This is the sequel to 'King of the Never Owls'! Hope you like it!

Milori stood nervously staring in the body length mirror. He had been awoken so early this morning the sun hadn't even risen yet. The ministers of Autumn and Spring had to drag him out of bed it was so early. Why did he have to get up so early? Wasn't it supposed to be the bride that got up early? She needed to get her hair done, put on makeup, and have those little assistants known as bridesmaids that made sure her dress looked perfect.

Turns out Milori's usual hairstyle would not do according to several garden fairies. He groaned in pain as they roughly tugged at his head. "I'm going to be bald by the time we're done here," he had muttered.

Once done there he was taken down to the tailor where he had been measured a few weeks ago. He put on his suit and was forced to stand perfectly still so a few finishing touches could be made. A pin stabbed his leg and he yelped. "Stay still!" the tailor ordered. After it fit perfectly they spent the next twenty minutes picking out shoes and a tie.

Now, Milori let out a nervous sigh. Why was he so nervous? He was marrying the woman of his dreams, but he was nervous all the same.

Obviously taking notice of this, Red walked over to the mirror as well, "Are you alright?"

"No, I mean yes! I don't know! I'm nervous..."

"Well obviously, you're basically screaming it when you stand over here staring yourself in the mirror."

"Are you serious?"

"Yes, now come on, you've got five minutes til you have to get out there."

"Alright." Milori began to fidget with his hands.

Red again took notice of this, "The moment you see her walking down that aisle in white dress, all your nerves will go away."

"I hope," Milori took one last look at himself in the mirror. He repositioned his collar so it was perfect.

Ten minutes later Milori was nervously standing beside the keeper, alone. He looked down at his feet. All eyes were on him until piano music began to play. His eyes darted forward and locked with Clarion's sapphire orbs. Instantly the nervousness disappeared and Milori was ready to be married.

Hours later Lord Milori and Queen Clarion were officially married, and no Lord Milori did not become king. He was already under enough stress as it was and with becoming king the stress would double, even if Clarion would be there to share it with him. He'd much rather comfort her if anything.

For now all of Pixie Hollow was celebrating. There was a huge feast and a dance. Rosetta and Sled danced beside the two royals. Milori and Sled appeared to be dancing almost identically. One of them must have taught the other, but the question was... Who taught who?

Meanwhile, Tink and the rest of her friends that weren't dancing, were all rampaging the buffet table. It was covered with rare and delicious fruit, the finest dishes created by the cooking fairies, and all kinds of baked goods for dessert to go along with it. The main dish had already been served, and the cake had already been cut so it was more of a free for all.

At the sight of one of Tink's friends leaving with a plate piled high with bread, Clarion smiled to herself. She leaned her head against her husband's chest as they continued to dance to the slow music. Her eyes fluttered shut slowly, and Clarion knew very well that she could fall asleep right then. Until suddenly Milori's hand drifted below her waist and just above her hips. "Don't push it!" she snapped at him.

He chuckled, "I don't think you have had enough wine if you are this tense at our wedding reception."

Clarion glared up at him, "No, I have had enough wine. If you give me anymore I will surely have a headache in the morning."

"Clarion, my wife," he enjoyed the way wife rolled off his tongue, "For once in our lives we have the chance to lie in bed all day tomorrow. Wouldn't you much rather have fun now and suffer for it later?"

"Milori, I-"

He interrupted her and went babbling on, but Clarion didn't seem to notice because her focus was suddenly on her sister, Janet. She was sitting alone over by an empty table that was once piled with food. A loud noise made her jump and Clarion turned back to Milori, only to realize that he had snapped his fingers in her ear. "Are you alright?"

"Yes, but I think I will accept another glass of wine."

"Fantastic, I shall be back momentarily."

As Milori walked away, Clarion took this time to go and find her sister. Her usually bubbly aura was now screaming irritation. She sat down beside her sister, "Is everything okay?"

"Yes," Janet replied as she rubbed her temples, "I just have a headache."

"Oh, I'm sorry. You know you're not obligated to stay, there's no one stopping you from retiring for the night."

"Thank you, I do wish I could enjoy the party like the rest of your fairies, but there will be other parties and I'll be sure to enjoy them properly then."

"I understand, I shall see you in the morning then?"

"Of course." The Queen of the Dream Pixies said to her sister as she got up and left the extravagant party.

Clarion let out a sigh as she watched her sister disappear. She felt bad that her sister could not enjoy this time. Ever since they were children they had been planning their wedding days and the parties that would follow. All they ever wanted was two things; to have husbands that they would marry for love, and the ability to celebrate their marriages together. Part of that dream wasn't going as planned.

"Clarion?"

She turned around to see Milori standing behind her. A worried look was plastered on his face as he held a wine glass in each hand. He set them down on the table and sat beside her, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing, it's just Janet. She's not feeling well and I just-"

"Clarion, there's nothing you can do if she isn't feeling well and making sure she didn't have to feel obligated to stay was the best thing you could do for her right now. Plus, if you notice, the moment she left, Hyacinth excused himself and followed after her, so she's not alone and I would hope after what he did for her I would assume that you trust him with Janet."

"I do-"

"Good, now drink this wine, you are far too stressed for us only being married for a few hours. You should be tired of me by tomorrow afternoon," he held the red drink out to her.

She glared at him and took the glass. Clarion sipped the wine even if she was probably going to regret it in the morning. Soon fairies began to retire for the night, and eventually Milori and Clarion were the only ones left. Eventually they made it to their chambers in the ice palace and their long and tiring night was about to get even longer.

This is my brand new book that follows after the events of 'The King of the Never Owls'! Hope you love it!

NOTES:

A. This story is a bit of a time jump, it's a couple months after the events that actually happen,

B. This is a bit angsty, and for a good portion it will be Milori worrying about Clarion,

C. There are going to be coal elves, they are just like fairies, but they don't have wings,

D. I posted a trailer for this on youtube called 'The Shadow Queen', you can find them on my youtube channel Bookworm Studios