Ash's Place

Chapter 17

Ash's POV

Xander slides into the seat next to me after offering a brief acknowledgement to Finn. I don't know what he and his brother talked about, but I am guessing from the way his entire body is tensed, it wasn't a pleasant conversation.

Without speaking, he takes my hand in his and presses his lips to my knuckles. I look at him sideways, but he just smiles and holds my hand, taking several deep breaths. I let him hold my hand in silence and with a slight squeeze, I turn my attention to the King and Queen who are slowly making their way up to the dais. The Queen looks fatigued, and the King looks like he is already done with being diplomatic.

I don't know where Aiden wandered off to, but I am sure he is enjoying the attention he is getting today. He likes these kinds of events because he can mingle and flirt with whomever he wants without worrying about the consequences. He is always so calm and collected that people naturally flock to him and he delights in their company.

I, however, am exhausted from the limited socializing I have already done. And from the way Xander is clinging to my hand like it is his lifeline, I think he is feeling the same way. The King and Queen join us on the dais and are immediately served with additional refreshments. I am not interested in eating anything, but I do accept a glass of water; Xander does the same.

With a look from the King that tells me to go back out into the crowd, I sigh and stand up, pulling Xander up with me. He glances between me and the King and thankfully understands that we are being commanded to go conversate and connect with all the people who have come to celebrate our marriage.

I slip my arm into the crook of his elbow and Xander smiles down at me as we gracefully descend the stairs.

"Xander?"

"Yes, dear?"

"Try to look like you are happy to be my husband."

He scoffs and as soon our feet touch the bottom of the dais, he pulls me into him to place a claiming kiss on my lips. A shout of cheers sounds up from the crowd and I feel my face flush. Xander pulls away and leans his forehead down against mine.

"I am very happy to be your husband, dear."

I lean forward just a little to kiss him again and then I grab his hand and lead us into the crowd of people.

The rest of the afternoon goes by in a flurry of boring conversations, stolen kisses, and shared looks of wanting...wanting to leave. The time finally arrives for us to have our crowning ceremony.

Sometime during the chaos of today, the table on the dais was removed and two temporary throne chairs have been placed close to the edge of the stairs. The King and Queen sit gracefully in their chairs, the Queen looking drained and the King looking annoyed. I honestly feel the same way. I am very ready to get this part over so I can crawl into bed and sleep for at least twelve hours.

The King raises his hand and almost immediately, the crowd falls silent. I know for a fact that not enough people were watching the King to see him raise his hand, so he must be silencing the crowd with his magic. After a few moments, he drops his hand, and a few stray excited whispers rise up. Xander pats my hand, and I squeeze his arm in response.

The crowd parts for us and we slowly start making our way to the dais.

"Ashlee?" Xander whispers.

"Yes?"

"Almost done, dear. Almost done."

I smile, "Thank goodness."

Aiden's POV