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It was several months after the battle against Queen Lilyana and Adept Cirrus when Kael and Thalia got married. Of course, before they could partake in festivities of any sort, there was a lot of cleaning up to do. Not just physically, but mentally as well. Thalia was still mourning the loss of Faraway for quite some time after his death. For many months after, it was clear to all of her friends and family that Thalia still wasn’t completely over it. In fact, Kael doubted she ever would be. He knew how important Faraway had been, not just as a companion, but as her friend. The way she described it sounded like a part of her very being had left her when Faraway sacrificed his life for her own.Nonetheless, her grief lessened with time, and the sleepless nights of Thalia crying for the loss of her soul were spreading thinner and thinner with every passing day. In honor of her lost friend, Thalia had been playing with the idea of naming the kingdom Faraway for a few months at that point. It was something she’d been keeping from those closest to her for now, especially Kael. Although she knew people like Joss and Syrani would be open to the name, Thalia was certain Kael would tease her about it the second the idea came out of her mouth.A few days before the wedding, Thalia recalled Kael catching her leaning against a pillar in the stable, watching as horses grazed hay on the ground. Her eyes kept catching a particular white stallion with a mane just as bright as his coat. When her eyes scanned over him, it was hard for her to take them off. Kael hadn’t needed to ask if something was wrong, and the second that Thalia saw him staring at her, she understood the silent question behind his gaze.“I’m fine,” she replied with a wave of her hand. She pushed off the wooden pillar and wiped the imaginary dust from her skirt. “Just thinking.”She tucked a strand of thin white hair behind her ear before hugging herself and saying, “I wonder if he would have liked to be here.” A pause. Then she finished, “Actually, he probably would have just wanted to eat.”Her joke was humorless and her laugh even more so. Luckily for her, Kael didn’t press any further. It seemed like he understood that it was still a sensitive subject. Instead, he slowly walked up to her and pulled her close, letting her rest her forehead against his chest. They stayed like that for quite a while, Thalia letting Kael warm her with his body heat as she continued hugging herself. She managed not to cry, but there was still a burning sensation in the corners of her eyes that she fought against.And a few days after that, the two of them were getting married in the halls of Sinnendor. When they woke up that morning, Thalia was in a much better mood, no doubt because of what the day's events entailed. Although Kael wouldn’t really show it, Thalia could tell he was excited too, because when they woke up, he peppered her forehead, lips, and neck with a lot more kisses than normal.For Thalia, their vows went by in a flash, and Kael’s had been surprisingly introspective and romantic; although, she had a feeling that a few of their friends had helped him. Before she knew it, their friends and family were cheering. In her stupor, she didn’t notice her father until he came up behind her, put his hands on her hips, and tossed her in the air. All Thalia could do was let out a loud yell as her father shouted something in their native tongue and the rest of their clan soon jumped out of their seats and started shouting it. When she looked to Kael for help, he only gave her a smirk, an indication that she was on her own until her father decided to finally set her down. He did, but only after he threw her in the air a couple more times as the group kept chanting.Afterwards, Hemi was by her side, patting her head as Syrani ran up and clasped Thalia’s hands in her own, telling her how lovely she looked. Soon, almost everyone was crowding around the two of them, and Joss even gave Kael a friendly punch on the shoulder, who looked slightly annoyed at being touched. But luckily, he was in a good enough mood to respond to Joss with a small punch of his own. Even though Joss had no interest in Thalia, there was still an air of competitiveness between them. Whatever for, Thalia would never know, and she wondered if the two of them knew either.After the crowd had died down and everyone started making their way to the great hall to eat, Thalia used the opportunity to sneak away from the excitement. As much as she loved her friends, they could be a lot, especially with all of them packed in the same room. The second everyone had turned their backs from her, Thalia used what Kael had taught her to back against the wall, hidden in the shadows—which was a bit difficult in such an extravagant dress—and exit into the opposite hall. When she managed to sneak out successfully, she wasn’t surprised to see Kael right behind her. She knew Kael had his eyes on her the entire day. (At least, when they weren’t flitting to the entrances to make sure nobody dangerous snuck in. Old habits died hard Thalia supposed.)Her now-husband watched her wordlessly as she leaned against the wall. Her eyes were directed at the opposite wall in front of her, but she wasn’t really looking at it, too caught up in her thoughts.Husband. The word sounded crazy, even in her mind. How long ago was it that Kael was freeing her from the Septori dungeon, brutish and moody as she snarled at him to get out of the way? At that time, Thalia was certain that Kael hated her, and a part of him probably did. It was weird to think of that part in their past, even though it was the first time they had truly met. However, as much as she wanted to smack Kael in the arm for the way he treated her initially, she couldn’t regret that it happened. Thalia could actually look back at the memory fondly, knowing that it would lead to this very moment. And as painful as the journey had been, Thalia would do it all over again in a heartbeat.Kael must have become impatient watching her think to herself, because he eventually decided to press his hand against the wall next to her head so he could lean next to her. Before he did, he shot one look behind him—just in case. When he saw no signs of a threat, he turned his head back towards her and, being so tall, had to look down at her to make eye contact.“Something the matter?” asked Kael with an expressionless face. Even though he hid it, Thalia could read the concern in his eyes. She felt bad for making him worry, especially on such a happy day. In order to ease his worries, she gave him a smile and watched as his shoulders relaxed ever-so-slightly in response. Of course, not too much. This was Kael after all, and he would always be on his guard.“I’m fine, Kael,” Thalia responded as she crossed her arms. Her smile turned into a teasing smirk. “Maybe I should be asking you that. You were watching the doors and windows like a hawk.”Kael frowned and rolled his eyes, but there was no malice in his reaction. “Can you blame me after everything we just went through?”Much to Thalia’s chagrin, Kael made a very fair point. But even though Thalia didn’t mind (and actually enjoyed knowing that Kael was still eager and able to protect her), she couldn’t help but tease him just a little bit. After all, who else was going to keep him in check?“Oh, come on,” Thalia replied. “Can’t you lighten up for just one day? You know, there are other guards here today, including Gwen and Alek.” She paused. “Speaking of which, I’m surprised they didn’t also follow us out here. Unless…”Thalia’s voice trailed off as she stood on her tiptoes to peek past Kael’s shoulder down the hallway. Until she said it, Thalia completely forgot that there were other SwordBrothers present at the wedding, and there was no doubt in her mind that they could have followed her in the shadows just as easily as she had left the ceremony room. Reading her thoughts through her expression, Kael waved a dismissive hand as he moved to lean his back against the wall next to her. He joined her in crossing her arms.“They’re not here,” he said matter-of-factly. Thalia’s lips curled in response.“Well,” she teased, her smirk growing, “maybe they need to take some classes from you on paying attention to details.”“What are you talking about?” Kael asked with a raised brow. He brought a hand up to flick her nose. When she let out a quiet “Ow!” he moved his hand back so his arms were crossed once again. “They saw you leave, but they knew that I would follow you. Therefore, their services weren’t needed.”It was the answer Thalia expected. No matter how much they went through, Kael’s arrogance was unable to be curbed. His position as a teacher seemed to have a permanent effect on him too, as Kael had made it a game to test Thalia whenever he saw fit. These tests were always small things, like sneaking up behind her to see if she would notice or snatching things from her hand in order to see if she’d react in time. She hardly ever did, but Thalia hated to admit that her reflexes were getting quicker and quicker as the days went on.Of course, she’d never admit that to Kael, and she was even less likely to thank him. That was one way to inflate his already-massive ego, and Thalia didn’t need Kael thinking any more highly of his abilities. Not that Kael didn’t have the right to brag—after all, he was the best fighter out of all the SwordBrothers, according to Alba, and Thalia believed her. She saw his skills in battle several times over the course of their relationship. From the second he saved her from that Septori dungeon, Kael impressed her with his experience and tenacity. His cockiness was a mere side effect Thalia found both annoying and charming. But mostly annoying.Much to Thalia’s non-surprise, Kael didn’t bother asking her why she had stepped away from the festivities. He probably already knew why. Still, Thalia felt the need to break the short silence that passed between them.“Sorry for making you come after me,” she said, even though she hadn’t made Kael do much of anything. “It’s just… Well, you know how my family is.”Her explanation required no elaboration. Thalia loved being a Valdyrstal and was proud of her heritage, but her clanspeople weren’t known for their ability to sit still, nor were they known for being quiet. Her hair that she and her friends had worked so hard was already beginning to frizz and knot, no doubt due to her father throwing her in the air earlier. Instinctively, she brought a hand up to try and smooth it down. Kael noticed and opened his mouth to make a wry comment, but a voice rounding the end of the hall caused both of their heads to snap to the right.“I’m telling you, I saw her come down here.”The muffled voice of Joss was unmistakable and Thalia’s mouth gaped open at the sound. If Joss of all people had noticed her sneaking away, then perhaps she wasn’t as sneaky as she originally believed. Thalia was about to step forward to expose herself when she felt someone grab her by the wrist and wrench her into a dark room that she assumed to be some sort of closet. It was just in the nick of time too, because as her back was pressed flush against someone’s hard chest, she heard Joss talking to Fenri outside the door.“And I’m telling you,” Fenri replied, “her dad knows she’s with Kael. She’ll be fine.”If she weren’t so insistent on remaining quiet, Thalia would have cursed. Yet another person feuling Kael’s pompous attitude.Thalia had no clue why she was determined not to be found. She only needed a couple minutes of a breakaway from the crowd, and several more than necessary had already passed. Maybe it was because it would have been awkward to emerge from the door in the middle of their conversation. Not to mention, she recognized immediately the warm back that she was pressed against belonged to Kael, and if the two of them were found together inside a small, dark closet, it would lead to a very uncomfortable misunderstanding that Thalia didn’t feel like clumsily explaining away. Especially to Fenri and Joss, one of which she’d known since childhood and the other being one of her closest friends.There were a few more seconds of muffled argument from Joss and Fenri before their voices slowly faded away as the two of them walked further down the hall. For a couple of minutes, the two of them stood completely still. Thalia was scared of knocking over a broom or something, but she was a little surprised that Kael hadn’t burst through the door so that Joss would misunderstand and he could rub it in Joss’ face. Luckily, he seemed to be on his best behavior today, because Thalia was still figuring out how her new Siren powers worked and she couldn’t guarantee that she wouldn’t use them on Kael by accident if he pissed her off. When the two of them were fairly confident that Joss and Fenri were gone for good, Thalia peeled away from Kael and turned around to shoot him a playful glare.“You know, I thought there might be a lot less of… that now that we’re husband and wife.”Kael smirked. “A lot less of what?”For a moment, Thalia paused and looked like she was trying to think of what to say. When she eventually thought of the right words, she said, “Surprising me.”The SwordBrother clicked his tongue and said, “You should’ve known better. Besides, I’d say you've always had a lot more surprises up your sleeve.” His hand reached between them to play with a strand of her long, white hair. Thalia blushed before her gaze lowered, almost awkwardly. Kael could merely blink in confusion as Thalia began to play with her short, painted fingernails. In mere seconds, she had transformed to seem so much smaller than normal.“I was a little nervous,” she admitted, seemingly out of nowhere, “about wearing white.”That came as a shock for Kael, to say the least. It seemed like such a random statement. Sure, Kael could tell she’d been a little nervous for the ceremony… but over the color of her dress?Although Kael knew next to nothing about clothing apart from knowing what type of fabric made slinking in the shadows the easiest, he could tell it was well-made. It was white and long, hugging Thalia’s body until the fabric became looser around the skirt. Silver accents covered the bodice before running along the sleeves. Sparingly, there was some gold in there too. Apparently, it had been sewn by an old friend of Thalia’s from Haven. Meanwhile, half of her hair was braided into a bun while the rest was kept down, cascading down her shoulders and over her back. She had a small bit of silver jewelry as well, a gift from her other friends. Kael was pretty sure that one of her necklaces came from Joss as a present before the wedding, and it annoyed him endlessly that Thalia chose to wear it. Joss had long surpassed being a threat to their relationship, but that didn’t mean she had to go around wearing his jewelry on their own bonding day.Although, there was no time to worry about that, Kael thought to himself. Something was obviously on Thalia’s mind, and he was determined to get to the bottom of it.With a thick eyebrow, he asked, “What? Why?”Thalia, again, fidgeted uncomfortably, still avoiding eye contact as she refused to elaborate further. Kael grabbed her gently by the chin and tilted her head to look up at him. Unsurprisingly, her silver eyes were as bright as ever but he was annoyed to see that they held a layer of worry as well. Briefly, he thought back to when her eyes were blue like his. He certainly didn’t hate the change. It was different, but Kael didn’t think of “different” as good or bad. To him, her eye color held little importance. Hell, her eyes could’ve been red for all he cared. All that mattered was that she was her.It wasn’t just Kael’s eyes that bore into Thalia’s—she was looking just as boldly into his.“I thought…” she trailed off, letting her gaze move to the wall behind him. “Never mind. It’s embarrassing.”Once more, Kael clicked his tongue. No good. He moved the hand holding her chin so that he could trace the soft outline of her jaw. If there was anything bothering her, he wanted to know. For a brief moment, he felt something in his gut lurch as he wondered if maybe she was regretting getting married at all. After all, she had gone on and on about wanting to be her own person when her father tried to marry her off to Fenri. And it was only half a year ago that she was uncomfortable with the idea of even pretending to be engaged to Joss.If she was regretting it, what was he supposed to do then? Let her go? He had her now. He couldn’t.“Tell me, Thalia,” he urged. To try and ease her nerves, he cupped her face with his hand as he used the other one to hold her own. To his content, she didn’t pull away. In fact, she let her cheek rest in his hard palm, and suddenly Kael felt really stupid for doubting her for even a second.“I thought it might look weird,” she replied, her small voice barely above a whisper.Kael’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion. While he much preferred (and refused to wear anything besides) black, he thought she looked nice in white. The light fabric made her pale skin look even softer, despite all the scars that littered her shoulders.“Why?” he said again, dumbfounded. Thalia frowned.“You don’t think it looks bad?” she asked. “With my hair?”Blinking, Kael took a moment to reflect on what she had just said. What did her hair have to do with anything? At first, Thalia seemed somewhat uncomfortable with the change, and Kael would be lying if he said he wasn’t shocked when he first saw her with lighter hair. But, like her eyes, the change wasn’t good or bad—it just was.After a few months, Thalia appeared to grow more and more comfortable with her hair. She told Kael she liked that it represented how much she’d grown, and while she still felt like she had too much power for someone so young, Thalia didn’t hate being a Siren as much as she thought she would. Kael could also recall her mentioning how much she was sick of running away from who she was, and that she didn’t want to run away from her physical changes either. The idea was a bit too philosophical for Kael to understand, but he supported her nonetheless.The SwordBrother must have contemplated her words too long, because Thalia impatiently rolled her eyes and added, “Don’t you think it looks silly? My dress and my hair both being white?”Kael stared blankly once more. Thalia was worried that her hair might match her dress too well? He couldn’t stop the chuckle from escaping his lips, causing Thalia to let out a huff. Realizing he offended her, Kael did his best to quiet his chuckling. Still, he wasn’t able to wipe the smile off his face. In response, Thalia pulled away and tried to loosen his grip from her wrist, but Kael was too strong.“Let me go, Kael,” she hissed, now twisting her arm to try and get free. Meanwhile, she was taking a few steps towards the door, pulling Kael after her. After a while, she finally managed to get Kael’s hand off of her own, and she immediately made a move to grab the doorknob. She had every intention of storming out of the room to go to the main hall where her father, Odin, and Hemi were no doubt guzzling ale.Unfortunately, the second Thalia gripped the door knob, Kael’s hand was once again on hers, keeping it in place against the cold metal. He made sure she couldn’t turn it, which served to irritate Thalia more. Her hand was surprisingly cold to the touch. Kael felt Thalia’s fingers curl tighter around the doorknob when they were surrounded with his hand’s heat.“Let me go,” she repeated with another huff. Kael ignored her, instead opting to lean down and press his mouth against the top of her head. Thalia would have stepped away in surprise if she could, but she was pinned between Kael and the door. Internally, she noted how much she hated the fact that she didn’t dislike how warm he felt against her back, the same his body had felt when she was pressed against it mere minutes ago.“You look beautiful,” he whispered, his breath tickling the back of her neck. Shivers ran down her spine at the warm air across her neck. “You are beautiful.”Thalia didn’t need to look up for Kael to know that she was blushing. After all, Kael knew her better than anyone. Oftentimes, Thalia thought Kael even knew her better than herself, and the thought both irritated her and exhilarated her. Only months ago, she would have hated having someone that could read her like a book, but now it came in handy more often than not. And although Kael liked to pretend Thalia wasn’t as insightful as him, she could read him just as easily. (Or almost, anyway.)“Thank you,” she replied softly. Her mind was screaming at her to add anything else to her statement, but she couldn't think of what else needed to be said. Instead, she stumbled around so she could turn and face Kael directly, her back now pressed against the door. Kael was still close—too close for her racing heart—but she could now look up to look at his face directly. She almost regretted it, because the second her near-white eyes locked with his dark blue ones, she could feel a familiar ache in her chest. Thalia resisted the urge to clutch at her heart to try and make it slow down, because the pounding soon found its way to her throat, stopping her from saying anything else, even if she wanted to.Like always, Kael was a man of action. Instead of responding with words, Kael’s tall frame leaned down to press a soft kiss on her lips, which were more chapped than she wanted them to be. It didn’t seem like Kael minded, however, because after a few seconds, he was pressing his mouth harder onto hers. Familiar surges of electricity shot through Thalia’s body as she tried her hardest not to melt into a puddle on the floor. Like always, kissing Kael felt way too good, and this kiss was nothing like the peck on the lips they shared minutes prior in front of everyone. It was just as sweet but much more passionate, like Kael was acting now to prove his earlier words. By the time he was pulling away, Thalia had forgotten where she was and the fact that she’d walked away from her wedding ceremony. Somewhere amidst the kiss, his hands had made their home firm on her waist and she started gripping the sleeves of his coat to avoid falling over in a daze.Thalia resisted letting Kael end the kiss for two reasons. First of all, she wanted to continue chasing the feeling of their kiss for a few more minutes (or even a few more hours if it were possible). And second…Well, she hated how red her face must have been after, and the obnoxious twinkle in Kael’s eyes told her that he took notice of her flushed expression.Wordlessly, he tucked a white strand of hair behind her ear, which was also red at this point. There was a smile gracing his lips that had Thalia’s heart racing even quicker, and she was really starting to get mad at her body for reacting the way it was.Yet again, another breathless silence passed. It wasn’t until Thalia heard herself exhale loudly that she realized she was even holding her breath at all. Kael chuckled lowly, and Thalia would never understand what she did to be lucky enough to listen to that sound for the rest of her life.Kael’s thumb ran over Thalia’s bottom lip one more time before he asked, “Are you ready to head back now?”“Yeah,” Thalia breathed. “I am.”As they left the closet and walked back together, hand in hand, Thalia couldn’t even remember what she was so worried about.