Everest POV
He knew his father would be in his office, and he needed to speak with him to arrange the wedding details.
As he walked, his footsteps echoed down the long marble hallway of the Elven castle. The early morning air crept beneath the sleeves of his long, embroidered tunic, brushing against his upper arms with a cool touch.
When he reached the tall, dark wooden door, he noticed it was slightly ajar. Inside, he heard his father's voice—soft and calm—speaking to his younger brother, Owle.
A smile tugged at Everest's lips.
He turned the handle and gently pushed the door open. The warm light from the fireplace welcomed him, and the sight before him made his heart swell: his father sat comfortably on a sofa, with little Owle curled on his lap, listening intently as he read aloud from a book.
His father looked up and smiled warmly. "Everest... So good to see you."
Everest stepped into the room, and Owle squealed with joy, leaping off his father's lap and running into Everest's arms.
Everest crouched and caught his little brother in a firm hug, lifting him effortlessly. The toddler's laughter, his warm hugs, and wet kisses always made Everest's heart feel full. "Hello, you," he said fondly, brushing his nose against Owle's soft cheek.
With Owle still in his arms, Everest made his way to the sofa beside his father and sat down. The boy immediately reached for Everest's silver-blond braid, his small fingers playing with the beads woven into the strands.
"Father, I hope you received my message from earlier," Everest said, shifting Owle gently on his lap.
Tyro, his father, cleared his throat and nodded. "Yes, I did." His expression turned serious. "How is Willow? Is everything well with your beloved?"
Everest drew in a slow breath. "She's well," he said. "And we want to move forward with the wedding."
He spoke it all in one breath, though the truth was far more complicated. Willow was not herself—not since the black magic had awakened in her. But this was what she wanted. And despite the chaos, despite everything, he would still marry her.
His father's brows furrowed. "Are you sure? Is Willow ready... after everything that's happened?"
Everest nodded firmly, his voice steady. "Yes. And we'd like to have the wedding today, at sunset—at the waterfall cliff, where we used to play as children."
That place held so many memories. It was where he'd first fallen in love with Willow. Saying their vows there would make the moment sacred.
Tyro stood, his gaze softening. "If the two of you are ready, then it will be done."
Owle wriggled in Everest's lap, wanting to go play. Everest gently let him down, rising to his feet as well. "We'd like to keep it small. Just Willow and me... you, her mother, my siblings, and Owle."
His father looked at him, eyes thoughtful. "Very well. Just so you know, I've already sent the Elven families and the Fae ahead to the new kingdom your grandfather offered. They'll begin settling there today."
Everest nodded, grateful. "Thank you, Father." He took a step back. "Then I'll see you at sunset—at the cliff."
His father's face broke into a proud smile. "Then it's settled. I'll inform the priest. There will be a wedding."
With that, Everest knelt to embrace Owle one last time and then slipped out of the room. There was still much to do before sunset, and he wanted everything to be perfect.