Page 116 of The Queen & the King

I knew it was right the first time I laid eyes on the gown. It is pure onyx black. The corset top perfectly hugs my curves and is imbued with small diamonds and rubies. The silk skirt then bustles out a little from my hips, leading into the most ornate train I’ve ever seen. A delicate lace panel lays over the silk train. My favorite thing about the skirt is the small, perfectlyembroidered skulls, roses, and vines. It is the perfect way to represent us both with the dress.

Mellie’s dress is just as perfect as mine. The deep purple silk fits her perfectly, and the second she saw it, she was already considering what Dr. Martens to pair with it.

It’s funny to think that was only last week. In the space of seven days, we have put together a wedding, something small, intimate, and romantic.

I look at myself in the mirror. My hair is half up, my black and gold vines holding it secure. I’ve kept my makeup simple save for my red lips and black kohl lining my eyes. I am every bit dark spring, every bit the Queen of the Underworld, every bit the rose with a bite.

I skim my fingers over the silk of my skirt, taking a moment to reflect and think about all the decisions that led me to this moment.

Everything has been an uphill battle. We have had to fight every step of the way, and I take a moment to curse myself for being one of the roadblocks. I let my fear overrule my instincts and pushed back against fate, thinking I would win. My only excuse is that I was young and new to autonomy. Now, here we are, and I wouldn’t change a fucking moment.

There’s a soft knock at my door, and I glance at it in the mirror. “Come in,” I call, expecting Mellie.

Helios pops his head inside and smiles at me through my reflection. “She’s gone to make sure Hades hasn’t done a runner.”

Helios looks slightly disappointed before stepping into the room. “You look stunning, petal.”

I turn to face him, smiling so brightly that my cheeks ache. “Thank you, Helios.”

He sighs and leans against the door, but his lips pull into a cocky smile. “You know, in exactly five years, three months, and two days, it’ll be my hellcat in the wedding dress.”

I lift an eyebrow. “Is that right?”

Helios’s smirk deepens. “Absolutely.”

“And do you plan to drug her to get her up there?”

He laughs. “Persephone, she’ll practically be crawling up the aisle to bind herself to me.”

I roll my eyes. “We’ll see.”

“She loves me, you know,” he says, completely at ease.

I laugh. “I know.” I tilt my head. “Has she said it yet?”

Helios grins. “Yes.”

Shock makes my eyes go wide. “On purpose?”

Helios wiggles his eyebrows. “Sort of.”

I walk to the door and place my hand on his arm. “You have the patience of a saint.” I squeeze his arm. “Thank you for loving my best friend like she deserves.”

Helios covers my hand. “She makes it easy.”

I smile at him. “If you’ll excuse me, I have a rather important appointment to get to.”

He pushes off the wall. “I better get to the altar. I’m the best man!”

I roll my eyes. “The best man and the maid of honor is such a tired cliche.”

Helios grins and opens the door.

“Helios?” He stops in his tracks, glancing at me over his shoulder. “There are unlimited bedrooms in this palace. If I find out that you and Mellie have had crazy, weird, stabby sex in mine, I’ll sic Berry on you.”

He laughs and winks at me before he continues on his way.

I check my makeup and hair in the mirror once more before heading toward the throne room. The walk barely takes any time at all, and before I know it, I see Mellie standing outsidethe throne room, wearing her deep purple gown. She’s pacing nervously, no doubt anxious about seeing Helios in such an intimate setting.

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