For the very first time in a very long time, a ray of light pierced the dark clouds looming over the northern lands bringing along with it, hope and the dawn of new beginnings. Dakran stared at the bright beam of light washing over the scorched land, while Maya peacefully slept in his arms. The bruises on her face had finally faded, leaving behind the beautiful rosy, freckled face that he adored with every bit of himself.
Whatever Pelham put in that potion had done the trick. It was time for them to prepare for the wedding. He was sure that Sala had done as instructed, and prepared everything for the wedding. Maya grumbled, rubbed her face on his chest, opened her beautiful luminous eyes lovingly looking at him as her finger brushed his features and smiled.
Dakran leaned, and pressed his lips to hers " Sunshine" he whispered to her lips, and Maya hummed against his lips.
When he pulled away from the kiss Maya turned her head, gasped and turned to him wide-eyed stoked, jumped out of the bed running to the window to have a better look.
Dakran chuckled, pushed himself off the bed, followed her to the window where he wrapped his arms around her, and let out a sigh of relief.
" Finally. A new beginning for us and everyone else." Dakran said with an unfamiliar trill in his voice, leaning in and kissing her cheek.
" The wedding..." Dakran paused and turned her into his arms, with a wide grin" Everything should be ready." he finished lifting her in his arms, and kissed her lips.
Maya hummed nodding, hiding a widening grin behind her hands " Yes" she breathed out her answer while Dakran nodded " So we agree." Dakran asked, to make sure, as Maya nodded, her excitement quickly paled and hid her face when her finger brushed her lips, reminding her of the bruises.
" Please put me down," Maya asked in a quiet voice as Dakran lowered her to the flat of her feet following her to the dressing table where Maya studied her face in the mirror.
" I should have done when I brought to Ironstone, but it didn't seem like a good time to have a wedding. You can hardly see them. No one will notice." Dakran grabbed her shoulders and looked her in the eyes through the mirror, guilt marred his face, self-deprecating at his failure to protect her from his brother.
Maya closed her eyes lowered her hands resting them on the dressing table and took a deep breath to gather her thoughts.
As she released the breath that she was holding, he wasn't sure what she was about to say. But what Haren had done would haunt him for the rest of his life. It was a mark that he would have to carry for as long as he lived.
Maya turned in his arms to face him, pressed her palms against his chest, and looked at him with compassion, to his surprise it wasn't accusatory as he'd expected. Self-inflicted guilt unfurled once again in his entrails although Maya's didn't need to add to his guilt.
" Dakran " she softly called " Some things are just meant to happen. I defended myself. I don't need you to mollycoddle me. I'm not a child, and if we are going to get married. I don't intend to spend the rest of my days locked in Ironstone, or for you to hold my hand. What had happened between me and Haren happens all the time, but not every girl is lucky to have a man like you at their side" Maya paused, to catch her breath while Dakran opened his mouth to speak " I love you. I do" Maya took his hands in hers and looked up at him, almost pleading " I want to be by your side not hiding behind you. I want to be part of your life and anything we do I'd like to do with you. " Maya puffed her cheeks a sign that she was done making her case, not giving him the slightest opportunity to get a word in edgewise into her little speech.
Dakran cleared his throat with an impish grin " It is my responsibility to protect you, and provide for you. These are some of our traditions. The lady of the house runs the house while the man rules the land, but I guess it's time for a change." Dakran paused and rubbed her chin with his thumb, while the fierce shine in her eyes had softened a tad, but still lingered on her expressions.
" You would?" Maya's frown smoothened, and her expression brightened while Dakran nodded with the same impish grin.
" Yes, I would, but you'll have to learn how to properly fight, and I know just the person to teach you. But for now, it would be nice if we could get married. I'm looking forward to the life you've envisioned for us. It will be a nice change, and I'm looking forward to it." Dakran pressed his forehead against her " I'm sure you are too." The impish grin returned, and Dakran cleared his throat to contain his excitement at the thought that this would be the day that he'd been waiting for since he'd laid his eyes on her.
Maya closed her eyes, letting out a shaky breath " I'm a little nervous " she admitted trying to contain her bubbling excitement but failed miserably, squealing and kissing his nose.
Dakran chuckled, her excitement was infectious making his heart run wild once more, as his excitement grew at the thought that they would be together for the rest of their lives.
Dakran took her hand in his " Come" he tugged on her hand and made their way to the door as Maya followed closely behind. When Dakran opened the door, he froze in his spot to his surprise Iris stood in front of the door, looking around the quarters " Iris ?" Maya called and stepped in front of Dakran, stunned just as much as he was at the sight of her. He was expecting her but the sight of he looking like she'd battled and entire army all by herself, had quite an effect on him.
Iris nodded " You have great taste. I see you have an open-door approach " Iris smiled, frowning at them, as they both measured her from head to toe.
Both Maya and Dakran fell speechless staring at her, like she'd risen from the dead. It close enough.