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Theron looks at my brother. “Perhaps it’s time Sylvalis sought a treaty with your kingdom.”

“I believe our parents would be agreeable to that,” Rowan replies.

As he and Theron walk away, hope fills my chest. The future feels open and bright—full of love, peace, endless possibilities, and long years spent by Rapunzel’s side.

CHAPTER 56

REN

My heart thrums wildly, excitement and nervousness spiraling through me as we stand beneath the glowing foxfire arch in the middle of the woods, just outside Cambryn castle. Moonlight filters through the trees, bathing the clearing in a silver light.

The scent of moss and pine trees fills the air, blending with the delicate floral fragrance of burning candles that encircle us as we stand before a priestess to recite our vows.

I stare deep into Rapunzel’s lovely blue eyes as I take her hands. She is the most beautiful female I’ve ever seen.

I’m so focused on my mate that I barely register our families and friends seated nearby, their smiles and quiet tears of happiness a gentle backdrop to this perfect moment.

“I swear myself to you,” I state solemnly. “You are my heart, Rapunzel, and I am yours forever.”

“You are my heart, Ren,” she vows in reply. “I swear myself to you, and I am yours forever.”

The cheering from our gathered families fades into the background as I capture her mouth in a claiming kiss.

When we finally pull back, I brush a stray tendril of hair behind her ears, and cup her cheek. “You are everything to me, my amira,” I whisper for her ears alone.

Softly, she bites her lower lip as a warm flush spreads over her cheeks. “I love you, my charming Fox Prince.”

After the ceremony, Rapunzel and I stand together beneath the sprawling branches of an ancient oak. We speak with our guests while we wait for the sun to set before the mating chase begins.

Laughter and music drift through the air from the nearby festivities, creating a comforting backdrop.

A familiar, deep voice draws my attention. “Prince Ren.”

Turning, I see the Wolf Shifter, Prince Malak, approaching, his human mate, Princess Luna, at his side. I met them when I was searching for the tower. “I’m so glad you could come, my friends.”

My nostrils flare and I glance at Luna’s belly. She is not showing yet, but my fox senses already detect their unborn pup. “You are expecting.” I smile. “Congratulations.”

Malak loops a possessive arm around Luna’s waist and pressing a tender kiss to her temple as she smiles brightly. “Thank you.” He grins. His eyes dart to Rapunzel’s lower abdomen and he arches a questioning brow.

A slow smile spread across my face as I give him an affirmative nod.

Wolf Shifters have an even keener sense of smell than Foxes. It’s very early, and I only detected the change in her scent while we were exchanging our vows. I will tell her when we’re alone. I can hardly wait. I’m so excited for our future.

Off to the side, I notice King Caelen of the High Elves and his human mate, Queen Lyana. Finik is chittering animatedly at the Elf King as he sits on his shoulder.

Caelen’s lips twitch in amusement. High Elves are able to communicate with animals, and I wonder what Finik is telling him.

“Learning anything interesting?” I grin at Caelen as he walks over with Lyana, while Finik is still perched on his shoulder.

The High Elf King’s eyes sparkle with quiet amusement. “It seems your friend Finik has compiled a rather extensive list of grievances. Most of them revolve around your cat, Sir Whiskers.”

Just as Caelen finishes speaking, Sir Whiskers saunters over, his white fur gleaming in the fading sunlight. He looks up at the Elf King and gives an imperious meow and then fixes his gaze on Finik.

Immediately, Finik launches into a heated chittering retort, waving his tiny paws animatedly.

Caelen chuckles. “Apparently, Sir Whiskers is accused of monopolizing the sunniest spots for his naps, deliberately grooming himself in areas Finik considers his personal space, and most egregiously—Finik claims the cat attempted a clandestine raid on his private stash of dried meat and cheese.”

Sir Whiskers meows indignantly, his tail flicking as Caelen listens carefully and nods before he looks at us to relay the cat’s message. “Whiskers insists he was merely safeguarding the food from potential thieves, and further states that as the self-appointed guardian of the palace, he deserves preferential napping rights.”