A L M I R A

Chapter 46
Almira Davenport

"Pardon?" Cole coughed, raising an eyebrow.

"They wed before the public, unite the kingdoms, claim the land in between, and they can be together and not separated. Think about it, if they get married before the public, and you combine kingdoms, it's more people, combined military, more food, more housing, more land, the economy would profit greatly, along with the people. Not to mention the people who actually might meet their mates through the process," Hudson explained, laying down a few pros of the marriage.

"I don't see why that wouldn't work," Ambrielle commented, thinking about it.

"Agreed," The others said.

"Alright then," Calix nodded.

I turned to Calix and then it hit me. I would be marrying this man, my mate, my forever, I would be marrying him in front of my people, his people, and make them our people. All the signs were pointing to the marriage. The people wouldn't have a food shortage, along with the possibility someone could find their mate.

"We'll get married, then."

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I laid in bed, tears racing down my cheeks. I covered my mouth to silence the loud sobs my body was producing. I was fine moments earlier, I was doing great actually. I was agreeing to get married, met my Royal Court, and helping my people.

But now? Now my chest feels empty, like there's a hole in my heart and lungs and I can't breathe. I thought I had gotten past their deaths. However, right now, all I want is to run down the hallway and tell Ashli, Lauren, Estelle, and Ryker that I'm going to get married. I wanted to scream in excitement with them and accidentally knock potion bottles and spell books off the library table like we usually would.

And now I can't. I don't have anyone but Ambrielle to run to, and she already knew.

There was a knock at the door and it cracked open. "Your Highness?"

I quickly wiped the tears from my bloodshot, puffy red eyes and turned to look at who was at the door. Karlienne stood there, looking at me. When she spotted my teary eyes and wet cheeks, she frowned.

"You can come in," I mumbled.

Karlienne walked in and closed the door behind her. I scooted over in the bed and she sat down beside me, looking at me. "My turn to ask what's wrong."

"If I said I'm fine, would you believe me?" I lightly jested.

"Most likely not," She sympathetically smiled.

"A while back a lost a lot of people close to me within a short amount of time. My life has had a lot of death in it lately, and now that I'm getting married, I don't exactly have them to run to anymore to tell. Ambrielle is really the only one I have left, but she already knows," I opened up, a couple tears rolling down my cheeks.

"Ah, I see. Well if it makes you feel any better, I didn't know you were getting married until just now," She admitted, rubbing my back.

"You didn't? Do the maids not gossip here or something?" I questioned, raising an eyebrow.

"No, they do. They definitely do, but like I said last night, I don't exactly have a position or anyone to talk to either. I just roam the halls and read the books in the library," She told, folding her hands in her lap.

"Well, then Karlienne, would you like to be one of my bridesmaids?"

She gasped. "Really?!"

I nodded. "They are essential for a wedding."

"I'd be honored, My Queen!"

"Call me Almira," I avowed.

Karlienne smiled and tightly hugged me. I let out a breath of release and embraced her back, holding her just as tightly.

An unfamiliar woman opened the door without knocking. A little rude. "I was sent by His Majesty to deliver you a message."

"Go on," I urged, looking at her carefully.

"His Majesty wishes for you to dress nicely and meet him downstairs in two hours," She spoke, her face void of emotion.

"Alright, thank you." She turned around and closed the door behind her. I turned to Karlienne, confused.  "What could he be up to?"

"A date perhaps? Or possibly a proposal?" She quickly raised her eyebrows, nudging my arm.

I laughed. "Maybe."

"Nonetheless, come on! We need to get you ready!" She pulled on my hand and I eventually made it out of the bed.

Karlienne pulled a dark blue dress out of the closet and laid it on the bed before grabbing other accessories and hair supplies. "Go change into this," She ordered, shoving the dress into my hands before ushering me to the bathroom.

I snickered and went to the bathroom, changing into the blue satin dress. I came back out and Karlienne quickly adorned the dress with extra fabrics, jewels, and ribbons. She sat me down in front of the rather large vanity and began styling my curly hair.

She pulled a couple strands back and braided them before clipping them together in the back. She quickly did my makeup, leaving me with a more natural look.

I smiled at my reflection in the mirror. "Thank you so much, Karlienne."

"Of course Your Hi-"

I shot her a scornful look.

"Almira."

I grinned before looking at the clock. I had a couple minutes to meet Calix. I thanked Karlienne again before racing down the stairs, holding onto the necklace Karlienne put on me.

Calix was at the main entrance waiting on me, wearing a dark blue coat and black pants. He looked handsome. "Calix? What's this about?"

"You've not seen their flower garden here yet, have you?" He asked, holding his hand out for me to take.

I slid my small hand into his larger one and smiled. "I have not."

"May I have the honors of taking the most beautiful girl in the kingdom to the flower garden?" Calix appealed, grinning at me.

"You're taking another girl?" I gasped, taking my hand away from his playfully.

Calix looked at me, his smile dropping. He growled and quickly threw me over his shoulder, his hand firmly holding my butt.

"Calix!" I squealed, laughing.

I could feel a smirk on his face, I just know it's there. He took me to the flower garden and sat me down, letting me stand on my own.

I fixed my dress and moved my hair out of my face, looking around. I gasped and brought my hands to cover my mouth. I was in awe. The garden here was mesmerizing.

Flowers of all types and colors were sprawled all across the garden, trees providing a cool shade with the evening sunset. A water fountain with three tiers stood in the center of the garden, benches on all sides of it.

"It's beautiful," I murmured, mindlessly walking around in the garden and smelling the flowers.

"Mhm," Calix hummed, his eyes following me. I stood up and looked at him, blushing.

"So you wanted to show me the garden?" I asked, walking back over to him.

"That's part of the reason we're here, but also to give you a breather and feel like a normal person again."

"I really needed that, actually," I lightly laughed, sitting down on one of the benches.

Calix came and sat beside me, pulling me in. "How ya' holding up?"

"It's tough. I had a crying session earlier but I'm fine now. Just really miss everyone, y'know?"

"I do. I miss them too. You were a lot happier with them, including Raiya," Calix responded, rubbing my arm.

Raiya.

"Do you think she'd be proud of me? Of how I'm handling Galadia?" I questioned, looking at him.

"I think she would be. I know I am along with Ambrielle and the others. Even Cole is proud of you," Calix kissed the top of my forehead, moving to hold my face in his hands. He laid his forehead against mine, looking into my eyes.

I stared back into his silvery-grey ones and matched his smile. Calix sat back up. "I want to make it official, not just a statement," Calix began. He moved  from the bench onto the ground, on one knee. He pulled out a box which I presume has a ring inside. I covered my mouth. "This marriage we're doing, I'm not doing it just for the people and the distance. I want to marry you because I love you, Almira. I love you with all my heart, with every bone in me, whether it's my human form or wolf form, I will always love you, Almira Davenport.

"I was a dick at first because I was scared. I didn't want you to be another casualty to my curse, not like the others. I wanted more for you than just a moment of bliss and happiness before death. However, you fought for me, and against me, for us, and I'm so very thankful you did. So, Almira Davenport, will you do me the honors and marry me?"

Calix opened the box to reveal a gorgeous ring inside. It had a silver band and was decorated with diamond and a singular pearl in the center. Calix pulled the ring out of the box and held it out.  

I was crying by now at his speech. Tears were running down my face as I eagerly nodded my head. "Yes! Yes! A thousand times, yes!" I exclaimed, my hand trembling as I held it out for him.

He slid the engagement ring onto my finger and pulled me into him, crashing his soft lips onto mine. I savored the taste of him and wrapped my arms around him, not wanting to let go of the moment.  Calix pulled away but kept his hands around my waist. "Fiancée," Calix mumbled, trying the new title out on his tongue.

"Fiancé," I said in return.

Calix grinned. "I can't wait for the day I get to say wife, or mother of my children."

"Me either," I answered, grinning from ear to ear.

"You're going to call me your wife and the mother of your children?" Calix joked, laughing.

My jaw dropped and I playfully smacked his chest, joining him in laughter. "No, silly!"

"Hey, all I'm saying is I'd be an amazing mom," Calix defended, getting sassy. I laughed even harder, laying my head on his chest.

"You're messed up, hun," I sighed, shaking my head.

"And you're beautiful."

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