Page 61 of When the Moon Met the Sun

I left my hair down today, hanging in long waves down my back and fluffed up my bangs. I placed the black eyepatch over my green eye, sliding it perfectly in place so it wouldn’t budge until I wanted it to.

Exiting the washroom, I stumbled upon Byn slipping the last button on his vest in place.

He was wearing a pair of white pants and one of his favorite white shirts, both with golden details. Though what made him truly look regal was a golden vest with white accents on it, swooping in detailed patterns across his chest and back.

Atop his head was his golden circlet, one that was open in the front, looping around his head and each end, stopping at histemples. Both ends had a small sun on them, and the rest was crafted to look like vines.

He caught my eye, and I could see his breath hitch as he took in my appearance.

“Sometimes, I truly can’t fathom that you’re my wife,” he said breathlessly, crossing the room in a few long strides and taking my face gently in his hands—none of the possessiveness present from before. He kissed me passionately, and I had to force myself to hold back a groan of pleasure.

“Byn,” I gasped, breaking off the kiss. “We have to get going.”

He sighed, then seemed to remember something suddenly. “I have a gift for you!” he said, then rushed to the wardrobe.

He came back out with a small square box with yet another bow on top.

“Byn, you really don’t have to—”

“Please, just open it. I definitely had to,” he said, gently pushing the box into my hands.

I shot him a playful glare, which earned me a wink that made me blush just a bit.

I tugged the lid of the box off and gasped as I peered inside.

It was a silver circlet that complimented his perfectly. Instead of two suns on the ends that rested on the temples, there were two crescent moons facing inward. The part that looped around the back of the head was made up of different zirilium—one was vines like his, while another looked like waves, and the last one reminded me of lightning bolts. All three were intertwined and sort of loosely braided together, connecting together again at each moon at the front.

“I wanted to incorporate each zirilium somehow, but with ten, it’s harder to accomplish than I thought it would be. I hope this is good enough,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck nervously.

“I love it. I absolutely love it. Thank you so much,” I said, taking the circlet from the box and holding it, examining the details.

“Here, let me help you put it on,” he offered, and after another moment of admiring it, I handed it over to him.

He led me to stand in front of the full length mirror in the corner of the room. Standing behind me, he gently adorned me with the circlet, making sure it held my loose hair in place out of my face.

I couldn’t help but smile.

I never in my life thought I’d have a love like this.

Tears sprung to my eyes, and Byn felt the shift in my emotions instantly. He came to stand in front of me and gently gripped my chin, forcing me to look at him. I could see the question in his eyes and concern on his face without him even speaking a word.

“I just… I never thought I could be loved like this. I’m so,sograteful for you,” I explained, blinking back my tears.

He smiled sadly and pressed a light kiss to my lips.

“Avi, you’re worthy of everything you never thought you deserved. Everything, and so much more,” he said softly.

I took in a shuddering breath, nodding, and he embraced me tightly. I returned his hug, clinging to him as though he might slip through my fingers like fine sand.

***

Giles led us from the private wing to what I referred to as the business side of The Haven. That was where all the main meeting rooms, royal library, and formal dining halls were. Giles and Byn were discussing the topics at hand for today, and I should probably have listened in, but I found my mind wandering.

Speaking of the library, I made a mental note to check in on Laurence at the next possible opportunity. I wasn't even sure if he knew I’d returned.

I readjusted the eyepatch on my face, my nerves starting to overcome me. Back home, Father never had me attend any meetingswith his advisors or nobles—only Dimitri, as his heir, was permitted. I’d never had to sit in front of so many people I was aware disliked me before.

We were just down the hallway from what must have been the meeting room we were attending today when Giles said something that caught my ear. My attention zoned back in to the conversation at hand when I heard the nameAshfordpass Giles’ lips.

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