Edana moves with smooth, flawless strides. Her hooves dig into the ground, easily keeping pace with Eron.
I bet he’d throw a fit if he came in last. Do it! Let’s see if he does.
I urge Edana forward, grinning as she begins to take the lead. My hair escapes out of its clips, rippling behind me like a sail. I feel alive. I feel powerful.
My soul connects with this land, the wind, sun, and moons beyond. I can feel a stirring deep within me. Strange currents of electricity flow over my arms, lassoing about my waist. I feel invincible upon Edana’s back.
An opening in the trees up ahead reveals our destination, and I pull back on the reins as the beach comes into full view. It is breathtaking. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined such beauty.
A cover sits below us, the sand white and perfect. The ocean stretches out before us, appearing to fall off the horizon. Beyond that, a million twinkling lights hang in the sky.
“Why can I see stars?” I ask breathlessly as I slip down from Edana’s back. She dips her head and begins to hunt for food nearby. Aloysius dismounts and comes to my side.
“The atmosphere here is different. It doesn’t reflect light in the same way.” He lifts his hand to point to the sky. “All of those pinpricks of light are worlds waiting to be discovered. We can do it, you and I. Together we can conquer.”
Conquer? Is that supposed to be romantic? Please!
“And the planet?”
In the distance, I can see two of Calisted’s moons, but looming in the sky before me is a planet nearly three times the size of ours. It fills my vision, stretching from the sky and dipping low into the ocean. I can see spirals of clouds upon its surface.
“That is Andromesus. A sister planet.”
“Can we go there?” I ask eagerly.
Aloysius laughs, nodding. “Someday I’ll take you there. It is not nearly as populated as our planet but is just as beautiful.”
I lean forward to stare at the ocean. “Can we go down there?”
He grins and clasps my hand. We run with the wind in our hair and the horses happily grazing on the hill above us. The sand feels hot upon my feet, and Aloysius sweeps me up into his arms until we reach the water’s edge.
The lavender waves lap over my toes, warm as bathwater and just as relaxing. The surface of the water is surprisingly calm, breaking farther offshore. In the distance, I can spot flashes of color as fish dart back and forth. I laugh as a wave crashes against a rock outcropping and sprays high into the air. I feel as if I have been here before.
“It is almost magical,” I whisper as I sink to the sand, spreading out my dress so I’m not burned, and then pull him down too. “Thank you for bringing me here.”
“I’m glad you like it.” He reaches out to tuck stray hairs behind my ear. “This is your beach. You’re welcome to come here whenever you like.”
“My beach?” I glance back at the ocean spread wide before me. “You own all of this?”
His laugh is deep and throaty. “I am the king, you know?”
I slap my forehead, feeling foolish. “Of course you are. It’s just hard to imagine sometimes.”
His arm slips around my shoulders as he draws me into his side. “Everything that is mine will soon be yours. This used to be my private beach, but now I want you to have it. It seems to please you.” He trails his finger down my nose.
“Thank you.” I hug him tightly to me, amazed at how lucky I am.
Really? Lucky? What is wrong with you? Wake up!
Aloysius draws back, his gaze soaking me in. “You look radiant in this light. It’s a shame we can’t have a beach wedding, but I’m afraid we’ll never fit all of our guests out here.”
I lower my gaze, flushing with pleasure. “You flatter me.”
He leans in and whispers in my ear, “I only speak the truth. You are even lovelier when you blush.”
Note to self: stop blushing!
Clasping his hand over mine, he looks at out the sea. “We need to speak of our wedding plans. If it’s all right with you, I don’t want to wait. Two days is all I need to throw the best wedding this planet has ever seen.”
“Two day?” I say breathlessly.
Two days? Is that all I have left?
“Does that bother you?”
I can see how important my answer is and smile warmly. “It is perfect.”
“And will you grant me one wish?” I sit up, waiting expectantly. “I know on Earth it is a tradition for the bride to wear white, but here on Calisted the royal color is purple. It would please me to have a dress made of the finest lavender fabric available. It will look lovely with your coloring.”
“The color doesn’t matter as long as it pleases you.” I smile, nearly bouncing with excitement. “I’m getting married,” I whisper with a smile.