Eternal Ebony

Chapter 11

Ebon was relaxing with Oblivion at the pavilion. They had left Abalone in the capable talons of Echo. Ebon had her eyes closed. They both did. They were just sitting on the chairs, meditating together. Alone. Together. Ebon opened her eyes for a moment, and observed Oblivion sitting peacefully. He looked so handsome and majestic. He smiled, and one complacent eye opened and winked in the sunset. Both eyes opened.

"Aren't we supposed to be meditating?" he asked. He brought his head up and looked around the space. He managed to look even more striking than normal. He grinned and winked at her. Ebon turned away and blushed.

"We don't have time for romances anymore," she said. Oblivion got up and strode slowly toward her. He had a charming smile on his face. He walked toward her until his face was only inches away from hers.

"Yes we do," he said. "We're the king and queen! We can get time if we want it."

Ebon had never felt more tired. But she was also at peace. She was a proud mother. She had a loving mate and father, and a delicate, bouncy daughter to keep him company when Ebon couldn't. Oblivion was always taking Abalone to the library to study. She had learned so many spells. And Oblivion, too. He could perform so many jobs of service. But for now, all Ebon could think of (and see) was Oblivion's handsome face. Then it twisted. He turned away to look at the sunset. Ebon sat beside him.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" she said. Oblivion subtly put his wing around her. He looked at her affectionately.

"Is there something you're not telling me?" she asked. She eyed him up and down.

Earlier, when they told everyone they were heading off for some time alone, Frostbite and Echo had acted strange. They whispered to each other in a way that made it clear that they were talking about something secret. They had shared significant looks with Oblivion before they left. Oblivion smiled and nodded.

"This is probably our most exciting moment, right here. I am about to do something so important. It could change the entire history of this kingdom." He looked at her, and his eyes were shining. Oblivion's words were spinning in Ebon's head. Our most exciting moment...Do something important...Change the history of the kingdom.

"You're...going on an epic adventure without me?"

"No," he said. He lowered his voice and produced something out of his talon. "Better. I'm marrying you."

Ebon observed the ring he produced. She couldn't move. She couldn't even think. Her mind was completely still, and Oblivion was getting concerned. Something was billowing in her mind. Suddenly, she squealed.

"OH! MY! GOD!" she shrieked. "YOU HAVE GOT TO BE MESSING WITH ME! What kind of joke is this? Are you SERIOUS? We're getting MARRIED! YOU are the BEST mate in the ENTIRE KINGDOM RIGHT NOW!"

She embraced him, taking the ring and sliding it onto one talon. It was a simple silver band, with a large diamond surrounded by pearls that twisted around the band. Ebon hung from Oblivion's neck. She nearly suffocated him, and he removed Ebon with caution and a laugh.

"Do you have any idea how long it took me to make that?" he said. "I spent hours, DAYS, even, in my study, placing the pearls. Setting the diamond just right. Hammering the silver ring out perfectly. I wanted it to be claw-made by myself just for you. And I used my magic to make an identical one just for me." He flashed his talon out, displaying the beautiful ring. Ebon launched into the air. Oblivion followed her back to the palace, ready to see her brag to the entire court. She went through the window, landing calmly. For now, she planned to keep her composure.

"Already done, milady," Oblivion said, gesturing at the waiting court. They gasped as they saw the queen. Ebon carefully hid her ring, nudging Oblivion, telling him telepathically to do the same. Abalone was waiting patiently on her little throne beside the two others. Ebon climbed onto hers, clearing her throat.