Remember

Epilogue

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The last few months had been a blur. Once Dante and I had returned to The Realm, we took back the castle with help of what was left of my father’s army. My parents were imprisoned in our dungeon, but otherwise unharmed, and were feverishly overjoyed to see me. They hugged me tightly with tears in their eyes, and it was one of the greatest moments of my life. Naios was quickly rushed to our Healer, who managed to save his life. If there’s a phrase stronger than “eternally grateful”, then that’s what I feel. Dante and I were officially together, in more ways than one. I beamed as I gazed upon my ring finger, it beautifully adorned with my wedding band and engagement ring. Both bands were silver, and a gorgeous heart-shaped ruby decorated the top of my engagement ring, surrounded by a few small diamonds on each side. As I sat in the courtyard, stealing a few quiet moments away from our wedding reception, I couldn’t help but allow a moment of sadness. I hadn’t heard from Dean since I left all those months ago- he hadn’t returned my letters, or phone calls, and hadn’t come to visit. I told my parents it would be cruel to invite him to me and Dante’s wedding, but they insisted, hoping to meet the other man who kept me safe. Of course, he didn’t show. But Reese did, and was actually Dante’s “best man”. He lost a lot of his immaturity, and demon hunting did age him a bit, but he was still my goofy and dopey Reese Cup. Naios, of course, found me a few minutes later, breaking me from my thoughts. Princess alright? He questioned, taking a seat on the ground beside me. I slipped my feet out of my delicate silver heels, rubbing them together timidly. The stone of the ground, and bench I was sitting on, was significantly cooler than the autumn air, and I was thankful for my long dress. Of course I’m alright, Naios! Better than alright…I…I’m so happy. I didn’t think it was possible for this much happiness to exist. I got to marry the man I love, and I’m back home with my awesome parents in this amazing castle. He panted a smile, pressing himself close to me. Naios glad. But why Princess not enjoying her party? I shrugged, wondering what Dante was up to. I just wanted a few minutes of quiet. Don’t get me wrong, the reception is absolutely fantastic! I just wanted to think, that’s all… He tilted his head, seemingly perplexed. Think about what? I suddenly realized our discussion was telepathic, even though here in The Realm, Naios could speak aloud. We had just become so accustomed to our silent conversations; I guess neither of us even thought twice about it. Just…things in the past… He studied me for a moment, though his shiny amber eyes were quickly drawn to something in the distance. Maybe the past isn’t so far away… He murmured wisely, and I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion. What do you mean, Osi? I questioned, but he just flicked his gaze to something behind me, gesturing with his massive head. I turned slowly, almost unable to comprehend what I was seeing. I quickly hopped to my feet, forgetting all about my shoes. “DEAN!!?!” I shouted, running over to him without hesitation. The icy ground nipped at my heels, but the heat coursing through me, made it bearable. I lifted my dress slightly as I ran, and I leapt into his open arms once I was close enough. He embraced me tightly, and I took in his masculine scent. It was a rich, yet gentle cologne that reminded me of the ocean, and he twirled me around for a few moments. “I’m so happy to see you! How have you been?! I’ve really missed you. Did you get all of my letters and messages?” I rambled, so surprised by his visit. He nodded slowly, a delighted smile on his fair lips, but despair and heartbreak staining his deep cerulean eyes. He looked tired, but was still gorgeous beyond belief. He was beginning to grow sexy stubble on the sides of his face, and his skin was slightly darker than the last time I saw him. “It means so much to me that you came…” I continued, puzzled by his silence. “You look absolutely stunning,” he boomed, voice husky with grief and a bit of overuse, probably from singing. I completely forgot I was in my wedding dress, and my stomach began to tie itself in knots. It was light-almost white-lavender strapless dress with a décolletage neckline. Midnight blue/amethyst accented around the neckline and around my waist, trailing off to the bottom of the dress in flame-like tendrils. It dangled atop the ground as I walked, although without my heels, it dragged behind me. ”Thank you,” I murmured, turning a bit pink. Dean took my hands in his tenderly, wrapping and unwrapping his fingers in the spaces between mine. “Are you planning on staying? There’s plenty of food, and we have tons of spare bedrooms…” Dean sighed as he ran his fingers through my hair. I selfishly wanted him to stay, and to never leave. I loved Dante with more love than I thought was possible, but Dean would always hold a special place in my heart. “Jace…I…I just wanted to see you. One last time. I didn’t want to keep ignoring your letters, but I just…I can’t write back to you. Or visit you. I respect your choice, and I wish you nothing but happiness, but I can’t keep pulling myself back to you. As much as I want to, it’s not right. You’re with Dante, and even though I’ll always love you, I have to face that we’ll never be together.” Tears welled up in my eyes, and he quickly wiped them away. “I’m so sorry,” I whispered, gripping his hand tightly. “Don’t apologize for following your heart.” “But I never meant to hurt you, Dean. I…I-” “-Jace, please don’t cry on your wedding day. I don’t want my last memory of you to be with tears streaming down your face.” “But this is goodbye…FOREVER!! How am I not supposed to cry?! At least before, I could hope to hear from you. But now…now we’ll never speak again.” “I’m truly sorry. But I just can’t.” “I understand. It just…it hurts,” I breathed, caving into his muscular chest. He rubbed my head soothingly, humming to me for a moment before pulling away. “You’ll be fine, Jace. You’ll be happy here with Dante. You two will rule over The Realm just like you always wanted, and you’ll have children of your own someday to raise and take care of. You’ll life a long and happy life, full of adventure, love, and probably more recklessness than any queen in history.” I managed a laugh, and he smiled. “What about you? You’ll be happy too, right? Have kids and marry some beautiful, kind, amazingly awesome rocker chick? Make it big with your band, and sell millions of records?” He looked me over fondly, the agony in his eyes too awful to put into words. “Yes,” he rasped, although I knew he didn’t believe it. We held each other for a few minutes, and I longed to stay within the safety and comfort of his arms. “I have to go. I know Dante’s waiting for you. I’m sure he’s missing his new bride terribly.” I nodded, but was unable to let go of his hand. He tried to pull away without looking at me, but I wouldn’t let him. “Dean…” I whispered, holding back sobs. He slowly met my gaze, and I tried to suppress my quivering bottom lip. “I’ll always love you. More than you’ll ever know. And I’ll always wear your bracelet.” I took it out of my bra with shaky hands, and Dean smiled despite his anguish. “I’m glad you still have it. It means a lot to me. And you know I’ll always love you more than words can describe.” I nodded intensely, the two of us looking at each other for a long moment. He revealed a weak smile before he turned to leave, and I frantically called after him. “Dean!” I didn’t even give him time to turn around before I dashed after him, pressing my lips against his zealously and roughly, our tongues gently caressing one another. I watched a tear trail down his face as he pulled away from me, our fingertips touching until the space between us was too great. I allowed myself to cry for a few moments, Naios coming and pressing himself against me. Does Jace regret choosing Dante? I shook my head violently. Of course not! I just love them both so much…saying goodbye to either one is like a part of me dying…  We were quiet for a few moments, but Naios grunted and gestured toward the castle. Dante wants to spend time with Jace. Princess should go to him. I nodded, quickly wiping what I assumed was my ruined make-up from my eyes and cheeks. I have to clean up first…Dante doesn’t want to see me like this. I slipped back into the castle with little detection, quickly making my way to me and Dante’s bedroom. I collected myself in our enormous bathroom, reapplying my make-up. I drank a few sips of water, pleased with my new composure. Losing Dean was the worst pain I’ll ever know, but I do have Dante, my first and most passionate, frustrating, challenging, and blissful love. He was my everything, and I couldn’t wait to rule this kingdom together. Although, I imagine we’d get into some pretty heated arguments over how to run things. But somehow, that was appealing to me. I wanted to spend my life with him, not matter how infuriating and hot headed he was. He drove me insane most days, but he definitely made up for it with passionate and sensuous…activities. But that’s not why I love him…it’s just a fantastic bonus. He spent most of his life selflessly searching for me, and even stuck by me when I didn’t remember him. He saved my life multiple times, and even loved me when I didn’t deserve it. Without him, I’d most certainly be dead, and I can never repay him for that, no matter how much I love and care for him. He made me remember who I am, and giving someone back their identity…there just aren’t enough words to express how thankful I am. I hurried back down the stairs, surprised when I saw him waiting for me. “Is someone regretting their decision?” He teased, although for a moment, I thought he might have been referring to Dean stopping by. I wondered if he even knew, but shook the thought as I shoved him. “Mmmm not yet, at least,” I joked back, and I giggled when he pulled me toward him, and gracefully bent me over his arm. “Good, because I’d probably be pretty lost without you. Not as hopeless as Reese, but still…pretty bad.” I laughed, taking in his stunning features as he gently brought me back to my feet. Those pale blue eyes constantly sent delightful shivers up my spine, and the way he said my name made goosebumps appear on my skin. His touch left a pleasurable sensation that always lingered, and the way he looked at me, a mixture of love, lust, and pure affection, never ceased to warm my heart. He twirled me around even though there was no music playing, and I danced with him, not fazed by the people who watched us. I caught a glimpse of my parents gazing at us from the ballroom, grinning happily. I knew they were ecstatic for me, and I wished I could give them both a hug without leaving Dante. “Whatcha’ thinkin’, Sweetness?” Dante asked, looking me over curiously. “About how much of ass you are,” I sighed, and he chuckled. “Thinking about my ass, huh? Well, maybe I’ll give it to you as a wedding present…if you know what I mean,” he uttered, waggling his eyebrows. “Is that our first order of business as King and Queen of The Realm of Darkness? Because I like the sound of that,” I admitted in a hushed whisper, biting my lip seductively. Dante smirked in that irresistible, devilish way of his, his hand slowly moving toward my lower back. “We have to wait until everyone leaves, you know,” I reminded lightly, snickering at his impatience. He frowned, but I watched his eyes light up with an idea. “Okay, new plan. Our first order of business is to kick everyone the hell out, and then we’ll take things upstairs.” I laughed loudly, causing Dante to grin. I kissed him suddenly, permitting a few moments for our tongues to touch even though we were in public. I didn’t know when we would get to the serious part of ruling this kingdom, but right now, I liked how carefree and relaxed we could be. We’d have plenty of time to set laws in motion, order town meetings, setting up celebrations, and gathering our army. But it was these moments I wanted to remember most, as Mrs. Jace Gwyneth Salem Aiviol, Queen of The Realm of Darkness.

** A/N: So that's it! :D What did you think? I hope you liked it :3 A big thanks to LaughOutLaughter for reading and being awesome :)) Oh, the picture to the right is Jace's wedding dress, if that wasn't obvious XD Stay tuned for my other stories, Hopeless Ones, and thanks so much for reading <33

~Holly **