, to love and to cherish, as long as you both shall live?”

“I do.”

“By the power vested in me,” the officiant declared, “I now pronounce you Crown Prince and Princess of the Ice Kingdom, husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

As Fannar leaned in, time slowed once more. I took in every subtle detail, from the frigid depths of his icy eyes to the sharp angles of his noble face. My gaze lingered on his pale lips, parted slightly in anticipation of our kiss. At the first tender touch, Fannar’s kiss enveloped me in warmth, lingering for what seemed to span lifetimes. Though our rowdier companions hollered and jeered, I paid them no mind. In that moment, there was only Fannar, the scent of pine and frost that was uniquely his, his soft lips upon mine sealed together by the promise of this searing kiss.

When we finally broke apart, the Grand Hall erupted in applause and cheers. Hand in hand, Fannar and I walked back up the aisle to a cascade of white and red rose petals. The love and support of our friends and family propelled us forward as we began our journey together, ready to embrace our future as the next Ice King and Queen with hope, determination, and above all, an unbreakable bond of love.

---