Chapter Eleven:

Forever is Far From Long Enough for Me

Dmitri

The park was empty by the time we began our walk.

Gwen was wrapped in a spare coat, and held a wrapped gift box in her arms lovingly. Her goofy smile as she paraded down the stone path made me chuckle once or twice. I had my own present tucked under my arm, and butterflies in my stomach as we crossed the main bridge. Gwen paused to look down over the water, which was half frozen. Little patches of moss bubbled to the surface, which she smiled at. “I’ve always loved the water; it’s nice to marvel over it outside of work from time to time. Sometimes I forget how beautiful it truly is.”

“It is beautiful, isn’t it? Flowing water is supposed to signify the journey of life,” I said as I leaned down over the rail. She blushed slightly as I gave her a coy smirk, “Think you want to open this present now?”

“Whatever it takes to get you to open yours faster. The anticipation is killing me!” She groaned. I chuckled with a nod before we exchanged gifts. She playfully plucked away at the wrapping paper as I slid an around her shoulders with an anxious smile.

When she finally got to the actual present, her mouth popped open in shock. “What, is this?” She cooed in awe, pulling the beautiful music box out of its casing. The bottom was a chest that wore the colors and ornate pattern of The North Kingdom, to signify where we had met, and stood above it was a tiny dancer. She had the same long black hair and blue/green eyes as Gwen, and wore a gold gown with a crown pressed into her locks.

“Why don’t you twist the key?” I whispered in her ear. She turned the little dial, smiling breathlessly as the melody to The Meadow Song began playing. The little dancer took off, and after a spin or two, my voice echoed through the empty park. Any tears she was holding back were now streaming down her cheeks as the dancer pirouetted to my lullaby for Gwen.

“In the meadows there grows a flower, beautiful and strong. Unknown to the eye it has been here for so long. When I came strolling along, I saw the flower was gone. Because all I saw was you. You smiled and glimmered, squeezing my heart. I looked into your eyes and couldn’t tell you and the flower apart. The day I came strolling along, and saw that flower was gone, was the day that I found you,” there was a pause before my final message chimed, “I love you, Gwenevere. I promise to never sing this song to anyone but you, my love.”

The recording ended, and the little figure came to a stop. Gwen delicately brushed her fingertips along the doll’s hair, blinking back tears that wouldn’t stop falling. “I’ve been quite worried, lately, about how this war is going to impact our relationship. Should we ever be separated, I wanted you to always have a little part of me with you until I can come home and sing your song again.” I whispered before brushing my lips across her tear-stained cheeks.

“This is, truly, the most amazing thing anyone has ever done for me… Oh, Dmitri…? It’s so beautiful… I don’t even know what to say…?” She whimpered.

“Don’t worry, mon chérie; I'm very glad you like it. She caught my eye in a shop window, and the owner showed me how to record the message. It must have taken me hours to get it right. You deserve the entire song, as it is as special to me as you are…” I admitted.

“I will cherish it for the rest of my life…” I kissed her repetitively as she hugged my arms to her chest. She set the music box back into its wrapping before setting her down on the wood and turning to me. “Now, it’s your turn!”

“Tis so,” I teased as she handed me my box.

She peered over my shoulder as I carefully tore the wrapping paper away and tilted my head. “Oh for the love of… I freaking wrapped it face down!” She snapped, ripping the box right side up as I laughed hysterically.

“You’re so silly…” I popped the top off, and when I realized what was inside, my heart almost jumped out of my chest. Carefully wrapped in turquoise tissue paper were three items. A medium sized picture frame, a jewelry set, and a thin white cardboard box.

“Open the box last!” She cutely squeaked.

I pulled the picture frame out first, and gazed over the numerous photos in awe. Gwen had taken ten of her favorite photos of she and I and made a handsome collage. Each one was a different circumstance she had snapped during our daily lives, going all the way back to the first picture in her bedroom. Even I cracked a laugh at the shocked look on my face. There was one from when I taught her to balance her sword, one of us stealing a kiss in between classes, and one of she and I curled up on the couch in the lounge.

Amongst the photos, the one that stood out most to me was the middle one. It was of she and I standing together at The Cavalry Initiation Ceremony. Our badges gleamed in the lights of Andrew’s cherished chandeliers, and I had an arm proudly wrapped around her waist while she held my free hand in both of hers. We looked absolutely stunning in the photo. Though we did not wear crowns, she and I looked like a true royal couple. Admittedly, I was so handsome that I barely believed it was me, and she looked as regal as a hopefully future princess should. “Isn’t it a beautiful picture? Cerelia gave me a couple copies a few weeks ago, and I thought it would make a perfect centerpiece.” Gwen said as she rubbed my back lovingly.

“God, we look amazing. I can’t believe how attractive the picture is.”

“It’s our first truly professional photo,” she reminded me.

“Hopefully not our last,” I replied, winking, before setting the frame down carefully. I kissed her cheek and thanked her warmly before popping the latch on the jewelry set. Inside the green fabric was a locket. I unraveled the gold chain in awe before examining the tiny piece. It was oval shaped, green and gold in color, and the pattern matched that of The North Kingdom’s symbol. When I opened the holder, the picture inside made my lip quiver slightly.

Gwen had intricately pressed a picture of The Five Cavalries into the frame.

It was the day we left for The East, where we all stood proudly in the foyer. We were dressed in our new uniforms, adorned with badges, hats, swords, and all. Michael had an arm around my shoulders, Gwen and Martha were hugging sweetly, and Stefan was clinging to my side with a huge, dorky smile. You could feel the absolute love radiating from the photo, a love that had consumed Gwen and I on a level that not many people would ever feel. I sighed lovingly before pressing the locket to my heart and holding it close. “Oh, Gwen… I absolutely adore it.”

“Just like the music box, I figured you may want a keepsake when everything really hits off. It’s a small reminder that no matter how tough the day might be, there are four people who love you more than anything in the world, and are waiting for you to come home.”

I shook my head happily and automatically fastened it around my neck, “It’s perfect; absolutely perfect. I'm sure it will bring me quite a bit of peace during the rough times.”

“I'm glad. Now, the last thing is the most important! I probably should have asked you first, but I have a feeling you won’t say no…” she chimed, though she was wearing a hint of worry that made her eyes like saucers.

I popped the top of the white box, which revealed a plain silver key with a bow around it. I raised an eyebrow and pulled it loose to examine the metal piece. “Um, what is it?” I asked shyly, which made her laugh.

“What do you think it is?” She teased.

“Looks like a regular key…?”

“What if I told you it belongs to a room on the opposite side of the third floor?”

“The opposite side? Isn’t that where coup-…?” My jaw slowly fell slack.

She jumped backwards before dropping to one knee, giggling to herself, “Dmitri Mortimer, I think it is time we take the next step in our relationship. Will you do me the honor, of moving in with me?” She sang. I continued to stare at her in shock, which made her clear her throat loudly, “Um, don’t leave me hanging here, kid?” She awkwardly tried.

“Of course I’ll move in with you…” I said seriously. She was slightly taken aback by the tone of my response; I pulled her up and wound my arms around her tightly. “I am so indescribably happy right now… Thank you, so much, for the thoughtful gifts…”

“You sure you’re happy?” She asked into my coat, which made me snort a laugh.

“I absolutely am!” I cheered as she sighed in relief.

“Good; you kind of scared me there for a second.”

“I kind of couldn’t believe what you asked me at first. I didn’t want to rush anything, but I could have moved in with you at Christmas had you let me.”

“Oh, that’s when I put the request in,” she said blankly, “Charlie is just agonizingly slow with everything he does. I only got approved a week ago.”

I blinked in shock, “Oh. Well, I'm glad I'm not the only weirdo then.”

“Weirdo!?” She roared.

I blurted a laugh before swinging her into my embrace, and tilting her back romantically, “Yes, you are quite the little weirdo, Gwenevere. But you are my weirdo, and nothing in this world would make me happier than moving in with you.” I sang.

She reached up and pulled my chin down, so our lips were barely brushing, “I can think of something else that might top that?” She breathed before closing the space between us.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

╬

There was no way in hell we were going to make it back to the castle.

As soon as we got to the car, Gwen pulled me into the back seat and slid her coat off before coaxing me forward. I pulled both of mine loose as well and slid in between her legs, pinned her arms up above her, and popped the latch on the seat. We both smacked down with a loud thud, which caused our laughter to fill the dark vehicle. “Woops, didn’t mean to do that!”

“Think Andrew will be mad?” she sexily taunted as she unbuttoned my shirt.

“What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him…” I purred back before locking our lips.

The radio played a slow romantic song alongside the sounds of our kisses and moans, as if the universe were trying to pitch in on the fun. It was a little awkward to pull our clothes away in a car, but once we tangled together, all of the annoyances washed away. There was something extremely satisfying about being in such a small space. We were kind of forced to be extremely close, but neither one of us was complaining. I loved having her legs pinned against my waist, so much so that I held them even closer whenever I had the chance.

My lips had a mind of their own tonight, and their one desire was to brush along every inch of Gwen’s skin. She soaked up each kiss with absolutely amazing gasps, and the more I granted her with, the tighter she clung to me. The feeling of her clutching my back sent shivers down my spine, and every time she arched a little from pleasure, the shivers turned to full trembles. Just like in movies, the windows fogged up from our harsh pants and the heat I had thankfully kicked on before we started, though at this rate we probably didn’t need it.

Each movement we shared was slow but extremely pleasurable; we both wanted to feel as much of one another’s bodies as possible, and we absolutely succeeded in doing so. Things got so intense that I had to grip the side of the door for a moment to steady myself. My hand left a blurred marking in the glass where it had imprinted in the condensation, which was a little funny.

By the time we neared the end of our promiscuous encounter, I don’t think either one of our bodies could handle much more. We smothered one another in passionate kisses and desperate embraces, and when we finished, fell slack against the seats and puffed harsh breaths. I laid over her for a few more moments to catch my bearings, and panted like a damn dog unashamedly. She brushed a few strands of sweat soaked hair back from her forehead before sighing deeply. “That was, amazing…” she whispered breathlessly.

“Tell me about it…” I huffed. I went to sit up but she pulled me back over her, and turned us onto our sides so she could wrap her leg around my waist again. She looked into my eyes and twirled the tips of my hair around her fingertip with a soft smile. “What is it?” I asked lovingly.

She was silent for another minute before she pressed a kiss to the part of my arm she wasn’t lying on and shot me a scandalous wag of her eyebrows, “Promise me no matter how shitty life gets that we’ll always have great sex?”

“I sure hope we do,” I snorted, making a giggle bubble from her as I ran my fingertips down her naked body. She closed her eyes and focused on my caresses with a peaceful smile. I sighed deeply and pressed my forehead to hers as she blinked up at me. “I love you, Gwen.”

She giggled cutely and wiggled up to kiss my nose, “I love you too, Dmitri.”

╬

The following morning, I woke up at around eight and stretched hard enough to make my shoulder pop. The release of tension made me sigh happily before I peeked at the sleeping beauty beside me. We made it home at around ten, and spent the next three hours recreating the blissful sex we had in the car. I was, admittedly, pretty worn out, but nothing was going to steal the happiness I was swimming in. I leaned over and kissed her cheek softly before sliding out of bed and slipping into the shower. I left her a note saying I would be in the dining room, dressed in my usual sweatpants and long sleeve, and headed downstairs with a cheerful whistle.

Everyone had just started eating as I slid through the dining room doors and plopped into my seat, “Morning, everyone,” I chirped, pouring a huge cup of coffee.

“I'm surprised to see you before noon,” Ramah teased as I rolled my eyes.

“He probably started at ten and just finished an hour ago,” Riley snorted.

“Hate the game, not the player, bro.” I laughed as he stuck his tongue out.

“I take it everything went well last night?” Cerelia asked as Andrew set down a plate for her with a sweet kiss to her temple.

“Yes, very. We had a really nice time…” I happily recited, sliding my hands into my pockets, “We even decided to take the next step in our relationship.”

“Is she pregnant?” Riley snapped.

“Riley, I really don’t want to have a stroke today…” I barked as the table shared a laugh. “No, you moron, she isn’t pregnant; we’re going to move in together.”

“Really!?” Mom chimed as Levi peeked up from his paperwork to smirk to me.

“So that’s why she’s been up Charlie’s ass lately?” Zachary chuckled as he came in and ruffled my hair playfully as he passed.

“I'm sure Michael and Stefan are going to be thrilled,” Andrew chuckled.

“I honestly am terrified to tell them…?” I croaked.

“I already know,” Michael said from behind me, which made a terrified scream explode from my chest. Riley lost his ever loving shit, and erupted in a snorting fit of laughter that everyone else joined in on.

“Oh my lord, Riley!” Martha cried as she tickled his side, “You sound like a little piglet!”

“That, was, amazing…!” He screeched, snorting again.

“I fucking despise you,” I hacked as Michael plopped down beside me, “Sorry, Mike. I wish you had let me tell you properly…?”

“Oh, it’s fine; I figured the time was coming eventually. Besides, Martha and I have some news of our own…” Martha rounded the table to hug his shoulders as he proudly said, “We got engaged last night.”

“Congratulations my darlings!” Cerelia sobbed dramatically.

“Thanks; we know it’s a little early, but it’s kind of just a formality. We both agreed on waiting till The West dies down a bit, but I really doubt anything is going to change our minds.” Martha sang, kissing Michael’s cheek as he beamed like a star.

“You guys have been together almost a year?” I reminded them.

“What’d I miss…?” Gwen yawned as she shuffled into the room.

“Your bestie is getting hitched,” Andrew teased as Gwen fell into her seat.

She was quiet for a moment as her brain tried to process what he said. I imitated the sound of gears turning and gestured for smoke to come out of her ears, which made everyone giggle hysterically. Finally, the lightbulb flicked on, and she turned to Martha with a blank look. “You’re getting married…?” She moaned like a zombie.

“You are the only human I have ever met that becomes completely incapacitated after sex.” Martha laughed as Gwen exploded in joy and rushed to smother her roommate in kisses.

“It’s alive!” Zachary yelled, which made me choke on my coffee.

“For your information…!” Gwen barked as she whipped around with a glare, “I am perfectly fine, thank you, Zachary! I'm just not a morning person...” she sassily taunted, smacking her hands to her hips.

“The hickeys really help make your argument convincing,” Riley chuckled, laughing even harder when I slyly reached up to cover her neck with a wicked blush.

“Listen you old, bitterly miserable virgin…” I snorted loud enough to shatter a window, which made Gwen pause in between her insult to hold back a laugh, “You’re just jealous because the only action you get is from your right hand.”

“Damn straight!” I screamed, high fiving my girlfriend as Riley rolled his eyes.

“I am no virgin, thank you very much!”

“Your pillow doesn’t count,” Michael added, which made me lose it.

“Shut up, you dumb cow!” Riley screamed as he whacked me with his jacket, though it didn’t stop me from laughing.

“I am so glad you two get along…” Mom joked as the dining room door opened again.

Stefan stormed in, bright red and infuriated, which made me clear my throat as he ripped a chair free and sat down. “Um, Stefan? You ok sweetheart?” Martha tried as he poured a thousand pounds of sugar into his cup.

“Oh, just fucking fantastic!” He snapped.

“You’re, er, back early…?” Andrew tried.

Absolute rage crept over his expression before he slammed the sugar down, “Yeah, wanna know why? Because I'm newly single!” He boomed. “Found out Saturday night that Aveline was cheating on me!” He whipped his drink so fast that it began to bubble, “She’s been sleeping with Thomas for two months!”

“No way…?” Michael scoffed.

“I should have seen the warning signs a long time ago. She stopped asking me to sleepover, she would be gone hours past her patrols, and she wouldn’t kiss me or hold my hand in public. I can’t fucking believe it. Why… Why is it always me? She could have had the decency to tell me before I made a fool out of myself!” He slammed his fist onto the table, desperately trying to hold his tears back.

Gwen tsked and moved to sit beside him, hesitantly combing his hair back to kiss his cheek, “I know how painful it is, but we’ll help you get through it. If she wants to waste her life with Thomas, then let her. She has no clue what she’s missing out on…”

“Yeah, I guess…” he numbly replied before sighing painfully, “Don’t let me ruin the fun; you guys sounded like something exciting was going on, so why don’t you tell me?”

Michael and I awkwardly coughed, which made Stefan narrow his eyes. “Maybe we should do it later…?” Michael tried.

“Just spit it out!”

“Well, um… Martha and I got engaged last night…?”

“And, Gwen and I decided to move in together…?”

We both cringed violently as we waited for his response. His face slowly morphed from anger to its usual happy smile, which made us sigh in absolute relief. “Really? That’s amazing, guys. I'm so happy for you!” He chimed.

“Are you gonna be ok all by your little self my sweet Squirrel…?” Gwen pouted adorably as she lovingly pet his head.

“Oh, I’ll be fine! I’ve shared a room with someone my whole life, so it’ll be a nice change. As long as I can crash on one of your couches when I get lonely…?” He squeaked.

“We’ll get you a cute little cat bed and a scratching post,” she moped, which made the two laugh before they hugged warmly.

“Don’t worry, Stefan, there are always more fish in the sea,” Riley said, patting his back.

“I suppose so; it’ll be hard to get used to being alone again. How do you handle being utterly alone and miserable, Riley?” Stefan teased, making us all laugh as Riley turned pink.

“Would you all get off my case! For your information, I'm not single…! At least, I don’t think I am…?” he said, raising an eyebrow to himself.

“Not single? Who the heck are you dating?” I snapped. Andrew whistled loudly; Riley threw a scone at him and made the cut throat gesture, which made Andrew giggle. “You know?! Spill the beans, you rat!” I roared, racing over to shake Andrew uncontrollably.

“Would you stop it! It’s Riley’s business, not mine!”

“Push comes shove, you two can always hook up?” Martha joked to Riley and Stefan, who gagged in unison before laughing at one another.