Chapter 51: Epilogue

"You ready to get married?" Cerstiq grinned at him. Boq had run off to grab something or other.

"I've been ready to marry her for a long time. I'm still not certain I'm ready to be king, and I've already been doing that for several months. I don't know if our people even respect me, Cers. I mean, I'm so young…"

"I believe you'll be fine. Our people loved Rodine, they did, but they'll learn to love you, too. And it's only temporary."

"More than a decade and a half doesn't feel very temporary." Fiyero grumbled. "And I haven't even managed to deal with the men who killed my brother."

"That was outside of your jurisdiction, Fiyero. It was up to the Wizard to catch those criminals. He didn't. The people won't blame you. And stop worrying about this, friend, it is your wedding day!"

He smiled to himself at that. "Yes, that it is."

Fiyero stood, eager and anxious, waiting for his bride. As soon as he saw her, he drew a sharp intake of breath. She looked beautiful - though she always did. Her lips were painted crimson, her hair curled and her eyelids sparkled with a silvery shadow. Her cheeks were dark, but she wasn't wearing any rouge.

When she finally stood across from him, he smiled at her. Their eyes met, and he saw the same love in her eyes that was in his own. Though there were many guests present, all he could focus on was her. Elphaba's hand felt small in his as he gently placed the ring on her finger as he recited what the shaman told him.

He didn't even really hear the words she was saying as she repeated her part of the ceremony. When he kissed her, she was his. And he would never need anything else.

Author's Note: This ending might seem somewhat abrupt, but that's because I wanted to leave it open if I decide to write a sequel. I haven't decided if I will, yet, but I'm already on my next story, which is also somewhat risque.This story, however, right here, is probably one of the closest to my heart. It was difficult to write and also wonderful to write. I'm glad RavenCurls gave me the idea. Thank you all for following along!