-Three Months Later-

I'd attended two weddings, those of both Jaron and Imogen, and Tobias and Amarinda. But it was entirely different to be the one getting married. Yes, the moment you've all been waiting for. You know you wanted it. I'll admit, proposing wasn't much easier than the admitting I loved her was, but once I'd done it, I knew my life could get no better. It was a much simpler wedding than those of my friends'. It was much simpler, to begin with. I supposed it made sense that a royal wedding would be more lavish, but it made no difference in my heart. I had, for once, agreed to let someone else attempt to tame my hair, and I'll admit, they did a pretty good job.

The sun shone brightly overhead, illuminating the scene without a cloud in sight, in the middle of a dazzling blue sky. It was as if the heavens themselves were celebrating. The location was also much simpler. I thought back to Jaron and Imogen's wedding day, how everyone had gathered in the colossal great hall. Not us. We were outside the castle altogether. In the city, right beside the gates, people were gathering. Our 'aisle' was simply the stone road, and there was an arch decorated with white roses over my head. I stood there, lost in thought, not knowing exactly what to think at all. Happiness, for sure. But also the slightest hint of worry something could go wrong. I felt a light punch on my shoulder. It was Jaron.

"Don't you dare start getting all gloomy," he scolded.

"I'm not!" I protested, smiling to emphasize my point. He was right, for once. This was the one time I needed to relax, and enjoy the moment without having to worry about what may go wrong. This would be the moment my life changed forever, in the best way possible.

When the music began playing, I knew the ceremony had begun. Imogen came down the aisle first, followed by Amarinda. After both had taken their places, I saw her. In a white dress so beautiful, but in a simple way. Her hair was like in an elaborate updo, with a single, stubborn strand hanging loose. Untamed and stubborn, just like her. Her simple look contrasted with the fierceness in her eye, and the wide smile on her face. In her hands she carried a bouquet of gorgeous white and red roses. Her dress was only an inch or two off the ground, surprisingly low for her, but I could still see the shoes she wore. Go figure, not even on her wedding day would she allow anyone to make her wear proper shoes. Instead, she wore her boots, hidden mostly under her skirts, but not enough to deceive me. Her stubbornness only made me love her even more.

She handed her flowers to Imogen, and turned to face the priest, to my left. It was still hard to believe this was happening. I'd never thought I really would have ever married. I'd seen my friends get married, but never really stopped to consider if I'd ever be with someone. Now I knew, and the truth was greater than I ever could have dreamed of.

Finally we turned to face each other. I said my I do's. this was it. Emotion grew in my chest, as if my heart was growing until it burst through. Asher was even bouncing a little, probably because she couldn't bear standing so still for so long, and with such eagerness.

"And do you take Roden, of the house of Harlowe, to be your lawfully wedded husband?" She looked as if she might burst. Smiling even wider, she began "I-"

Right then, a scream pierced the air, and absolutely everything changed all at once. Both of us turned instinctively, to see flames begin to spread on a wooden building. People began to pour out in a rush. Asher caught a quick glance at me, and ran towards them. I hastily followed behind.

(I know you're going to call me out for copying Big Hero 6 but you know what that movie is so amazing so lets just take a moment to honor Tadashi… oh yeah you know how it goes. Yep I'm sorry I know I'm a mean author muahaha)

A small girl rushed out, but stumbled and nearly fell on the steps if it wasn't for Asher helping her up.

"Are you okay?" she asked, eyes wide with worry.

"Yes, thank you, but… there's a bunch of people in there! My Mother is one of them!" the girl looked absolutely horrified. The girl ran off and Asher stood, looking at the fire. To my surprise, she began to run inside. Panicked, I caught her arm, forcing her to turn towards me. I knew what she was going to do, and it hurt like daggers to my chest.

"You can't," I begged, tears stinging my eyes. "I can't lose you. Not now."

She looked me in the eyes and gave me a reassuring smile. "Roden, I love you more than anything," she began, and her voice cracked. "But I promise you I will see you again. One way or another." With a sinking feeling I realized what she meant. I grabbed on tighter.

"No. You need to promise me I'll see you in this life."

"Roden, I-"

"Promise me!" I was yelling now, exasperated.

She hesitated. "I promise I will come back to you. Never lose hope. Remember that."

She pulled lose and ran in. I froze and she disappeared through the door of the building, which was now beginning to catch even more fire. At the last second, I began to rush forward, but the building blew up, knocking me back.

I woke up a few moments later, the building collapsing, with no sign of Asher. The only person to be seen was a black hooded figure with a bow, making his escape. The tears escaped.

(Stay tuned!)