Chapter 29 - the Gift

We settled down on the roof, both too spent to really talk. My mind was racing, trying to process everything I had just learned.

My mother wasn’t my mother. My father wasn’t my father. My brothers weren’t my— no. No. My brothers were my brothers. My parents were my parents. Caiora might have given birth to me, but that was it. She had given me away — she had made her choice. But I still wondered…

I shook my head, trying to clear it of the heavy thoughts weighing it down. It wasn’t just my own thoughts pressing into my mind, I could feel Thor mulling over something too.

“What are you thinking about?” I asked him, inching my hand onto his thigh.

“I have something for you,” he mumbled uneasily, “but it’s completely the wrong time. Never mind, it can wait.”

I perked up, and tucked my legs under me. “I could use a distraction,” I tried, “what is it?”

Thoridor looked at me for a long moment, as if he was trying to make up his mind on wether or not he should continue.

“Okay,” he sighed finally, “wait here.”

He got up and climbed through the window, disappearing into the hallway. It made me giggle, seeing his ginormous body squeeze through the tiny window.

It was funny to me how out of place Thor seemed to be in the Aquatic Palace. I wasn’t sure what it was — perhaps his size? He was much, much bigger and bolder than the average Aquatic Ardanian, who were notoriously sleek and slender, undoubtedly because of their aquatic adaptions. I hadn’t seen a single one with facial hair either, and most of them had webbing between their fingers, or sported a camouflage-like pattern on their skin.

The window swung open again, shaking me from my thoughts. Thoridor climbed through, carrying some kind of bundle in his hand. He crossed the rooftop and set the bundle down on the plateau, and sat down across from me.

“Keep in mind,” he said apologetically, “I had this made for you before you went to see Aeloria, and you know, found out about your mother.”

I flinched at the mention of the title, and forced a smile onto my face. “What is it?” I asked.

Thoridor just bobbed his head toward it. “Open it,” he said.

My fingers found the knot on top of the bundle, and carefully unwrapped the fabric. I folded the corners back one by one, revealing its contents.

“A pie?” I asked, looking up at Thoridor surprisedly.

“It’s made with nectar,” he mumbled uncomfortably, “since we don’t have—” “Honey,” I finished his sentence as tears welled up in my eyes. “You made me a honey pie?!”

Thoridor frowned and shook his head. “I don’t bake,” he grunted, “I asked the chef. But like I said, it probably will taste different than the one your fath—” I didn’t let him finish his sentence, cutting him off by pressing my lips to his.

I kissed him again and again and again. “Thank you,” I whispered against his lips between kisses.

Thoridor wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me closer. I stumbled back and we went down together, crashing into the plateau right beside the pie. We both sat up laughing, and I looked at Thoridor for a few heartbeats. There was a warmth spreading through me, originating deep inside my chest.

“Want to try a piece?” Thoridor asked, with an amused smile on his face. It sparked something new inside me. I nodded quietly, as I beheld him.

Thoridor took a slice of pie out of the dish, and handed it to me. I waited for him to take out another slice, and then we each took a bite at the same time.

Thoridor’s face clouded over with disgust. “That’s… interesting,” he said, gauging my reaction.

“Yeah, it’s nothing like a real honey pie,” I laughed, “but it’s amazing. Thank you, Thor.”

I looked at him, as the warm, tingly feeling spread from my chest to my limbs. “Maybe we should complete the ritual,” I blurted out. My eyes grew wide in shock as the words dawned on me.

Thoridor’s expression mirrored my own, as he searched for words to muster up a response. “Do you love me?” he finally asked, grabbing my hand.

“Well,” I mumbled, contemplating my answer, “I think I’m slowly getting there, perhaps?”

It was true — I really was getting there. Thor had been on my mind from the moment Warrian had stepped away, and I was beginning to crave his presence more and more. I wanted to be near him — to be touching him. I wanted his hands on me, on my bare skin. I wanted us to become one, a unit — a solid force. I wanted to be tied to him.

“Marry me, then,” Thoridor pleaded, squeezing my fingers, “like humans do. Marry me, and be my mate. Let’s do both.”

A wave of sparks washed over me, and I was glad Thoridor was holding me so I wouldn’t fall.

“You want to marry me?” I repeated dumbly.

“Of course,” Thoridor said, “But I know nothing about human marriage. You’d have to teach me everything.”

I smiled at the beautiful male holding my hand, looking at me with such excitement in his eyes. My mate. My husband?

“Okay,” I said, and pulled my hand from his, so I could cup his jaw in both my palms, “I’ll marry you.”

I leaned in, and pressed my lips against his. We immediately melted into each other, and the warmth inside my chest made way for the heat rising from my lower belly.

“I promise I’ll be a good…” Thoridor began, and then looked at me helplessly.

“Husband,” I finished his sentence. “I know you will. Now take me to your room.”