Royal Meets Rogue
Epilogue

Athena

“Are you ready?” Hecate asked me as she pinned down my bangs.

I nodded nervously. “Yeah, I think so.”

“You aren’t getting cold feet are you?” Victoria laughed.

I shook my head no. “I’m excited to marry Ares. I’m just really nervous.”

I thought back to the night he proposed. I can’t believe I’m going to be marrying the love of my life.

It’s been six months since the battle with Rick. Nothing has really changed besides the fact that I can stop looking over my shoulder every two seconds. Even though the hunters have already named new leaders for their groups, I still feel better knowing my past won’t bother me anymore.

Victoria and I got pretty close after the battle. It’s nice to have someone close to my age, even though she is a couple of years older. Besides Hecate, Victoria is basically my only girl friend. And did I mention that Victoria is now the alpha of her pack? Dan was very impressed by how she handled everything during the battle that he gave her the title early. We are all very happy for her.

‘I think Circe is coming around.’ Artemis laughed.

I gave her a chuckle. ‘But she does still like to keep thing professional.’

‘Maybe. But I’ve seen how she acts around you. I think she might consider you a friend.’

I was taken out of my thoughts when a knock sounded on the door.

“Come in!” I called out.

The door opened and Circe walked in with a smile. “What’s up, Queen?”

“Just getting the final touches done.” I said as Hecate put in my ruby earrings.

“That’s good because Perseus is getting the men in their places.” She laughed. “It’s really fun to watch King Ares get bossed around.”

“I bet he doesn’t like that.” Victoria giggled.

“Oh no.” Circe laughed shaking her head. “But Alpha Victoria, we have to head out soon so we can meet up with Beta Apollo and Third Janus.”

“Ooh.” She squealed as she stood up and fixed her dress. “Shit. Where are my flowers?”

“Right here.” I laughed as I picked them up off the vanity.

“Thanks.” She blushed as she left with Victoria.

“Don’t forget this.” Hecate said quickly as she handed me my crown.

I smiled and thank you as I turned to the mirror and put it on my head. The crown is the same crown from my coronation and Ares will be wearing his crown as well.

Hecate walked behind me so she could hold the train of my dress. The train wasn’t long, but I still didn’t want to risk it getting caught on anything.

My dress is pretty simple, but still very elegant. It goes all the way to the floor so it covers the white heels that I have on and it’s also not very fluffy. The V-line is a little low so my necklace fits perfectly. The straps and long sleeves are mesh so my skin is peeking through. The mesh and corset part of the dress has some sequins as well as a little of the bottom part. The ruby earrings and ruby necklace really compliment the dress and everything matches perfectly.

I nodded to the ladies and they opened the door.

Right as the doors started to move, I heard Perseus’ deep voice say ‘all rise’ and the piano started to play.

As I stood in the doorway, I looked up at Ares on stage who was already staring at me. But once I started to walk down the aisle with Hecate, his mouth dropped slightly.

‘We are so hot.’ Artemis said proudly.

Apollo and Janus both tapped him on the shoulder and gave him a big smile as I got closer.

Victoria and Circe gave me a thumbs-up as I walked up the stairs.

“Y-You look beautiful.” Ares whispered as he stared at me with loving eyes. “I can’t wait to make you my wife.”

“Let’s begin.” Perseus smiled as he stood next to us. “King Ares, do you take Queen Athena to be your lawful wedded wife?”

“I do.” Ares responded as he squeezed my hand slightly.

“Do you promise to love and cherish her in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, for better or for worse, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her, for so long as you both shall live?” Perseus continued.

“I do.” Ares responded while he kept making eye contact with me.

“Queen Athena, do you take King Ares to be your lawful wedded husband?”

“I do.” I responded with a smile.

“Do you promise to love and cherish him in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, for better or for worse, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto him, for so long as you both shall live?” Perseus continued.

“I do.”

“Now.” Perseus paused as he looked at both of us. “Do you together promise in the presence of your friends and family that you will at all times and in all circumstances, conduct yourselves toward one another as becomes husband and wife?”

“We do.” Ares and I said simultaneously.

“Do you together promise you will love, cherish and respect one another throughout the years?”

“We do.”

“You may say your personal vows now.” Perseus bowed as he took a couple of steps back.

Ares and I looked at each other and I smiled as he let out a shaky breath.

Ares cleared his throat and looked me in the eye. “Athena, I love you. You are my best friend. Today I give myself to you in marriage. I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle. I promise to love you in good times and in bad, when life seems easy and when it seems hard, when our love is simple, and when it is an effort. I promise to cherish you and to always hold you in the highest regard. These things I give to you today, and all the days of our life. Athena, I promise to love and care for you and I will try in every way to be worthy of your love. I will always be honest with you, kind, patient, and forgiving. But most of all, I promise to be a true and loyal friend to you. I love you so much.”

My mouth was slightly open throughout his speech.

‘Girl. You gotta close that because you’re up.’ Artemis laughed.

I shook my head and cleared my throat before giving Ares a smile. “Ares, I promise to love you, to be your best friend, to respect and support you, to be patient with you, to work together with you to achieve our goals, to accept you unconditionally, and to share life with you throughout the years. Ares, with all my love, I take you to be my husband. I will love you through good and the bad, through joy and sorrow. I will try to be understanding, and to trust in you completely. Together we will face all of life’s experiences and share one another’s dreams and goals. I promise I will be your equal partner in a loving, honest relationship, for as long as we both shall live. I love you so much.”

“I now pronounce you husband and wife.” Perseus said smiling. “Ares you may now kiss your bride.”

“Come here.” Ares whispered with a husky growl and wrapped his arms around my waist.

I giggled as I wrapped my arms around his neck and he pulled me into him, closing the gap between our lips.

I heard everyone cheer and clap as Ares kissed me.

Ares pulled back slightly and gave me a loving smile as he looked me in the eyes. “I love you so much, Mrs. Galician.”

After the ceremony, it was time for the reception. The reception was taking place in the ballroom on the first floor.

Once I sat down, I instantly eyed the glass of water that was right in front of me.

Thank the lord, I am so thirsty.

‘Thirsty for Ares.’ Artemis commented, almost making me spit out the water.

“Are you okay?” Ares asked concerned as he rubbed my back.

“I’m good.” I strained in between coughs. “I’m good.”

‘Don’t do that!’ I scolded Artemis.

“My King and Queen.” Perseus bowed after he stopped in front of our table. “Everyone has sat down and the food is ready.”

“Oh good.” I smiled as I quickly stood up. “I’m starving.”

“Wait up.” Ares laughed as he lifted the back of my dress up when we walked down the platform.

“Thank you.” I smiled when he put the train back down on the floor.

“You are quite welcome, my Queen.” He winked as he handed me a plate.

I blushed and turned around so I could fill my plate up.

And Ares being the amazing man he was, got sushi to be put on the menu. I love this man.

After stacking my plate up, Ares and I made our way back to the table.

I moaned as I shoved a piece of sushi into my mouth.

“Good?” Ares asked laughing.

I nodded with my mouth full. “Yeah.”

“I’m glad.” He smiled as he pecked my cheek.

“Have you tried the steak?” Circe asked.

I shook my head and immediately cut a piece off and stuffed it in my mouth. “Oh my gosh.”

“I know right.” She laughed.

“Your chefs really know how to cook.” Victoria complimented. “I might have to borrow some.”

“I’ll give you Ares instead.” I reasoned. “I love my cooks.”

“Hey!” Ares huffed.

“Sorry babe.” I smiled. “I love food too much.”

“I see where I stand.” Ares said rolling his eyes with a bright smile.

“Normally I would defend you.” Apollo started as he swallowed his food. “But I’m going to have to go with Athena on this one. I love food more than you. Sorry, bro.”

“This place looks amazing.” Hecate smiled as she walked up to our table.

“It really does.” I smiled back as I looked around. “Thank you for helping decorate.”

“My pleasure dear.”

“You look very pretty Athena.” Travis smiled as he held Hecate’s hand. “Now Ares. You better treat this girl right. Because if not, we will have some words.”

“I promise I will.” Ares smiled as he kissed my temple. “I can’t imagine life without her.”

My blush deepened and I looked down to hide my blush, causing everyone to laugh.

“Cheers for the happy couple!” Dan shouted as he lifted his glass.

Everyone lifted their glasses in response and Ares smiled down at me.

Victoria smirked at me as she grabbed her fork and started to tap her glass and soon everyone followed suit as they hollered.

Ares gave me a cheeky grin as he grabbed the back of my head softly and pulled me towards him as our lips connected. I heard claps as I kissed him back.

I pulled back and glared at Victoria. “Meany.”

“Me?” She gasped in fake shock. “Never.”

I heard someone clear their throat and I looked over to see Apollo standing up with a microphone. “I have a couple of words to say.”

“Oh good lord.” Ares sighed.

Apollo stuck his tongue out making everyone laugh. “I really want to thank Athena for coming into Ares’ life. She has put a giant smile on his face and I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen him this happy.” He paused as he looked over at me and smiled. “You should have been here sooner, but I guess later is betting than never.” The crowd laughed at his joke but I could sense the double meaning. “Thank you for bringing light to this grumpy man. Welcome to the family.”

“My turn.” Janus smiled as he snatched the microphone out of Apollo’s hand. “I too want to thank you. Not only did Ares get a wife, but I also got an amazing little sister and I’m very happy you are here. At first, I was a little skeptical, not going to lie. But I soon realized I had nothing to worry about because you two are made for each other. Athena, I’m happy that you showed up and I’m also happy that Ares finally has someone to keep him in line. Welcome to the family.”

Ares rolled his eyes and leaned over to playfully punch him on the leg.

I wrapped my hands around his arm and pulled him close to me so I could give a small peck on his lips.

‘I love him.’ Artemis cooed.

‘Me too.’ I said softly as I stared at Ares standing up.

“Now for the main speech.” Ares teased as people chuckled. “Thank you for those speeches, Apollo and Janus. You know, I was worried that they wouldn’t like Athena right away, but I soon realized how silly that was because anyone who has met Athena has fallen in love with her right away. I fell in love with her the second I met her and I instantly knew I wanted to marry her.” He paused as he grabbed my hand, helping me to my feet. “Athena. I love you so much and when you said yes, I couldn’t wait to marry you. Now here we are, as husband and wife, and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you. I am going to spend every minute of my life showing you how much I care and love you. You won’t have to worry about a single problem because I’m going to be right there with you. You are my best friend and my world.”

“I love you, Ares.” I said to him. “The three of us are going to be very happy.”

“Three?” Ares asked confused as the crowd started to chatter in confusion as well.

I smiled shyly at him as I placed my hand on my stomach.

“No way!” Hecate screamed as her face broke out into a smile.

“A-Are you serious?” Ares stuttered as he searched my face with wide eyes.

I nodded and giggled. “Yes.”

“I’m going to be a dad.” He whispered before turning to the crowd. “I’m going to be a dad!” Ares turned towards me and wrapped his arms around my waist, picking me up. “I-I’m going to be a dad.”

“We are going to be uncles!” Apollo shouted as Janus gave him a high-five.

Ares set me down and pulled back so he could kneel down in front of my stomach. He wiped a tear from his eye and carefully placed his hands on my stomach. “Hi, there little one. I can’t wait to meet you. I know you aren’t even born yet, but I already love you so much.”

I kissed the top of Ares’ head and he looked up at me with teary eyes.

“Oh my goodness!” Hecate shouted as she ran over to me with Travis in tow. “I’m so happy for you guys.”

“Thank you.” I smiled as I walked down the stairs of the platform.

“We need to get a nursery going!” Hecate said concerned. “I need to get a crib and clothes and decorations for the room and-”

“Easy there sweetheart.” Travis laughed.

“I just found out I was pregnant last week.” I teased.

Hecate waved me off and kept going on about what she needed to buy and how she wanted the nursery to look.

“Congratulations.” Travis smiled as he gave me another hug.

“Thank you.” I laughed as Travis grabbed Hecate’s hand and pulled her away.

“I’m so happy for you, my Queen.” Perseus smiled as he walked up to me.

“Oh come here!” I laughed as I pulled him in for a hug.

He jumped in surprise but wrapped his arms around me. “You are going to be an amazing mom.”

“Oh, I hope so.” I mumbled taking a deep breath.

“You will.” Jason commented as he walked over to us with Achilles.

“If you treat the baby like you treat all of us, you will be awesome.” Achilles agreed.

“Exactly.” Jason nodded.

I smiled and turned around to see Ares smiling widely as Apollo and Janus congratulated him.

He caught me staring and winked at me as he kissed his new wedding ring and then turned back to Apollo and Janus.

And at this moment, I was complete. This was my happily ever after.