Raven interlaced her fingers and pressed her palms out, popping her fingers as she did. "There… all done." Her eyes moved around the new ruins above the main doorway. "Give it about 24 hours to fully take effect, but after that, you should have no problems with unwanted guests of any power rage."
Rin stepped through the door. "Yep, can't teleport into the palace anymore. The closest I can get is the stoop here." He looked over the markings. "It may be a bit of a hindrance for some of the guests, but they should understand the new safety measures." He shrugged. "If not, they probably shouldn't be here anyway."
Raven nodded. "Right you are." Her eyes moved back through the foyer where the others were working on last-minute décor. "Think we should give them a hand?"
They both exchanged looks before exclaiming at the same time, "Nah!" They both laughed hardily before shaking their heads.
Rin rubbed the back of his neck. "I have to go get ready myself." He shook his head. "Against Russ's constant protest, Poseidon decided all the groomsmen should be equally decked out."
Raven laughed. "I'm glad he's not here to insist that I change." She moved her arm about. "I've missed my old uniform. It's really grown on me this time around."
Rin sent her a knowing smile. "Has the uniform grown on you or the meaning behind it…"
Raven huffed out a laugh. "You're as keen as ever, I see." She sent him a sad smile. "Sometimes you can't really appreciate what you have until you lose it… then once you find your way back to it, you just want to hold on with everything you have." She nudged him with her elbow. "I'm sure I don't have to tell you that." She sent him a wink as Shelly lifted from her task to wipe the sweat from her brow and rub her large, round belly.
Rin gave Raven's arm an affectionate squeeze. "That you don't. Whatever power or magic brought me back and gave me a second chance with Shell and our children… I'll be eternally grateful. I never want to lose them again." He released Raven's arm as he stepped forward. "Better go force my wife to rest."
Raven watched as Rin walked up behind Shelly and pulled her into his arms, caressing her belly as he did. "Beautiful how some things have a way of working out, isn't it?" She glanced over as Jos paused in the hallway leading from the kitchen.
Jos blew out a content sigh as she walked over and rested her head on Raven's shoulder. "It is…" Her eyes gazed up at Raven. "I still miss being able to spend time with her… and you… I miss you guys…"
A sad smile curved Raven's lips as she threw an arm over Jos's shoulder. "I miss it too… but…" Her eyes moved back to Shelly before moving past the loving couple to her own wife. "I hadn't realized how much I missed being by her side…" She squeezed Jos tightly against her. "Not to say you can't come to visit us sometime."
Jos sent her a skeptical glance.
Raven released her as she ran her hand awkwardly through her short hair. "Alright, so just don't eat the food… you'll be fine…" She shrugged with an even more awkward laugh.
"Mostly?" Jos commented with a knowing lift of her brow.
Raven sent her a goofy but charming smile. "Isn't mostly good enough?"
Jos shook her head. "You're a mess."
Raven arched her brow, a playfully mischievous smile curving her lips. "Isn't that the pot calling the kettle black? By the way, have you wished your ex-ward, ex-boyfriend happy wishes on his upcoming nuptials yet?"
Jos pressed both hands against Raven's lips. "Shh!" She hissed as she glanced nervously around the palace. "Someone will hear and misunderstand!"
Raven arched her brows higher, her grin widening as she clasped both of Jos's wrists in one of hers. "As if there is one person in a 100-mile radius that doesn't already know?" Raven's eyes moved to the second-floor balcony. "Speaking of… For real, have you spoken to him?" She asked as she released her hold on Jos.
Jos blew out a sigh. "Yes… and no… I need to have a word with him… He tried the other day, but I just made things weird and awkward… it wasn't until later that night that I really understood what he was trying to say."
Raven nodded. "Well… Here's your chance… why don't you guys take a minute and… settle things once and for all."
Jos followed Raven's gaze up to the second-floor landing. Russ leaned over the railing, surveying the activity below. She swallowed hard. "I don't know… maybe now isn't the best time…"
Raven gave her a push forward. "Now is always the best time."
Jos gave her an uneasy glare. "Why should I listen to you on this?! You were the one who got me into this mess in the first place."
A bright smile curved Raven's lips. "Fae will Fae, my dear sweet, innocent Joslyn… Besides… you both needed it at the time. Don't try to deny it… Who knew it would end in such a dumpster fire… well, I mean it was always a high possibility… but still…"
Jos narrowed her eyes as Raven continued pushing her toward the stairs. "Stop shoving and I'll go!" Jos stumbled when Raven quickly retracted her hold on her.
When Jos continued to stand, unmoving, at the foot of the stairs, Raven crossed her arms. "Well?"
Jos straightened her dress. "I'm… I'm going… just… give me a second to compose my thoughts…"
Raven arched a brow. "One… There it's been a second… now go!" She gave Jos one last shove toward the stairs, then chuckled as Jos nervously made her way up the staircase.
"What mischief are you up to now?" Isha asked as she skipped over and wrapped her arms around Raven's waist.
Raven nodded to the balcony overhead as Russ pushed away from the railing to greet Jos.
***
"Jos…" Russ had smelled her scent before she'd made it halfway up the staircase. He closed the distance between them when she seemed to freeze at the top of the stairs. He reached out and took both her hands in his. He studied her, reading the vast array of emotions displayed behind the cool aqua depth of her eyes. "I wasn't sure you'd want to talk to me this soon… after last night…"
Jos took a few deep breaths before she shook her head. "No, it's me who should apologize about last night. I… I was too busy thinking about myself and my own burdens to properly hear you out. I'm sorry about that." She sent him a warm smile. "But… after thinking over your words… I think I understand what you were trying to say, and I appreciate it… I appreciate it so much." She squeezed his hands. "I feel the same. I want to be able to stay close to you, to see the life you build here." Her smile grew wider. "I can't wait to see the man you grow into." She gently pulled one hand free of his and cupped his face. "I know we had an… awkward… go… of things…" They both laughed uncomfortably as her hand slid away from his cheek, and she averted her reddened face. "But I also want the same things. I want to stay close like we have always been…" Her words trailed off as she laughed, stumbling awkwardly over her words. "I mean not as close as we were there for a bit… but family close… like we were…"
Russ smiled down at her as he tightened his hold on her hands. "I know what you're trying to say, and yes. Yes, Jos. I want you to continue being a part of my life, my family. I hate what I did to you in the past, what I forced on you… but if you can forgive me… I'd like to make it up to you somehow."
Jos beamed warmly up at him. "Life a long, happy life. That's the best way to make it up to me." She didn't fight against him when he pulled her into a tight hug. She did push against his chest and take a step back when shocked gasps sounded from below. She glanced over the railing and frowned when several sets of curious eyes met hers. She shook her head as she stepped farther away. "We should have gone somewhere more private. I'm sorry."
Russ chuckled as he closed the distance between them. He pulled her back against his chest, wrapping her in an even tighter hug. "Never apologize for something like this." He rested his chin against the top of her head. "You know… it's weird how things worked out… Not even six months ago, I was convinced I'd never be able to love again… and now… now I'm marrying someone I could have never dreamed I'd want… need… It's crazy… I spent so many years despising this place, this title, and everything that went along with it…" A smile spread across his lips and echoed in his next words. "Now… now I may possibly be the happiest man in the world." He leaned back and smiled down a Jos. "Mom and dad are gone… have been for most of my life… but being here, with you and Shelly and Raven… it's like they're here too."
Happy tears streamed down Jos's cheeks as she squeezed him tighter and buried her face against his soft shirt. "They are, Russ. They're here, I can feel them too."
He could feel his own eyes burn with tears as another person made their way up the stairs. He didn't release his hold on Jos as he chuckled and extended one hand toward the stairs. "Want to join in on this?"
Arei chuckled as he walked toward them. "Making my girl cry again I see… Don't make me kick your ass on the day of your own wedding." Arei walked over and patted Russ's shoulder before pulling him into a half hug. He released him and stepped back, his gaze moving over the railing. He gave a nod before turning back to them. "Everything is about ready. All they're waiting on is the groom to get things kicked off."
"Oh, alright." Russ nodded as he straightened, suddenly nervous.
Jos sent him a caring smile as she stepped closer and adjusted his tie. "You look amazing, there's nothing to be worried about."
He blew out an uneasy breath as he nodded. "It's just that I read about mom and dad's wedding and…" He looked back and forth between Jos and Arei. "You don't think it will be too much? Not enough… I want my people to see us and see a new beginning… hope…"
Jos nodded. "Everything looks great, and your idea for wedding gifts to be things the villagers need was wonderful… as was the banquet and other gifts you've arranged for them."
Arei clasped Russ's shoulder again. "She's right. Even with dad pushing so hard, you stood your ground and put your people first in all of this. It's very commendable."
Russ nodded as he released a sigh. "I just don't want them to feel like I'm bosting my wealth or anything while they are still struggling so much."
"A strong king equals a strong kingdom. You're doing your best to build back what was taken from you and the people. They will respect your efforts."
Jos nodded in agreement. "Besides, the older villagers will see what you have done and know what you've sacrificed in their honor tonight. Your mother and father's wedding was one of grandeur, even with everything that had gone on back then. You've kept things much simpler than any ruler before you. I'm sure your people will see and understand… and appreciate your gesture."
Russ nodded, finally finding some ease. "Thanks, guys…" He sucked in a long breath and then blew it out slowly. "I guess it's time I head down there, huh?"
Arei patted him on the back as Jos pulled him into another hug. "Good luck, kid." Arei caught movement from the hall. Bright eyes met his around the corner of the wall. A half smile curved his lips. "I'll follow you down… Looks like there may still be someone who what's to have a word with Jos." He sent a nod toward the hall. He pressed a guiding hand between Russ's shoulders, leading him away before he caught sight of his stunning wife-to-be.
Jos followed Arei's gaze with question. Worry and happiness battled for prevalence as Russ and Arei vanished down the stairs, and Jaden stepped out from the hallway. A long lace veil was pushed back over a small, dazzling crown. "You look beautiful." Jos whispered as she watched Jaden timidly approach.
Jaden fumbled with the lace of her gloved hands as she studied the woman before her with troubled eyes. "I wanted to hate you… you know…"
Jos's eyes lifted in surprise before closing in resignation. She gave a faint nod. "I see… I understand… as you should… If you never want to see me around again, I'll understand and respect your wishes…"
Jaden tilted her head. "Is that it? Is that all it would take to have you walk out on his life again?"
Jos swallowed down her confusion as she nodded. "If it would bring you peace and the both of you happiness."
Jaden stepped closer, trailing the heavy train of the dress behind her. "And if I said yes… that is what I want… you would simply leave and never be seen around here again?"
Jos swallowed down the painful lump building in her throat as she averted her gaze to the ground. "Y-yes… if it would bring you happiness…"
Jaden shook her head, her lips pursed. "You could walk away so easily? Could hurt him again so easily? Perhaps I was wrong for approaching you today… perhaps I shouldn't be trying to make amends after all."
Jos's eyes widened as they shot up to the future queen. The girl held her head high. No signs were left of the frail, weak girl that had been rescued from the dark, filthy dungeons below all those months ago. "Excuse me? Amends?"