Page 66 of The Last Strike

He closed his eyes as Deacon drove through the streets, taking one detour after another until they eventually arrived at the Bennett residence.

James had finally secured a property he deemed suitable for Abi and Asher to live in until they built a new palace, and they were scheduled to move next week. He couldn’t wait for them to have their own place.

Emilia was going to remain at the Bennetts’ home, and Alistair and his son would be in a property nearby. Asher realized it was the first time in his life that his family members were all living in separate locations. He knew this was normal for most families, but due to their royal titles, it was customary to live in the palace and move out only after marriage.

“Asher,” Reed said again, causing Asher to jump. “We’ve arrived.”

Asher nodded, muffling a reply. He rubbed his eyes and yawned as he sat straight. James opened his door and he was escorted to the dining room without having to ask. A year ago that would’ve bothered him, but now he didn’t give it another thought.

He stalled as he walked into a dining room full of flowers. Abi was sitting at the table in a white dress, her hair up in a bun. Pear-shaped diamonds hung from her ears, framing her face.

“What am I missing?” Asher asked, suddenly wondering what special occasion he’d completely forgotten about.

Asher heard the door close behind him and realized they were alone. He walked toward her. “What did I forget?” he asked quickly. “I’m sorry, but I have no idea what I’ve forgotten.”

Abi chuckled. “You forgot nothing. This is a surprise wedding.”

Asher stilled. Now her attire made sense, but nothing else did. “But ...” he started blankly, looking over the empty room.

“You said you wanted to get married today, so we’re getting married,” Abi said, grinning. “I asked for your mother’s advice, and she suggested we bring in the priest and sign the papers. When you win the war, we’ll host a big royal wedding, family and all. But this wedding—this little ceremony for two—is for us.”

“Abi,” Asher whispered, not trusting his emotions right now. “Are you sure about this?”

“Yes,” she said, standing. She cupped his face in her hands and looked up at him. “I promised I’d stand beside you—no matter what. And you were right, that means supporting you even when it’s hard. It will mean stepping up for Santina if I need to—as a queen should. I let my fear take over but I won’t let that happen again. I love you, Asher. And I want to be your equal. I know you’re scared every day, and so am I. But this is our life, and I want to embrace it for us. For Santina.”

Asher pressed his lips against hers and wrapped his arms around her waist.

“You have no idea how much I love you,” he said, smiling against her lips.

His heart swelled, and he felt more secure than he ever had. She would stand beside him, and he would make sure she never regretted that decision.

Asher suddenly looked around. “Where is the priest?”

“I wanted to let you know you were getting married before the priest walked in,” she said, grimacing playfully.

Asher tipped his head back, laughing. “This is actually funny.”

“This is your last chance to run, Asher,” she joked.

He tightened his arms around her. “Never. And if you leave, I’m going with you.”

Abi laughed, leaning her head against his chest. He kissed the crown of her head.

“Seriously, where is the priest? Let’s get married,” Asher said, excited.

“I’ll message James and tell him to send him in,” Abi said, taking a step back and picking up her phone.

It seemed like the second Abi sent the message the priest entered, hobbling on a walking stick, hunched over with barely a whisper of hair.

He was older than Asher had imagined and Asher scolded himself when his first thought was that he hoped the priest didn’t die on them before he pronounced them husband and wife.

“Your Majesty, King Asher, I am Father John. I’m honored to be here tonight to wed you and Abigail Bennett.” He smiled, looking between them.

Asher extended his hand, which Fr. John took, and then covered Asher’s hand with his other. “You do not know this, I am sure, but I married your parents.”

Asher’s eyes welled up and he looked to Abi, who smiled and nodded.

“I didn’t know that,” Asher said, his voice choked with emotion.

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