Maybe it wasn't the standard form of charm and romance, but we continued to drink wine together, the tension between us slowly ebbing away. I laughed at his silly expressions and asked questions about things I thought I should know, like why I had to wear a ring to symbolize that a priest had blessed us. He mostly shrugged and told me that it was just how things had always been. It seemed so far from the romantic stories I grew up with, so why did it make me so giddy? Maybe there was just something about this dark, loyal man that made him charismatic. 

He even told me a story about a time when he allegedly battled pirates. I only raised my eyebrow in disbelief, but he didn't seem to notice. He want on in brilliant detail about how he had boarded another ship in secret, done some crafty sword work and returned home with a good chunk of gold and a single scar on his right arm. When he showed me the pinkish remains of battle, I felt my skepticism ebb.

"Well, there's no more wine, what do you say we call it a night?" he asked, shaking the empty bottle.

"Tired of me already?" I teased.

"Never." His green eyes shone with something between amusement and admiration. 

"Good, because I would love it if you accompanied me to the gardens. I want to go for a walk before we go to bed."

"As you wish, wife," Leo said, leaping to his feet, just so he could drop into a theatric bow.

Maybe it was the alcohol that softened all of the harsh realities. Maybe my head was swirling with the kisses we had shared not so long ago. Or maybe I was getting caught up in the sharp jawline, the strong shoulders, and a low rumbling voice that made my whole body quiver. But hearing him call me his wife was a lot more thrilling than I ever thought it could be.

Together, hand in hand, we darted through the deserted halls until we found a set of double doors that opened directly onto the gardens.

"Oh, it's raining," I gasped. It seemed so strange to be so protected and unaware of the elements. If my sisters were caught up in the same storm, it would have been leaking through their walls, dripping from ceilings. Wind would be howling through gaps in the stones.

"I'm sure we can find somewhere else to hi-"

I wasn't listening. I didn't think about my expensive dress that took hours to make or my kohl that would streak my cheeks. I stepped out into the downpour, tipping my face up to meet each drop. Perhaps I wasn't a real siren that could snap water like a whip. But there was something magical about the rain on my skin. It felt so wonderful, so freeing.

It made me do something I hadn't done in months. I opened my arms up at my sides, smiling with my eyes shut. And I began singing, letting a true siren song pour out of me.

I felt my body moving as I preformed. I was aware of my legs carrying me and knew that my lips were pouring out a beautiful, melodic chant, but in that moment it felt like my body was not just my own. It felt like I was one with my ancestors, the sirens who came long before I had.

I sang of an island filled with smiles, a pair of eyes becoming a kingdom and everything I loved residing within. I chorused with a courage that could kill cowards, telling a tale of sacred secrets and women who move like the most beautiful truths and bring summer time.

It was all wonderful and dizzying. But it faded as quickly as it had come on. One moment, I felt like the rain was part of me. The next, I realized that I was spinning in a dark garden, in a now ruined wedding dress. In front of my new husband.

Dear god, my sisters had judged me for my singing fits, finding it laughable that I could be so swept up by words that had no real sway to them. I could only imagine what Leo, a human warrior of sorts would think.

"I am so sorr-" I began.

But hands grabbed at my hips, pulling me in. And Leo laid a heavy kiss on my open mouth. I let out a squeak of surprise, which he devoured. My fingers gingerly brushed the collar of his jacket, desperately moving my lips to keep up with his hungry motions, but so afraid to stop the moment. I wanted to memorize the way he tasted, how he held me so tightly, and the noise he made as he pressed down into me harder. I felt like I was caught up in a hurricane, but I couldn't have cared where I landed. 

Leo eased back, but only a fraction of an inch, his nose still brushing against mine. "Where have you been all my life?"

"Waiting," I breathed.

"Thank god."

~~~Question of the Day~~~

What is the best gift you have ever given someone?