Evengilist

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Three days before the wedding we set out on horses back to the city called Evangelist, our new home. The journey was a slow one as all the carriages were loaded down with the things we would need. I found it nice to just talk and be with everyone who was traveling with us. The elders made the trip for the wedding but would return after the ceremony.

"So can you believe you are getting married?" Allison asked me as we sat around the fire. We would arrive by afternoon tomorrow and just wanted to be ourselves for a little bit. Nick brought out a bottle of fruit wine and we all drank and laughed.

"It is hard to believe… I always thought you would be first." I threw a pebble at her as we all broke out in laughter.

"Me too. You have always been so focused. Never had time for the men that tried to court you." She shook her head remembering. "Do you remember the one you threw into the lake?" The smile on her face seemed contagious as we all nodded.

"Hey, he deserved it!" I defended myself. "I have no idea what he was thinking grabbing me like that." I took another sip of wine. "How about the guy your dad found kissing you in the hallway. I thought he would stick around, what happened to him?"

"My dad was so mad he scared the poor boy to death. He sent him away to one of the far colonies. His parents too." Allison smirked remembering.

"That was really funny though." Nick laughed.

"Nothing beats the guy Kyle punched when he caught him trying to touch you, Kat." Luke put in. We all laughed. It was a great memory.

“I have one better. What about the time Kat had to explain to her dad why we were all in the closet in our underwear.” Kyle pointed out.

“No, that was so embarrassing. Though I still feel like he would have been ok with it if we hadn't tried to lie about why we were in there. It took me days to get the food out of my hair. The cooks were so mad at us and dad never let us have a tea party again.” By the time I finished the story we were all falling out of our seats. “I can still remember the scolding, it was months before he let it go.”

“You all are keeping the whole camp up with your wild stories and laughter. Go to sleep, we want to be your best when we arrive.” Elder Moore scolded us while laughing.

“He is right, it is late and I am sure it is better for us to sleep.” I smiled, getting up and dusting off my pants. Everyone nodded their agreement and did the same heading to our respective tents. I found myself too excited to sleep, laying awake in bed staring at the top of my tent. Tomorrow I would arrive at my new home and a day later I would be wed, securing peace for my people for generations. I accomplished in a month what my father failed to do in years. He never would have sent a team, he never would have killed the king. I know that, and wonder if I did the right thing. I mean in the end I think it was but had I jumped in too strong, not weighing all my options as dad taught me? Should I have tried to reason with the king before sending him to the neithers? We would never know, I just hope I have made them proud. I turned to my side and curled up, letting myself cry for the first time since my parents' loss. Grieving for them even after so much time, still left me breathless. I kept myself so busy and surrounded I could never truly feel their loss but now with everything coming together I just wish they could be here to see what I have accomplished. Sometime during my cry Kyle pulled me up into his arms providing comfort as he always did. Allowing me time to cry without a single word spoken, he rubbed my back in small circles until I had no tears left to give.

Once I was done he let me pull away with a sad smile. "Thanks, I am sorry."

"Don't apologize. I know you have not had the time to grieve, remember I have been here." He smiled trying to cheer me up.

"You're right. Thank you. Did… did you need something?" I wondered why he had come in the first place.

"I was on guard duty and heard you outside. I know I shouldn't have come in but I couldn't let you go through it alone. You were there for me when my parents died, I just want to be there for you." He stood up, walking a few paces before walking back. "Also I was really hoping to talk to you."

"Okay?" I questioned as he sat down next to me again.

"Look we have been together most of our lives and I know your feelings for me are different then what I feel for you but I want to make sure you are making the right decision for you, not just for the race." He stammered

"What do you mean?" I got out before he kissed me. His lips hesitant against mine, nothing like the sure demanding kiss of the king. One of his hands cupped the back of my neck as the other settled against my thigh. So startled by the kiss it took me a moment to pull away. "Kyle you can't do that." I stood pacing away from him. "I am getting married in just over a day's time. You are like family, my brother even. I do not have those feelings for you. You must never do that again. I fear it would risk your life." I looked back at him. As he stood up and walked to the door.

"I couldn't let you marry him without at least trying." He gave a sad smile before walking out of the tent, leaving me with the swirling thoughts in my head. I layed back in bed and fell into a fitful sleep.

Waking the next morning I felt dread, Kyle was my closest friend and he had changed that by what he did last night. I felt certain we would never be the same, yet when I emerged from my tent and joined everyone, he was acting like it never happened. Asked me how I slept, even joked that I looked awful. I found myself forgetting about what happened and getting back to what I have come to expect out of my friends. The camp was quickly taken down and we set out, in just half a day we would arrive in Evangelist and there was much to be done. Allison and I rode side by side for most of the morning just talking like we used to, only interrupted by the occasional greeting. It had been years since we were able to just talk, and forget much of what was to come without the boys interrupting all the time. Her father and mother took the death of Rob hard and stayed behind mourning his loss, even as the rest of their children moved to Evangelist, they would be a great help there.

We arrived just after sun high and found ourselves greeted with mostly friendly faces of the demons. My guard surrounded me even as I waved and smiled at any who sought me out. We passed through the market and up a hill that was to the east of the town, at the top was a beautifully constructed castle. The stone walls, almost gleaming in the sunlight. Stained windows reflected nature scenes down onto the courtyard, as we entered the king stepped out to greet us, a light smile on his face.

“I trust your travels were pleasant?”

“They were, thank you.” I smiled as he helped me from my horse. “This is remarkable.” I added, noting the castle behind him.

“It is.” He agreed “I wanted it to have both our cultures. I believe I captured it rather well. Though the inside is still a work in progress and will be for some weeks, most of the bed rooms are finished and so is our wing and the great hall.” he said, taking my arm and leading me inside. I could hear Allison shouting orders as Kyle and her brothers fell into step behind us. “Are you afraid I will bite?” He joked

“No , it is for the peace of mind of the elders until the bonding ceremony.” I explained with a shrug “It is typical for our royals to have guards or at least one at all times, Kyle has been my guard since we were children.” We entered the foyer and walked up a central staircase turning left at the second floor.

“Yes I am aware, I think it is a tradition you should keep, though I will not. Keeping you safe once we are bonded will be a priority. That is why we have guard chambers in our wing. I would like to add one or two demons to the guard." He says walking to the east. "This is our wing. We have the guards chambers here, then further down are several bedrooms for us should we need it but then we have our master suit at the end."

"What could we possibly need all these rooms for on top of our suit?" I ask in amazement.

"Children of course, if we prove compatible I should want many." He smiles looking down at me. I blush bright red, I have not given any thought to that possibility. I don't want to get my hopes up only to prove them unobtainable.

"I don't mind adding demons to the guard but Kyle will be the head of the guard. He must approve of them." I change the subject as we continue down the hall to our suit.

"Is he a demon?" The king asked looking back at Kyle.

"Yes, his family joined our ranks when your father tried to have me assassinated at the age of one. They did not approve. Thinking a child should not be killed for the sins of the father. They brought their son with them, and because of demon strength my father thought it a good idea to make him my guard. He has been with me ever since." I look back at Kyle as he, Nick, and Luke look around the wing making sure it is secure.

"I see, I am glad then, that he has protected you." He said opening the door to our suit. We entered, followed by Kyle before the door was shut. The sitting room was huge, decorated in gold, and red. Mixing our two royal colors. He allowed me to walk around the room opening the other doors and peering in. I found the bedroom complete with a large bed. A bath that had the biggest tub I had ever seen and after exploring our room I found two wardrobes. One of which was already stocked with his clothes.

"You seemed to think of everything." I mused out loud.

"I didn't want you to go without something you would have had at home. Do you like it? I can always change things." He added with a shrug, feigning indifference

"I think it is beautiful. It has everything I could need.” I smile walking back to him. “I will have my maid place my clothes where they belong, but for now I would like to see the rest of our new home.” It was strange to see this as our home. In just a few short hours it would be. I will miss the Keep, the place where every generation of Elven leaders was born and raised for as long as we could remember. I found myself second guessing my decision once again, my thoughts turning to if I was doing the right thing by my people in forcing this alliance. So many have lost loved ones to the war and so many more would die if I did not go through with the alliance. The King seemed like a gentleman, yet so many untold things hid behind his dark eyes, even as he smiled.

“Of course. Right this way Little Queen.” He smiled, giving me a slight bow with the sweep of his hands. I could not help the giggle that fell from my lips as we left the room heading back down the hall.

“The stairs separate the wings as you see here. The advisers have the west wing with several large sitting spaces to gather and discuss. There is another set of stairs at the back of the castle to make traveling easier. From there you will find a council room and the library in the east wing, or at least you will soon. The dining hall is to the back of the west wing that at least is finished. The Great hall and ball rooms sit on the first floor to the right and left of the stairs. The center of the castle has an open garden, essentially it is one big rectangle with large stairs at either end. The servants can use the smaller stairs or the big ones to make traveling from floor to floor easy. He explained as we walked back down the stairs going to the right and entering what could only be considered the great hall. Two thrones sat on top of a raised floor at the far end of the room. Red and gold tapestries hung along the walls, our new crest of a dragon encircling a lone doe as it feeds on the grass below, with a bow and a sword on either side. Seeing it in person brings a smile to my face as I take in the details.

“Is it what you were expecting?” he whispers in my ear causing goosebumps to break out along my skin.

I turn to him nodding with a smile. “It is more than I could hope for.” He takes my hand leading me up the thrones. They were the same size indicating neither was higher than the other.

“This one is for you.” He sat me down on the left, taking the right for himself. “Though if you want this one, I could be persuaded to let you have it.” he smiled with mischief in his eyes. I can't help but wonder what he is thinking.

“I think this one is fine.” I settled back into the chair looking around the room once more. It was indeed a fine castle to have been built in only one months time. We could never have done this much on our own. The Demon race did have that going for them, if nothing else.

“Would you like to see the ball room. I have it decorated for the wedding already though something tells me Allison will have some changes to make, considering how fast she was to give orders upon arriving.” He laughed as he got up, taking my hand and leading me across the hall.

“I did warn you, she is hell on wheels when on a mission, but that is why she is my advisor and closest friend.” I giggled, as we entered the ball room.

The room itself was breathtaking. Large glass windows decorate the walls, some standing open to allow a cool breeze into the room one could easily enter the garden or the front courtyard from them. White and Navy blue flowers decorated any space available with hints of red thrown in. Small sitting areas could be spotted through open curtains. Tables sat at the entrance with a large space for dancing and another set of thrones decorated the far wall. Once again our new crest was found in the middle of the room. Doing a small spin I took it all in before facing Adian. “It's breathtaking.” I smiled genuinely impressed with his designs.

“I am glad you approve.” He replied just as Allison walked in a trail of both Elven and Demon servants behind her.

“We need a bit more red added to the table. Each family needs to be represented the white to symbolize peace and new birth. Less blue, more red by a touch and lots of white.” she pauses long enough to give Adain a smile before addressing me. “Your dress has arrived. I had it sent to the second room in your wing.” she eyes Adian again. , making her attention clear. “ She can not be alone with you until after the bonding, this will please the elders and give our people peace of mind. I have met with your advisor and given him the same speech, we agree it is for the best of the peace. Tonight you will stand as one for a diner showing your unity and commitment to this, in the morning you will wed and bond, sealing you both together for life.” she took a big breath before continuing. “ Kat you have an early morning and dont think I will forget about the water you tossed on me last week, so don't make me drag you out of bed. “ She tossed over her shoulder before walking away to address someone else.

“You tossed water on her?” Adain laughed as we walked from the hall. “Who knew, you Elven could have fun.”

“Hey, she deserved it. She kept me up all night with the planning, not to mention the amount of wine we drank that night, then she had the audacity to snore and wake me up the following morning. I had to do it, It's only right.” I laughed as he pulled me around the back of the central stairs and out into the garden.

“She snores, this is too good. Please tell me you don't.” He asked with a straight face.

“I do not snore.” I smacked him lightly in the arm pretending to be offended. I saw Kyle following us at a distance.

“Okay if you say so..” he smirked at me before pulling us under the shelter of a weeping willow. A bench and a small fountain nestled under its leaves. “I could not let them take down the tree, hence the garden in the middle of the castle. I thought you would enjoy it.”

“I do.” I smiled taking a seat at the edge of the fountain trailing my hand in the water before turning to look back up at him. He took a seat next to me, his eyes never leaving my face.

“Good.” was all he said before leaning in and placing his lips gently on mine. His arms wrapped around me pulling me closer. My hands found themselves placed on his hard chest as he pulled his lips from mine before trailing kisses down my neck only to retrace his steps back up to my ear before nibbling it lightly. I am panting for breath by the time he is done and places his forehead against mine. “Oh the things I want to do to you.” he whispers.

“Like what?” I whisper back hesitantly, not entirely sure I wanted to know.

“You are too innocent for your own good.” he smiles “I will have much for you to learn in the ways of men, Little Queen. For now though I am content to kiss you and rile up your guard.” he smirks as I push him away.

“You did not just do that, so you could get Kyle upset.” I feel slightly hurt.

“No, I did that for me but his reaction to it tells me a great deal. He loves you and if I can see it others will too. He will have to learn better control if he hopes to continue in his post. I cant have people thinking you are with me only for show. My people do nothing for show and if our marriage is not real you can not hope for peace. They can not see him as a way for you to stay with me only in name and be with him.” He states simply