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Hawthorne was dragged from the room in chains of iron.

I returned to my bride-to-be.

CHAPTER 44

The Fae King

WEEKS LATER

Icould hardly believe this day had come.

For years, I had never dreamed of finding love. I was a twice-cursed king. Who would ever want me? Now, my curse had been broken, my soul rot had vanished, the unseelie had been defeated, and a war with the humans averted.

My heart was whole.

Best of all, today, I would seal the most important bargain of my life… forever. My hands shook with nerves as I fiddled with the clasp on my cloak. It was almost time to head to the beach and my bride.

Harry clasped my cloak for me and placed a hand on my shoulder. "Not much longer," he assured me.

"I would willingly wait for her for a lifetime," I breathed.

He chuckled. "I know you would. I’m happy to see you smiling again. I’m glad you found each other–warts and all."

I gave him a concerned tilt of my head. Harry was always there for me, and I wanted happiness for him too. "And what of you, old friend? Is your curse broken too? Will you be able to find love?"

"Only time will tell," he said evenly.

I nodded. I hoped so too. Harry deserved love. "You know we’re here to support you, too," I reminded him.

He clapped me on the back. "I never doubted it."

An hour later, I waited in the ocean with the waves gently lapping at my ankles. My eyes weren’t fixed on the crowd of important wedding guests. They were trained on the sand dunes and sea oats, waiting for her to appear among them.

Waiting for my little sparrow to fly to her nest.

Because from now on, home for us would be each other.

CHAPTER 45

The Stolen Bride

It was my wedding day, and my heart was so full I feared it might burst. I always believed I would marry for duty, crown, and kingdom. Instead I was marrying the man I loved–a man I knew would save my life over and over again and would fight for us every day he took breath. I felt the same.

The unseelie had diminished. Thanks to Briar, my father had called off his attack. The Frost Haven soldiers had returned home. A beautiful, fragile peace existed in our world. But if there came a time where we would have to fight again, I would gladly do it by his side.

I was wearing my little sparrow dress, the one I had meant to wear to our engagement party. It was white with threads of silver moonlight embroidered in, a semi-sheer bodice, a flowing skirt, and soft white feathers adorning the low, sweetheart neckline. Wearing it made me happy.

My sisters carefully collected my skirts, and we proceeded down the castle stairs. Then we passed through the canopy of oaks that lined the walk and only stopped when we reached the sand dunes. Beyond, on the beach, Forrest and the rest of the wedding party waited.

"Are you ready?" Magnolia whispered to me, tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear.

"Yes." I nodded. I was ready to see Forrest, to hold him in my arms and finally make him mine forever.

Briar caressed my cheek. "You’re so beautiful. You’ll be happy, won’t you?"

"Immensely," I promised, wrapping my arms around her in a big hug. Magnolia joined on. We all stood there for a long moment.

We broke apart.