The next few weeks flew by. Kioda was given community service and Aruel was imprisoned until his execution. The day before my wedding I went to the human realm to hang with my parents. I took Kyo, with me and my dad played with him. I left when it got dark and told them I’d see them soon/ Kyo was asleep in my arms as I stepped through the portal.

Kisa woke me in the morning and helped me in the dress. She dressed Kyo up as I put on a cornet. Kisa then put my hair in a long braid; I hadn’t noticed my hair had grown.

I held Kyo for a bit, before giving him to Kisa. She hugged me and left. A few minutes passed before Erdin came for me. I held my skirt as we walked to the throne room. Erdin was wearing light decorative armor, his sword hanging from a decorative belt. “You look nice.” I said.

“Wait until you see Darren.” Erdin said with a smile.

At the throne room a guard handed me a bouquet, and went inside. Soon music playing, and I took a deep breath/ Erdin wrapped and arm around mine, and the doors opened, the wedding march beginning to play. Erdin led me down the aisle, and I looked to Darren immediately. He was wearing armor that seemed specially made for this occasion, it was pure white. A decorative belt studded with jewels shone, and his sword hung from it. The sheath was white as well. A golden crown rested on his head. He was smiling, and I smiled back. Kioda was standing near the aisle in the sixth row. He wasn’t even looking at me, like he was ashamed.

Next thing I knew Erdin was putting my hand in Darren’s. I gave Erdin the bouquet and picked up my skirt before stepping up so I joined Darren at the altar. “You look beautiful.” Darren whispered to me.

I simply smiled, the priest beginning the ceremony. After a few minutes, our vows were said.

“Do you, King Darren, take Princess Mariya, to be your wife, in sickness and in health, for the rest of your days?” The Priest asked.

“I do.” Darren said, his smile widening.

“And you, Princess Mariya, takes King Darren to be your husband, in sickness and in health, for the rest of your days?”

“I do.” I said, tears starting to flow down my face.

Darren whipped my teats as the priest waited for objections.

“Then by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife.” The priest said, smiling. “You may kiss the bride.”

Darren pulled me to him, and kissed me. I wrapped my arms around him and after a moment, our kiss stopped.

I turned back to the priest, who took off my cornet. He then took a crow from a velvet pillow sitting on a pillar. He raised the crown up and spoke some strange words. “Princess, do you accept all responsibilities laid onto you by this crown?”

“I do.” I said.

“Do you promise to protect Mittere with all your ability?”

“I promise.” I said, before kneeling.

“Then I now crown you Queen of all vampires and Mittere.” The priest said before putting the crown on my head. I rose and faced the guests with Darren. “Your king and Queen!”

Erdin gave me my bouquet, and the guests clapped as we walked out. On our way to the ballroom Darren pulled me into a room. “Sierra tells me you have a Cresnik…why didn’t you tell me?”

“It slipped my mind. With the wedding on my mind, and caring for Kyo, did you expect me to remember to tell you?” I asked.

Darren sighed. “I’m sorry…I thought you were keeping it from me on purpose.”

“I would have told you eventually.”

Darren ‘hmm’d’ before kissing me again. “Let’s go, our guests are waiting.”

We left the room then, and stood outside of the Grand Ballroom. A few people murmured congratulations as they went inside. I didn’t see Kioda go in.

“He probably decided it was too much for him.” Darren whispered to me.

“Hmm?” I asked.

“Yesterday I told him he didn’t have to come, but he said he would. He…still loves you Mariya. Aruel just escalated that love to pure lust.” Darren explained.

“Oh…” I said.

“Don’t worry about it, darling. I’m sure he’ll find someone.” Darren said.

We went in the ballroom, and the guests clapped. We stopped at the dance floor. Darren put one arm around my waist and took my left hand with the other. The music began, a waltz by the sound of it, and we began dancing. “Your parents are expecting you tomorrow afternoon?”

I nodded. “Kyo to…I promised mom.”

Darren laughed. After the dance, I got Kyo and danced with him. He giggled as I threw him in the air and caught him.

Darren danced with Allissa, who looked frightened. I guessed she spotted Kioda during the ceremony. Darren was talking with her, assuring her Kioda wouldn’t harm her.

Kisa came on the dance floor, dancing with Kei an Jacob. I felt a tap on my shoulder and I turned to see Kioda. “May I cut in?” He asked.

“You can dance with us.” I said.

I danced with Kioda then, glancing at Darren, who was still with Allissa. They both looked at us.

“Mariya, after I repay my debt, I am going to leave the castle. I shall go back to the rebel base to live. I shall not be alone, though. Deken will be with me. We’ve always been like brothers.” Kioda told me.

“Kioda, you don’t have to-”

“Yes, I do. It hurts being near you, Mariya…knowing what Aruel made me do. Maybe after some time I shall return, but otherwise, I shall stay at the base.” Kioda said. He stopped dancing and bowed. “Kyo shall be a great prince.” He said before he left.

I sighed, and went to the head table. I took my seat and watched the people dance, and got a cup of blood, sipping it. Darren came to sit by me, and kissed me. “What did Kioda say?”

“That after his debt is paid, he and Deken are going to live at the rebel base” I whispered.

Darren seemed in thought. “If that is his wish, then I cannot stop him.”

Peace prospered during our rein, and when Kyo turned one, we moved him to the nursery next to my room. Darren and I tried for another child, and months later, I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. I named her Dannielle. Kioda payed off his debt, leaving knowing he had repented. Allissa got over her fear of being raped, and she became Neil’s permanent assistant. Erdin remained captain of the guard until his death. His body was burned with the things he would need in the afterlife, and Darren and I threw his ashes into the wind, as was customary. Miria mved out of the castle, with the man who claimed her, I haven't seen her since. Seth, a young guard took Erdin’s place, proving to be the strongest of the guards.

But could the peace last forever?