Page 90 of Cherished By the Gargoyle
Sunlight spills through the stained-glass windows, painting the stone floors with rich pools of vibrant color. The air smells faintly of roses and lavender. My gaze locks onto Thalric, at the front of the temple, and everything else fades away.
He stands at the altar, tall and powerful, his gray skin seeming to glow beneath a beam of sunlight, his expression full of reverence and devotion. His massive wings are tucked at his back.
Off to the side, I notice Prince Ryllen, seated on the front row in a place of honor. He smiles warmly, dipping his chin in a subtle nod of support.
When I finally reach Thalric, I turn to face him. He extends his hands, his much larger palms engulfing mine. His touch is strong yet achingly gentle as the priest’s voice fills the temple, echoing against the stone walls.
“Blood of my blood, heart of my heart,” I speak the vows of binding. “I give you my vow as we two become one.”
Thalric’s voice is deep and resonant as he repeats the sacred words. “Blood of my blood, heart of my heart. I give you my vow as we two become one.” His golden eyes stare deep into mine. “You are my savryl… my wings; the one I protect with all that I am. You are mine, and I am yours. Always.”
After the priest bestows his blessing, Thalric pulls me close. He loops one arm around my waist and cups the back of my head with the other as he leans in and brushes his lips to mine in a tender kiss. Time seems to slow, the world narrowing to this perfect, precious moment between us.
When we part, my father steps forward once more, holding another crown—a gleaming gold circlet that matches mine. He places it solemnly atop Thalric’s brow and then addresses everyone in the temple.
“Today, we honor Thalric… not just as protector, but as family. Gargoyles have guarded the royal family of Briarwyn for generations, with unwavering loyalty, strength, and courage. This union is exactly as it should be, and we embrace him now as our prince and future king.”
My father turns to us. “May the gods bless your marriage and your future reign.”
Joyous cheers erupt throughout the temple, echoing off the stone walls. Eldrin, the Gargoyle guards, and the gathered knights raise their swords high, forming an arch for us to pass beneath.
Thalric lifts me effortlessly into his arms and carries me proudly down the aisle as people call out blessings and congratulations.
He looks down at me, and I can hardly contain my smile. This is the happiest day of my life, and this is only the beginning of our forever.
CHAPTER 61
THALRIC
The reception hall glows with candlelight and laughter, music drifting through the air as couples dance across the marble floor. Aurora’s laughter rings out beside me, bright and musical, when a familiar pair approach through the crowd.
Prince Ren of Cambryn—his fox tail swishing lazily behind him—and his wife, Princess Rapunzel, weave their way through the guests.
“Thalric,” Ren greets warmly, clasping my forearm. “It’s good to see you again, my friend. I’m glad everything worked out between you two.” He gives me a sly grin. “Then again, I had no doubt that it would.”
I saved them when they were attacked by bandits in the forest. I had hoped we’d see them again, but I wasn’t sure.
Ren turns to Aurora. “Imagine our surprise when we learned you were the lost princess of Briarwyn.”
“And now we’re practically neighbors.” Rapunzel smiles as she steps forward, her long silver-white braid gleaming beneaththe light. “We wanted to wish you both every happiness.” She looks back at her Fox Shifter mate. “Marriage is wonderful.”
Ren loops his arm around Rapunzel’s waist, and nuzzles her cheek. “It certainly is, my Rapunzel,” he whispers in her ear.
“I’m so happy for you both,” Aurora says, practically beaming. “And it means so much to us that you came.” She takes her hands. “Please promise to visit often.”
“We will,” Rapunzel agrees, embracing Aurora warmly.
When they finally pull away, Ren dips his chin in a subtle nod. “We’ll leave you to your celebration, my dear friends.”
I watch as the Fox Prince and his human mate disappear back into the swirling crowd.
Aurora slips her hand into mine. “They seem happy.”
“I believe they are,” I murmur, brushing my thumb over her knuckles. “And so are we.”
Her lips curve in a stunning smile, and for a heartbeat, the world feels perfectly right.
As the night wears on, only a few guests still linger in the reception hall. Ryllen walks over to us with his personal guard—Lorys—trailing behind him. “We’ll be leaving in the morning, but I wanted to say farewell to you now,” Ryllen says. “I just wanted you to know you’re both welcome any time in my kingdom, and I look forward to seeing you both again soon.”
