by T. K. Perry
“And his children?” the Queen demanded, nodding at Lexi.
“He lied. She flew here.”
To prove her father's point, Lexi leapt into the air and flew to Tiger's side.
The Queen glared at Tiger. “Clearly, there was some truth to his reports.”
Tiger stirred at Lexi's side, but she grabbed his arm to forestall him.
“Do you presume to court a princess?” the Queen shrilled.
Tiger glanced at Lexi, and she gave him a tiny nod.
“Your Majesty,” Tiger began with a deep bow. “Your daughter proposed to me, and I have accepted.”
Livid scorn briefly lit the Queen's features. “That was foolish.”
“Maybe,” he conceded. “But after I met your nephew, Ryp Leafwing, I thought it just might work out.”
The King jumped to his feet and the Queen let out a soft gasp as Ryp stepped forward and gave a deep bow. “Aunt Ami,” he said smoothly, “my father sends his love.”
The Queen made a choking noise, and the King turned his back on them, blocking the Queen from view with his broad orange and black wings. “Are you all right, my dear?” he asked solicitously.
There was a long pause and a furious exchange of whispers from the dais. Lexi gripped Tiger's hand, and even sniffed at his shoulder after she caught the word “dungeon.” Ryp's bravado faded a bit, and he stepped back to stand beside them.
Finally, the King stepped aside and the Queen stood. “Ryp, it is wonderful to finally meet you. What an incredibly long journey you must have endured.” Her voice was steady and gracious, as was the elegant hand she extended to her nephew. “Come with me. We must discuss your options.”
If Ryp felt any trepidation, he didn't show it. “Thank you, my Queen. It is an honor to meet you,” he replied, bowing again before offering his arm. With a neutral smile, she took it, and they exited through the same door that she and the King had entered.
The King frowned at Lexi and Tiger, begrudgingly motioning them closer. “That wasn't very nice,” he muttered when they stood near. “Your mother wants no part of this,” he said, motioning between the two of them. “You'll be on your own, and you'll need to take Cercy with you. Now, let's get this marriage over with.”
Lexi began to laugh, tears running down her cheeks while Tiger only grinned.
The King turned to Raulis and nodded. The officiant reached behind the King's throne and drew out a large, square book with gilt lettering and edges. He set it on a little ledge worked into the intricate design of the throne frame and opening it, began to write.
With a little sigh, the King began. “Do you, Tiger, of your own free will and choice seal this woman to you for life, and if it be God’s will, for eternity? Of course you do,” he added irritably.
Unfazed, Tiger only grinned wider. “I do.”
“And do you, my Lexi, of your own free will and choice seal this man to you for life, and if it be God’s will, for eternity?” His words were sad. He already knew the answer.
“I do.”
“Then by the authority given me by my father, King Danaus III, before God and man, I pronounce you sealed together as husband and wife for life, and God willing, for eternity.” Rather than look at their faces, he stared down at their joined hands sadly, only breaking his gaze to add his signature beneath theirs on the marriage certificate.
Lexi hugged her father and kissed his cheek. “It'll be okay, Dad,” she assured him. “I prayed about it.”
The King smiled, his eyes suddenly wet with emotion. He swallowed once, then nodded. “Take Raven and three other horses from the stables as your wedding present. You can start your own ranch somewhere.”
“Thank you!” Lexi hugged him again.
“And when your mother calms down, maybe you could come for a visit. But just now, you should go while your mother is busy deciding whether your cousin is going to marry Delpha or Anna.”
“Not Juno?” Lexi asked curiously as she curled her arms around Tiger's bicep.
“Married Van this morning.”
Lexi fought the laugh that gurgled up her throat, instead turning her face into Tiger's shoulder.
“Enough of that,” her father fussed. “Take Cercy and the horses and go. Now, before she changes her mind.”
Epilogue
“Good morning, Raven,” Lexi called cheerfully, rewarding her horse's whinny with a red apple. Smiling at Raven's enthusiastic chewing, she ran a hand over the barely noticeable swell of the horse's belly, and the horse gave an answering nudge to Lexi's protruding stomach. “Yes,” Lexi laughed, “you and I are in the same condition.” Smiling, she gazed out at the frosted landscape, the frozen dew making everything sparkle in the early morning sun.
Tiger's and Cercy's savings had been just enough to buy this ramshackle ranch in the little mountain town of Horse Creek. It was a full day's journey by wing from the palace, but the King still managed to send supplies and letters every month. The Queen, in contrast, pretended that she only had two daughters and had resigned herself to her Monarch nephew being the next King. Ryp had married Anna and seemed to be adjusting well to aristocratic life; he thought Lady Nessa was hilarious, and the grumpy old dowager had promised to leave him and Anna all her money.
Lexi gave Raven one last pat, then let her out of her stall to graze in the frost-tipped pasture. The stall gate creaked loudly, then the rusty catch refused to fasten. Lexi fiddled with it unsuccessfully until she heard a musical chuckle behind her.
“Best leave that for the servants,” Tiger joked, giving his startled wife a lingering kiss.
“Haha,” Lexi said drily, returning to the catch. She lifted the bottom of the gate with her scuffed riding boot until the metal aligned. “There,” she said, fastening the gate with a satisfied smile.
“My wife is amazing.”
“Yes, I am,” Lexi agreed and turned to kiss him again.
“Breakfast is ready!” Cercy hollered from the sloping porch of their humble ranch house. “Quit kissing or it's gonna be cold!”
Tiger and Lexi broke apart, laughing.
“Just coming, Mom,” Tiger hollered back, then kissed Lexi again.
When they finally emerged from the horse barn, Cercy shook her head good-naturedly. “It's cold.”
“Sorry, Mom.”
“Don't be sorry for me. I ate mine hot.” Removing her apron, she headed for her room. “Don't forget to clean up after yourselves.”
“We will,” Lexi assured her. “Thank you. It looks delicious.”
“It looks cold,” Cercy said, shutting her door.
“Deliciously cold!” Lexi called after her.
“Well, if it's already cold...”
Lexi laughed and pushed him away. “Later. The babies are starving.”
Pulling up two humble stools, they sat at their crooked table and grinned at each other, completely oblivious to the temperature of the food.
The End