They retreated to the courtyard where they all began to dance and drink. Many took their hands at music and took their turns demonstrating their best singing voices in folksongs, and drinking songs. Lucian sat and watched as everyone danced about. Everyone was so happy. Lucian knew that this was a good break for the men.

One of the men began to play a slow romantic song. Raze and Amelia were dancing nose to nose. Lucian sighed, it took him back many years to his beloved.

Lucian saw Sonja standing alone. He had followed her to this secret spot and hoped she had not noticed. "What are you doing here blacksmith?" Sonja asks.

Lucian steps out of the shadows, Sonja's eyes still not on her. "I was just curious as to where my mistress was headed by herself, I feared for your safety," Lucian says honestly.

"I can take care of myself," Sonja says sternly.

"I realize that," Lucian says walking towards her turned back,"You are a strong...brave...beautiful woman."

"And you are a strong...stubborn...handsome man..."

Lucian was nearly flush against her back. "And if I told you I loved you...would you think me out of line?" Lucian says, his heart skipping a beat as his breath catches anxiously in his throat.

"I would say you hit your mark," Sonja says as she turns around slowly. "And I might say the same thing back," Sonja whispers as she closes the distance.

"If you are not afraid of danger..." Lucian says moving her hair,"then say it..."

"I love you," Sonja says and their lips meet passionately for the first time. Each savoring their taste and the new feeling of a first kiss for each. After their clothes were shucked and love consumated the two lovers laid drawing in the feelings of eacother being so near and so close.

"Sonja," Lucian says as he strokes her hair as she lays bare upon his chest.

"What is it my love?" Sonja asks.

"Why do you risk yourself for me everyday like this?" Lucian asks.

"Because I love you...and I love being with you?" Sonja says smiling as she places her chin on his chest so she can look deeply into his eyes.

"If I asked you to be mine...would you?" Lucian asks. Sonja laughs until she realizes he is seriously.

"Lucian, we can never really be together-"

"Unless it is outside these walls," Lucian finishes. He sulks.

Sonja giggles and glides up his body to kiss him. "Lucian, I was yours the second our eyes met all those years ago...In shadows and in light, until we both turn to dust, I will forever be your bride, and you, the king of my heart," Sonja says passionately kissing him.

Lucian smiles widely,"How did I get so lucky?"

"We both are lucky," Sonja says.

But Sonja had not been so lucky. Lucian's heart suddenly ached, but he as he looked at Amelia and Raze, he knew what they had was real. And he had one more fatherly duty.

"May I cut in?" Lucian asks.

"Of course," Raze says allowing Lucian to dance with Amelia.

"How are you feeling?" Lucian asks.

"I couldn't be happier. I feel so much freer that everything is out in the open and everyone is happy with it," Amelia says allowing Lucian to twist her around.

"I also have something to tell you," Lucian says as he returns her to his hold. He opens his mouth but clothes it again. "Perhaps we should walk together," he says.

"Anything for you," Amelia says as he leads her into the halls.

The halls were filled with men, most drunk and laughing. It was a joyous sight. Finally they reached a hall that was empty, most were because they were all celebrating in the courtyard.

"There is one last thing that will happen tonight," Lucian says.

"And that would be..." Amelia asks mildly confused as Lucian leads her to a seat.

Lucian clears his throat,"You two will...consumate your love by mating...and I know that you experienced something with Viktor, and I don't want to bring that up to cause you any distress," he says urgently kneeling down and taking her hand,"I want you to put all of that out of your head because Raze is about to show you how two people can physically show each other their love."

"I'm nervous," Amelia says smiling, then pauses. "But, I trust him with my body and my heart. If he only sought something physically he would not stand before the pack and promise himself to me. Plus, as you have said, lycans mate for life. Tonight just makes it special."

Luican kisses her forehead and sighes,"Let's get you back to your husband."

They both walk and find Raze. Lucian takes them both away from the party and leads them both to the silent hallway. He turns and smiles to both of them. "I've discussed it with the heads of the pack...we are giving you two tommorrow off to...do as you will." Both stand in shock and stutter out their thanks. Lucian then leans over and pulls out a bag. He hands it to Raze. "Some clothes for later on that are less dressy," he says smiling. Amelia jumps forward and embraces her father tightly.

"Thank you," she whispers in his ear.

He squeezes her tightly as his eyes shut. They release each other and Raze shakes Lucian's hand. "Now," Lucian says stepping back,"go finish what we started."

Amelia blushes and Raze tries not to look embarasssed. Raze takes Amelia's hand and leads her out the front door.

"Where are we going?" Amelia asks as they step outside.

"To where this all started," Raze says. Amelia was confused, but then looks at Raze's smile and remembers.

"Will it be safe?" Amelia asks,"Vampires could be the woods."

"I talked to a vampire tonight and he told me there will be none in the area," Raze says,"Just you, me, and the flowers."

**sorry i got writers block. hope you enjoyed!**