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‘Darling, I’ve been thinking - and this might sound rather mercenary and not at all romantic but do consider that I think it is terribly romantic to keep you safe—‘Imogen listened to Laudna ramble with a soft smile. It was hard, here beyond the end of the world, to remember what she was fighting against, to maintain that fragile boundary between herself and itself, Predathos, that gargantuan presence that eclipsed the world, the gods, threatening to take everything she was into itself and unmake her in its own image. And then there was Laudna, her shadow, her creeping recluse. It had always seemed to Imogen that a strong wind—hells, even a gentle wind—would be enough to knock Laudna off her feet; that she could withstand the constant barrage of the sandstorm…that she wished to, simply to be by Imogen’s side…it was everything. And now she looked expectant, hopeful, even.‘I’m sorry—what was that?’Laudna’s hopeful expression faltered. ‘Are you alright? Mind still shielded?’Imogen smiled, rueful. ‘Hurts. I’m just glad I have this,’ she touched the silver of her circlet, ‘and you. Without the circlet, I think it would’ve taken me the second we stepped onto the moon. Without you, though,’ Imogen leaned in, pressed a kiss to Laudna’s lips, ‘I never would’ve made it to the moon at all.’‘You would have. You’re very capable.’ Laudna cleared her throat, a faint flush tinting her cheeks, as it sometimes did when Imogen surprised her with the occasional kiss. ‘On the topic of protection, and what I had been saying…’ Laudna gathered up Imogen’s hands. ‘I think we should be wed.’‘W-What?’‘Now. Tonight.’‘You wanna get married? I mean - yes! Yes, I want that - Are you sure? What do you mean tonight?’‘It simply must be tonight. If we are to face Predathos tomorrow, to challenge it… Darling, I don’t want to wait another moment. But more specifically, FCG believes they can perform a ceremony that will empower and protect us, newly wed as we would be. You say I am your tether, anchor, safe harbour—you are that for me as well—we can be that for each other.’On the one hand, it was a lot to take in; on the other hand, Laudna wanted to marry her and there was absolutely no reason not to.‘Orym can handle the flowers.’Laudna smiled a smile that trembled at the corners but Imogen didn’t need to be a mindreader to know it was pure joy. ‘Ashton has crystal. We could use that for the rings. Though you have already given me one.’‘They’ll have to divide up, bride and bride family. Who do you want?’‘Let’s say… Ashton and Chetney with me, Orym and Fearne with you?’ Laudna startled herself with a laugh. ‘Oh - oh! Are we really - Is this really happening?’‘You asked me, remember?’A serious calm came over Laudna. She nodded. ‘I remember. And when this business is done, I’ll do it properly, I promise.’‘I’ll say yes that time too,’ Imogen told her, and the press of Predathos’s presence didn’t hurt so much when she was so full of joy. There wasn’t any space left over in her for anything else. ‘I’ll marry you as many times as you want.’