The Dominant Species
27

Two months later, I sent a message to Alastair and asked him to meet me at my castle. His parents had finally changed the law in their own kingdom and we were allowed to get married. When he showed up I was half happy and half nervous. He hugged me like he always does. I held onto him for a second. Our meetings would not be cut short by the fact that we couldn’t be together anymore. We could spend as much time together as we wanted to. I felt safe.

But I had something else to worry about. My heart was pounding.

I was shaking.

I had goosebumps.

I had spent the time I’d been waiting for Alastair praying. “I hope this isn’t a bad time,” I began.

“It’s not. Is everything okay?”

“Yes.”

“What’s going on?”

“I thought that since nothing was standing in our way anymore that we could take the next step.”

I stroked his face.

“Besides, I think we’re ready, don’t you?” I asked.

“Yes,” he beamed.

I was thrilled.

That made me feel better, but I was still nervous.

I expected his answer, but I wanted to ask him anyway.

I wouldn’t relax completely until I had it.

“Will you marry me?” I asked.

“Yes.”

I smiled.

My mind registered nothing but happiness.

I threw myself in his arms and pushed away any negative thoughts.

I only wanted to concentrate on Alastair.

I couldn’t believe that all the sadness and despair from wanting an illegal relationship were finally behind us. This relationship was no longer illegal. No one would stand in our way. And if they did, they would be wrong, not us. We were safe. We were happy. We had a lifetime to spend together.

Every negative feeling had evaporated from my head. My heart was pounding with happiness now.

I kissed him.

I wrapped my arms around him.

He pulled me closer.

The kiss was somewhat intense because we were celebrating.